Stand at
Nathula Pass
The India-China border pass at 14,140ft.
- Altitude
- About 14,140ft
- Eligibility
- Domestic tourists only
- Process
- Registered agency + Tourism Dept + Police Check Post
- Foreigners
- Not permitted
Nathula is the old silk-route pass at about 14,140ft on the India-China border, open to Indian nationals on permitted days: the official PAP page is explicit that it is processed through registered travel agencies, with the Tourism Department and Police Check Post handling clearances, and foreign tourists are not allowed.
Go early, dress for sub-zero wind any month, and watch for the altitude: it is a walk-around, not a hike.
Quick answers
Nathula Pass at a glance
Can foreigners go to Nathula?
No: the official PAP rules keep Nathula for domestic tourists only.
How do I book Nathula?
Through a registered travel agency in Gangtok; permits run with the vehicle, on permitted days.
Practicals
Permits & season
No ILP, but protected areas (Nathula, North Sikkim beyond Mangan) need permits arranged through registered agencies ahead of travel.
March to May for rhododendrons and clear skies, October to December for the sharpest views; the monsoon closes high routes.
When to go
Plan around these months
Nearby
Close enough to combine
Things to do
What you're here for
The border gate
Stand at the fence line with Chinese posts across.
Silk-route history
The old trade road to Lhasa under your boots.
Journal
Read before you go
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Explore Nathula Pass
Facts checked against the official Sikkim tourism portal · Last verified 2026-09-26