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Nathula Pass

 56 Km east of Gangtok, state capital of sikkim,Nathula  pass in Himalayas is located on China-India border.It connects Indian state Sikkim to Tibet Autonomous Region in China. Nathula was once an ancient silk route connecting Lhasa in Tibet to plains of Bengal.

way to nathula pass

On the Way to Nathula Pass

 

 After Indo-China war in 1962 Nathula pass was closed but after 44 years this pass has been opened in 2006. Since then, Nathula pass sees a huge number of tourist visiting the pass everyday.The best part of traveling to Nathula pass is the travel itself.

Best time to visit Nathula Pass is from March to mid-Nov . During winters  Nathula pass gets heavy snowfall ,leaving it not navigable during that time.Temperature drops to as low as -25 C in Nathula pass during winter season.

Only Indian nationals can visit Nathula pass on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.One needs special permit to visit this high altitude pass.This permit can easily be arranged by any local travel agent.

Nathula pass along with Jelpa pass and Donkiala pass is the connecting route for Tibet (now China occupied) , and is the only pass used extensively for goods transport between china and India . China is planning to connect Nathula pass directly to Lhasa.

Nathula pass | Proposed new route for Lhasa

Proposed new route to Lhasa passes through Nathula Pass

Nathula pass business channel china india border north sikkim

Nathula Pass Business Channel | Indo - China Border

 Nathula pass, even though a border area, does not has a "no mans land" normally found in border areas.Here border consists of just a barbed wire and two armies guarding their side of the land.

 Once you reach Nathula Pass you see army settlements on both side of border. You have to leave your vehicle few paces away from Nathula pass. From there you have to climb steps to reach Nathula Pass. It is advised that you don't rush up these stairs, as at 14000 feet, you can get really out of breath. At Nathula, you will get to meet not only Indian soldiers, but Chinese counterparts as well. Don't forget to get a photo clicked with a Chinese soldiers.

 

Indian flag at nathula pass india

Our 'Tiranga' at Nathula Pass

on the way to changu lake (tsongmo)

On The Way to Changu Lake (way to Nathula pass)

 

How to reach Nathula Pass
 
Nathula pass remains open only to Indian nationals on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. A Ristricted area permit is required to visit Nathula Pass; this permit can be easily arranged by any authorized “Sikkim Tourism” agent. You need to submit one ID proof (driving license, passport, family ration card,voter id,school leaving certificate) and two passport size photograph of each person. One can also get the permit by oneself by requesting for a permission to visit Nathula pass with your id proof and two photographs through Armed forces authorities and Sikkim Tourism authorities (Go to MG Marg and visit  tourist information center right at the entrance of the road.From this place you can get latest information about Nathula pass and rest of the tourist spots). It is suggested that you take some Sikkim Tourism’s agent help. If you submit your ID proof and photographs in evening,you will get your permit ready by next morning. Nathula pass along with Changu lake can be covered in a day trip , If you opt for a reserved taxi upto Nathula pass (Tata Sumo , or Mahindra one) , it will cost you around 3000 rps – 3500 rps , depending upon your negotiation skills.
 
When to visit Nathula pass 
 
Nathula pass is not navigable in winters as it receives heavy snowfall. Temperatures in Nathula regularly dip to -25 °C in winters.But it is possible to visit Nathula pass in winters too , depends upon your luck , and mostly on weather conditions. If you love snow and can withstand harsh weather conditions , do visit Nathula pass in winters with proper planning , you will get snow capped mountains and a completely frozen changu lake.

 Changu Lake ( Tsongmo )

 From Nathula Pass, one can see deep into Chinese territory, which is dotted with sky touching peaks covered with show. After a 2000 feet downhill, there is a splendid blue water lake called Changu Lake

 It is literally known as "source of the lake " in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms. away from Gangtok, the capital of the state, this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people.

changu lake completely frozen

Changu Lake ...Completely frozen

Submitted by vijay on Fri, 05/28/2010 - 15:01
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Closing comments for Nathula

Submitted by vijay on Tue, 09/25/2012 - 11:08.

Closing comments for Nathula article... Please post your queries in Forum Section...

http://thinkingparticle.com/forum/help-sought-sikkim-trip

http://thinkingparticle.com/forum/tour-programme-sikkim

Hi,We are planning to visti

Submitted by Kumar (not verified) on Tue, 09/25/2012 - 08:39.

