Experience:Adventures at an India border!
Nathula, "A crucial visit" of our Sikkim travel trip.Recently, on 01/01/2020(early morning of New year's day) ,we left around 7:30A.M.from our stay,Gangtok.
I experienced numerous things which I would like to pen down here and that may work as a detailed guideline too, if you are interested to see Nathula.
Things:
Among other Indian borders, Nathula Paas is a must spectacular India-China Border (Sikkim, India and Tibet, China). It is a Mountain pass in the snowcapped Himalayas in East Sikkim.
•Why to visit Nathula?
The very first reason, of course, its unique and alluring scenic view. You will amazed to see the glory of open vistas and snowladed mountains.
Other, that it contributes to our Nation's economy. It is a trading border pass which strengthened our existing economy.
Thirdly, It has shortened the distance for Hindu(Kailash Mansarovar) and Buddhists pilgrimage and made quite a smooth way to reach there, which was not possible earlier.
•Distance from Gangtok : To reach Nathula ,it takes around 54-55 kms, from Gangtok. It is situated at an altitude of 14140 ft. from the sea level.
•Permit: Permit is mandatorily required, if you want to go to Nathula, which is issued by the Sikkim Tourism Department in Gangtok.
•Cost : Around Rs. 4000/-for cab and Rs. 200/-per person permit charges.
•Douments:
You definitely need certain documents with you to get a permit.So,dont forget to carry below mentioned documents :-
photo ID proofs and at least two passport sized photos.For safer side, keep more copies of above documents.
You can apply and consult through some registered travel agency.We did the same.
•Holidays: Nathula is closed on" Monday and Tuesday "every week. So, be cautious and aware by. Do a check, before heading!
•Best time to visit:
Well, if you didn't ever witnessed a snow look all around stiff mountains, lake, surroundings g, waterfalls etc. you should go in winters for sure!
As I told you, we were there on this January, day one! The temperature, we came across was (negative)-10°.Our body started to get numb, but believe me, memories you make here, will always keep you warm!
Rest, usually people go between May to November amidst positive sign temperature (upto 8-10°)
•Garments and accessories : From tip to toe, Keep all sufficient Winter and woollen wears with you viz, thermals, sweaters, winter coats, muffler, caps, mittens/gloves, sport shoes ,boots etc. Don't anyway, forget your goggles(for photos)!
•Photography :
One thing is important to know that you are "not allowed "to take pictures and click photos at Nathula. But, listen, you are all allowed to take photographs at your parking place or near milestone mentioning 14140ft. I am posting my picture too.
However, it also depends on Army men controlling there.
I have seen that tourists, who were not listening and not following rules, our Armymen seized their mobile phones or camera. I believe, they have returned them while returning from Nathula.
•Tsomgo /Changu Lake: Both names are same, Changu is a regional word(means source of water).
It comes on the way to Nathula. It is 40kms. from Gangtok. Must see! Apart from natural view, Yak riding is there and a ropeway too. However, rope way there, was closed by the time we approached.
Overall, it was adventurous and scintillating visit to all my group members.
Readers, I hope, you got some useful and interesting information from my short Nathula blog.
