Highway to Heaven: Nathula

Nathula in north eastern region of India deserves to be called the seventh heaven. It is situated in peaks of Himalayan region and connects Sikkim and China. The culture of Nathula is a mixture between the Sikkimese and Chinese tradition

Nathula Pass ( Photo: Anirban Chatterjie)

Nathula Pass ( Photo: Anirban Chatterjie)

The Nathula pass is one of the most attracted tourist spot. The name of the place is an amalgamation of two words that is, “Nathu” which means listening ear and “La” meaning a pass.

A lovely Manju lake near Baba Mandir of Nathula ( Photo: Sanjay Gayathri)

The best time to visit the Nathula is between March to November when the rest of India faces chronic heat. After November the temperature dips to an unbearable temperature and the area gets covered with snow.

Historical value: 

Nathula Pass ( Photo: Anirban Chatterjie)

In history, it was a part of the Old Silk Route. It was one of the important routes recognized during the colonial period and most of the trading between China and India was done through the Nathula Pass. This route also avoided Russian invasions of Tibet in 1904. In 1950, after the Republic of China took control of the Tibet, the passes to Sikkim became a way for the refugees. During 1962, Nathula became an area of skirmish. In later years, with the coming of BJP to the centre, the pass was formally opened.

Flora and Fauna:

Nathula Yak ( Photo: Pramod Sahasrabuddhe)

A rich flora and fauna adds to interest of the tourist to explore the area all the more. There are no permanent human settlements in this area due to its high altitude. The vegetation develops from sub tropical forest to an alpine type of forest and lastly to cold tundra desert. Because of the varied climate and landscape it is home to a number of species which can add knowledge to the tourists. Some endemic types of animals are: Tibetan gazelle and wolf, snow leopard, yak, golden eagle etc.

Areas of interest:

Nathula Pass Border ( Photo: Anirban Chatterjie)

Nathula China Border ( Photo: Anirban Chatterjie)

This is the ideal place for one to get into adventure sports. So in case you are the one passionate about mountain sports then pack your bags and book your tickets. This is place is relished by trekkers every year due to serene beauty and high altitude. During winters Nathula is covered with layers of snow.  Tourists also visit the Nathula Pass to get a photogenic beauty of the area and to have a glance of the neighboring country. Due to its controversial history, tourists tend to gather first hand information about the pass and know about the problems faced.

Changu Lake ( Photo: Subhodeep)

Changu Lake is another area of notice from the eye capturing beauty of Nathula. The lake can be seen from 2000 feet below. In literal language Changu Lake means the lake of source. The beautiful lake is 1km long and 15 meters deep. It is considered as sacred by local people and is present in restricted area where foreign tourists are prohibited.

Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir/ Memorial ( Photo: Sucheta Belvi)

Baba_Harbhajan_Singh Mandir ( Photo: Sucheta Belvi)

A monument named after Baba Harbajan Singh is located nearer to the Chinese border. He was a soldier who lost his life is 1962 and is considered as important for both Hindus and Muslims. Such examples show ripeness of the culture in Nathula.

Nathula is also very close to Gangtok and is easily accessible for tourists. Mostly tourists prefer staying in Gangtok and visit Nathula from there. Various handicraft institutes, and flower valleys can be visited during the same day.

 Check out beautiful Homestays in Sikkim. If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.