Hi,We are planning to visti Nathula pass on 3rd October, Please advise on accessbility of nathula pass.

Thanks
kumar

3rd October is Wednesday so

Submitted by vijay on Tue, 09/25/2012 - 11:03.

3rd October is Wednesday so Nathula would be open...

We are going to gangtok trip

Submitted by s chaudhuri (not verified) on Mon, 09/24/2012 - 16:06.

We are going to gangtok trip from 28.10 to 02.11. Can we get snow in yumthang/ tsango lake/ nathula pass in oct end?

There are chances but not

Submitted by vishnu.kumar7 on Mon, 09/24/2012 - 19:45.

There are chances but not very bright because October is just the start of snowing...

sorry for repeating my

Submitted by bhavna (not verified) on Mon, 09/24/2012 - 14:58.

sorry for repeating my question.. as i couldnt see my post... im visiting sikkim with my hubby and 2 kids.. we hv no idea whr to start with.. we will be reaching njp on 19th nov eve and we hv ret ticket on 23rd.. 1st we hv a very short trip.. as compared to others.. so pls advice me whch places to visit.. need a suggestion shld i cover both gangtok and darjeeling.. pls advice..

For such a short trip, I will

Submitted by vijay on Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:44.

For such a short trip, I will recommend you to visit Nathula pass, Changu lake and Baba Mandir (One day tour), Sightseeing in Gangtok and Sightseeing in Darjeeling...Keep in mind that Nathula pass opens on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays only... Start from Gangtok...Cover nathula next day..then Gangtok sightseeing and leave for Darjeeling...

Hi, I'm planning to go at

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Mon, 09/24/2012 - 13:04.

Hi,
I'm planning to go at East sikkim.

1. On 10th November from NJP to Kupup (night stay)
2. On 11th November Kupup sightseeing & night stay
3. 12th going to nathula and reached gangtok
4. 13th Gangtok local seeing i.e. chango, baba mandir etc and night stay
5. 14th Gantok to Peeling and night stay
6. 15th & 16th Peeling sightseeing
7. On 17th Morning back to NJP for return ticket to sealdah
This is my itinerary.
My questions are:
1. My tour program is o.k. or not?
2. I am going along with my wife, my child (5yrs) and my mother (68 yrs). Any problems?
3. Can I get the Silk route permissions from Sikkim house at Kolkata?
4. Approx tour cost any idea(normal hotel).
5. Will I book the tour from Kolkata or NJP.
6. Normal weather in November. heavy woolen is required for my family.

Awaiting a response from your side.

Jayanta Banerjee

Hi Jayanta, 1-I don't see any

Submitted by vijay on Mon, 09/24/2012 - 16:06.

Hi Jayanta,

1-I don't see any problem with your plan. In fact i liked the idea of spending more days at Peeling and Gangtok..

2-You can not visiting any high altitude place (except Nathula) so it won't be a problem going with Kids and your mother. Families are apprehensive about their visit to Nathula but I don't see any problem and moreover you are going by Kupup so will already get acclimatize for Nathula.

3- Silk route permissions can be procured from Rongli Police Station but not sure whether you can get the same from Sikkim house...

4- For cost etc,
http://thinkingparticle.com/forum/valuable-inputs-travelers-gangtok-sikkim

5- Will be better to book the tour from NJP or Gangtok..

6- Heavy woolen is required.

Hi Vishnu , I am planning

Submitted by Mithun (not verified) on Mon, 09/24/2012 - 11:21.

Hi Vishnu ,

I am planning Gangtok-Pelling Tour in Nov. end and Dec. start on this year.and my plans goes like this....

Day-1:Reach Gangtok.
Day-2:Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathu-La Pass
Day-3:Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Do-Drul Chorten, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom & Flower Show. and after lunch go to Pelling.
Day-4: Darap Village, Rimbi Water Falls, Rimbi Power Project, Rock Garden, Kanchenjunga falls, Khechopari Lake,Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Palace Ruins.
Day-5: local sight seeing in Pelling itself.
I want to know
1) what do u think abt the plan( I am not going for some hectic roaming/sightseeing but more of relaxing the whole tour with my wife)
2) what abt the weather condition in both the places. will it be very cold? and is it safe to visit in Nov, as landslides are very common their.
3) should i go for a travel agent( are they dependable)? or when we reach we can decide ? are hotel bookings needed in advance?

Kindly share your views..

Regards,
Mithun.

Hi Mithun, Glad to

Submitted by vijay on Mon, 09/24/2012 - 16:09.

Hi Mithun,
Glad to see that you have not included many destinations.. it is kind of laid-back plan you outlined...

November will be cold so I will recommend you to carry woolen clothing...

I think you can book tours after reaching Gangtok... You may get a better deal... Hotels are in surplus in Gangtok so generally its not a problem...

You can try to visit Yuksom from peeling if you are seeking off route.

Rest seems perfect to me.

Hi Vishnu, I am going to

Submitted by gaurav mishra (not verified) on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 16:47.

Hi Vishnu,

I am going to Gangtok from Calcutta on 29 oct..so we'll reach Siliguri by 30 oct morning...

We have our return ticket from Siliguri on 2 oct night.

Since we have vey limited time, can you please suggest how we should move about...??..

Also, can we visit Nathula Pass in such short span of time??..would it be worth??...Suggest some other places too.

Your blog was of much help.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Gaurav, You can

Submitted by vijay on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 22:01.

Hi Gaurav,
You can visit Nathula on 1st of October.. Reach Gangtok by 30th evening and then contact any tour agent for arranging permits and vehicle for your nathula tour on 1st October...Nathula tour will take one day you can do gangtok sightseeing on 2nd...

hey tanx for reply...any

Submitted by gaurav mishra (not verified) on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 23:10.

hey tanx for reply...any places to visit in gangtok on 30th oct evening...??? before we go to nathula pass next morning..also is vegetarian food easily available there??..m veg..though other 5 frns with me are non-veg..

You can visit Gangtok market

Submitted by vijay on Mon, 09/24/2012 - 15:47.

You can visit Gangtok market and some more points around the city but make sure that you fix your permits... Vegetarian food is not a problem in Gangtok... One can get all kind of Food...

If I visit Nathula Pass

Submitted by Safiqur (not verified) on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 00:02.

If I visit Nathula Pass during last part of October, can I see Snow/ice

October is the beginning of

Submitted by vishnu.kumar7 on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 22:39.

October is the beginning of snow-fall season so you have 50-50 chance...

I am planning to go to

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Fri, 09/21/2012 - 15:05.

I am planning to go to Gangtok on 23rd oct 2012 with my family. Is it advisable to take ,y 2yr old daughter to Nathula pass. thanks
smita

Yaa...its not a problem to

Submitted by vishnu.kumar7 on Sat, 09/22/2012 - 13:32.

Yaa...its not a problem to visit Nathula with infants however it will be very cold in October so carry proper clothing...

Dear Vishnu, I am planing to

Submitted by Ajay (not verified) on Fri, 09/21/2012 - 01:59.

Dear Vishnu,

I am planing to visit Gangtok for honeymoon on 25th of December.

My itinerary is as below:

25.12.12: Afternoon Gangtok half day Local sightseeing
26.12.12: Gangtok - Lachung and Overnight at Lachung
27.12.12: Lachung –Yumthang Excursion and Overnight at Lachung
28.12.12:transfer to Gangtok
29.12.12:Gangtok to pelling
30.12.12: Overnight at pelling
31.12.12:Pelling sightseeing and Overnight at pelling
1.12.12: Return from Pelling to Gangtok.

My question are:
1.Is it ok to visit gangktok in december last week?
2.Is it possible to visit Lachung and Yumthang?If not possible
then any alternative tour?
3.Is it possible to book those package tour after reaching
Gangtok?(as 25.12.12 onwards dates are very demanding for
travelers )
4. Hotel book is possible from Gangktok?Or I have to book
advance?

Waiting for your reply.

Thanks.

Hi Ajay, I don't see

Submitted by vishnu.kumar7 on Fri, 09/21/2012 - 15:00.

Hi Ajay,
I don't see any problem with your itinerary. just wandering why you have not included Nathula pass, Changu lake in your itinerary... Here are my inputs on your queries..

1) Yaa, Its fine to visit Gangtok in December.. It will be very cold though..

2) Road till Yumthang should be open but it gets closed due to heavy snow-fall so you may not be able to make all the way...Mostly its open..

3) Yaa, it is recommended to do the bookings after reaching Gangtok.. you may get better deals..

4) Finding an accommodation is not a problem in Gangtok if you are not looking for high-end options.. You can do the booking after reaching Gangtok... Advance booking is also fine if they are not charging high...

Regards
Vishnu Kumar

Thanks for answering and

Submitted by Ajay (not verified) on Fri, 09/21/2012 - 21:13.

Thanks for answering and suggestion for
include Nathula pass and Changu lake in my itinerary.

Can you please tell me how is it possible?

Is it half day tour?Can I have to stay overnight in Changu.

Thanks

Hi Ajay... Nathula pass,

Submitted by vishnu.kumar7 on Sat, 09/22/2012 - 12:36.

Hi Ajay... Nathula pass, Changu lake and Baba mandir is a one day tour from Gangtok... You don't have to stay overnight anywhere.. can be done comfortably in one day... All the tour agents at Gangtok run this tour...arrange vehicle and permits..

Regards
Vishnu Kumar

I AM PLANNING TO GO TO

Submitted by ARIJIT MAJUMDAR (not verified) on Mon, 09/17/2012 - 07:23.

I AM PLANNING TO GO TO GANGTOK-LACHUNG-YUMTHUNG-DARJEELING FROM 28-12-12 TO 05-01-2013

December is quite an

Submitted by vijay on Tue, 09/18/2012 - 11:57.

December is quite an stimulating time to visit Sikkim...will see a lot of snow around...

can any one tell me whether

Submitted by ARIJIT MAJUMDAR (not verified) on Thu, 09/20/2012 - 07:46.

can any one tell me whether we will be able to go to yumthung and gurudongmar...tsangu lake

Gurudongmar will not be

Submitted by vijay on Fri, 09/21/2012 - 11:54.

Gurudongmar will not be possible in december... Yumthang can be accessible... Tsangu lake can also be reached however heavy snow-fall may ruin the possibility...

In my point of view the best

Submitted by Nisan (not verified) on Thu, 09/20/2012 - 18:36.

In my point of view the best time is mid of march to last of april. Between this time you can get snow. Changu lack is completely frozen during this period.

Seconded....

Submitted by vijay on Fri, 09/21/2012 - 11:59.

Seconded....

Me & My two brother planning

Submitted by Nisan (not verified) on Sat, 09/15/2012 - 20:32.

Me & My two brother planning to go to Sikkim / Darjeeling in the month of Nov 2012 ( 10-18 ) . just want to seek some advice from you if you can help:

Day - 01: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Gangtok)
Welcome on arrival at IXB/NJP meet our representative and transfer to Gangtok.Evening free for individual activity and leisure, overnight at hotel.

Day - 02: (Excursion Trip to Tsomgo Lake , Baba Mandir & Nathula)
After breakfast half-day trip to Tsomgo lake,.Baba Mandir & Nathula. Overnight at hotel.

Day - 03: (Gangtok to Pelling)
Morning transfer to Pelling (133kms / 5hrs).Halfday sight seeing, Overnight at hotel.

Day - 04: (Pelling Sightseeing)
After breakfast start for full day sightseeing in and around Pelling. In the fast half covering Rimbi Falls, Rock Garden, Sacred Kechodpalri Lake, and Kanchendzonga Falls. After lunch followed by the second half of the days sightseeing covering Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdantsay Ruins & Sunset Point Overnight at hotel.

Day - 05 (Pelling to Kalimpong)
Morning transfer to Kalimpong. Check in rest & Lunch at Hotel followed half day sightseeing in & around Kalimpong covering Durpin Dhara, Zong Dong Palri Fo-Brong Monastery and flower & Orchid Nursaries and Kalimpong Market. Overnight at Hotel.

Day-06: (Kalimpong to Darjeeling)
Morning after breakfast transfer to Darjeeling. Take a rest and then a walk around town to appreciate the new culture you are in. Overnight at Hotel.

Day - 07 (Darjeeling Best points Sightseeing)
Early morning start for Tiger Hill to watch the spectacular sunrise and its amazing effects on the Mt. Kanchendzonga (Worlds 3rd highest peak), Visit Ghoom Monastery and Batashia Loop War Memorial while returning to the Hotel. After breakfast followed by Half day best point local sightseeing covering Japanese Temple, Peace Pagoda, Padmaja N. Zoological Garden, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tibetan Refugee Self-help Center and Rock side. After that visit to the Mall (Chowrasta) along with local Market for City Life. Overnight at hotel.

Day - 08 (Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Early morning start for Tiger Hill to watch the spectacular sunrise and its amazing effects on the Mt. Kanchendzonga (subject to Day7).After breakfast departure Transfer to NJP (80kms / 3hrs).On the way to NJP visit Mirik.

There are some question :
1) it's a perfect plan?
2) what is the minimum budget for 3 adult person?
3) is there any chance to find snow in nathula?
4)And is there any place I missed?

Thanks for your reply....

Hi Nisan, Your

Submitted by vijay on Sat, 09/15/2012 - 23:27.

Hi Nisan,
Your itinerary seems fine to me..most of things are doable in defined time frame. Here are my inputs on your queries..

1) Plan is feasible and not very tight however not able to understand why North sikkim is excluded from this plan.

2) Minimum budget will depend on the kind of transportation/accommodation you avail. With public transport, it will be lesser.

3) November is the start of snow-fall of season so you may witness fresh snow around the peaks near Nathula.

4) North Sikkim (Yumthang Valley, Lachung).

Thank you Vishnu jee. Thanks

Submitted by Nisan (not verified) on Sun, 09/16/2012 - 09:16.

Thank you Vishnu jee. Thanks a lot for your reply.
Can you please suggest me the plan for 7 night/8 day for Darjeeling & Gangtok which is best for me.

Regards,
Nisan

Hi Nisan...Your existing trip

Submitted by vijay on Tue, 09/18/2012 - 11:17.

Hi Nisan...Your existing trip is fine if you want to cover both Darjeeling and Gangtok...Do visit Yuksom when you are at peeling.... Rest everything seems perfect...

we r planning to visit

Submitted by samik (not verified) on Sat, 09/15/2012 - 20:11.

we r planning to visit gangtok,nathula, yungthan, tomsong lake, pelling,.in between 23 to 30 septembr, plzz advise a tour plan 4 mee, and is it safe to visit during this moonsoon time

September is not the peak

Submitted by vijay on Sat, 09/15/2012 - 23:39.

September is not the peak monsoon season in Sikkim... September is in fact one of the best time to visit Sikkim...

thanks.... but we coudnot

Submitted by samik (not verified) on Tue, 09/18/2012 - 09:13.

thanks.... but we coudnot arrange our schedule propery due to unexperiense,if u plzz help me we will be thankful to u

I am planning to visit

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Mon, 09/10/2012 - 15:37.

I am planning to visit Gangtok In 6 th December 2012. Whether I will be able to visit Nathu La and Yumthang.Should I need to book Hotels in advance through online.Whether the accommodation is cheaper in December.

There is no need to book

Submitted by vishnu.kumar7 on Thu, 09/13/2012 - 12:57.

There is no need to book hotel in advance... Snow-fall may block the road to Nathula at times so can not tell whether you can make it to nathula or not... same goes with Yumthang...

hello, I am plaing

Submitted by Rohini (not verified) on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 18:40.

hello,
I am plaing darjeeling-sikkim tour from 1st november 2012 till 13th NOv 2012.

Want to know the weather coditions during ths period
Also is there a chance of snowfall? ad in which place ?
or atleast Will there be snow to enjoy ?

Thanks
Rohini

There are chances to find

Submitted by vishnu.kumar7 on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 22:43.

There are chances to find snow-fall during November but not very bright chances... your best chances would be Nathula pass and Yumthang...

Hi, we are 6 in numbers

Submitted by Jony (not verified) on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 11:49.

Hi, we are 6 in numbers wanted to visit Tsongo Lake, Nathula Pass n Baba Mandir... from 11th to 13th October this year. we r 4 in Bangladeshi bt we are studying at Kolkata doing graduation so if we wanted to visit there so will they give permission to enter or not.... plz let me knw....

I don't think Inner-line

Submitted by vishnu.kumar7 on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 22:29.

I don't think Inner-line permits are issued for Bangladeshi citizens... Need to contact ministry of Home affairs for getting permits...

http://thinkingparticle.com/files/Innerline-Permit.pdf

i am going to sikkim my my

Submitted by guest (not verified) on Tue, 09/04/2012 - 21:39.

i am going to sikkim my my parents on 20 sep 2012 to 25 sep 2012. my travel plan will be like this

Day 01: Assistance on arrival at Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Kalimpong. Check-in to your hotel on arrival. Rest of the day free. Overnight inKalimpong.

Day 02: Post breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of Kalimpong covering - Mangal Dham, Deolo Hill, Dr. Graham’s Home, Durbin Dara Monastery & View point,Cactus / Orchid Nursery. Return to hotel. Post lunch take the transfer to Gangtok- “The Capital of Sikkim”. Check-in to your hotel on arrival. Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 03: Post breakfast embark on an excursion trip to Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft.) & Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial (13200 ft). Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 04: After breakfast embark on a half day local sightseeing tour of Gangtok covering Bonjhakri Falls,, Dro-Dul Chorten, Institute of Tibetology, Handicraft Centre, and Flower Show. After Lunch take the transfer to Darjeeling ‘The Queen of the Hills’. Check-in to your hotel. Overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 05: Early Morning (at 04:00 am) visit to Tiger hill to watch the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Khangchendzonga (28,208 ft. Worlds third highest peak), on your way back we see Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop After breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling covering - Himalayan Mountaineering Institute,Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (closed on Thursday), Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee selfhelp Centre (closed on Sunday), Tea Garden (outer view), . Return to hotel. Post Lunch free or at own. Evening can be spent at the Mall (Chowrastha). Overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 06: transfer to Bagdogra Airport

where can i can snow and and my travel agent is providing me car up to tsomgo lake and if i want car upto nathula pass i have to pay the difference so how much i have to pay like what is the actual difference????

Seems like a perfect plan to

Submitted by vishnu.kumar7 on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 22:23.

Seems like a perfect plan to me but September is not a right time to visit if you want to see snow.... September is indeed the beginning of snow-fall season... your only chance to see snow would be at Nathula pass which is not very far from Changu lake.... Your tour agent should charge for your entire east sikkim trip (Nathula pass, Changu lake, Baba Mandir)... Why he is excluding Nathula ?.. How much extra he charging ?.. difference should not be more than 500...

Hey! I am from Chennai and

Submitted by vimal (not verified) on Tue, 09/04/2012 - 20:11.

Hey!

I am from Chennai and planning to visit gangtok, Darjeeling,
pelling ,mirik and nathula with my family during the Christmas
holidays.. is it the right time to visit .. please suggest!!!
Kindly reply soon as I have to book my tickets... is it worth

Christmas is good time to

Submitted by vijay on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 21:55.

Christmas is good time to visit Sikkim if you are up for freezing winters... the reward would be snow-covered terrain...If lucky, you may even make to Lachung etc during winters..Valleys would be snow-covered but freezing...

Hi Vijay I am visiting

Submitted by ANSHUL AGARWAL (not verified) on Thu, 09/13/2012 - 16:50.

Hi Vijay

I am visiting Gangtok during last week of septmember . We are a group of 8 Adults + 5 children . We have boobed 2 Innovas for the entire 8 days trip . Our Agent is charging Rs 4000 extra (excluding daily Innova charges of Rs 3400 per day per innova) . So the total cost for one Innova for visiting nathula pass is Rs 7400 per Innova , which seems to be high . Can we buy Nathula passes online ?? what would reasonable charges ?

Please reply asap.

Regards

Anshul

Thank Atma for jumping in and

Submitted by vijay on Sun, 09/16/2012 - 00:34.

Thank Atma for jumping in and posting your valuable inputs...

Anshul: Atma is right about the charges.. you should not hire the same vehicle for entire route... If you want so then do it from Gangtok, you may get a better deal due to competition... Passes are only issued in person... can not be applied online...

of course your agent charges

Submitted by atma (not verified) on Fri, 09/14/2012 - 17:52.

of course your agent charges extra. better go to japaiguri, engage
2 innovas to gangtok and then if wanted on permanent basis you can
do that at gangtok, or otherwise you can take it on daily basis.
it is cheap and you have save 20K in all 8 days. nathula is open
always, unless heavy snowfall or inclement weather. no online pass.
all the best.

Hi I am going to Baiguni and

Submitted by Vinay (not verified) on Sun, 09/02/2012 - 20:11.

Hi
I am going to Baiguni and Gangtok from 8 september to 13 sep . Will the way to Nathula pass be open during these days ? I have a seven year old son , which type of clothes should I carry for him ?
Can we go to Yumthang in the morning and come back to Gangtok in the evening as we have booked stay already in Gangtok ?
Vinay