Nathu La
Sikkim · 4,310m
A 4,310 m India–China border pass on the old Silk Route
Good, but afternoon cloud and early monsoon can close the road.
Know before you go
- Best window
- May, Jun, Sep, Oct
- Permit required
- ILP (North Sikkim) — see process →
Month by month
In this guide
SectionsWhy Special
Nathu La is a 4,310 m pass on the India–China border, one of the highest motorable roads in the world and a historic gate on the old Silk Route. It reopened to visitors in 2006 after decades closed; on a clear day you can look across into Tibet. Indian citizens can visit with a permit on open days — foreign nationals are not allowed.
Who should think twice
Infrastructure reality
No infrastructure data available
High altitude (4,310m) — AMS risk for children and elderly
How to Reach
Airport
Rail
Best Months
Click any month to see details
Good, but afternoon cloud and early monsoon can close the road.
If Things Go Wrong
Pre-run these scenarios before you leave — you won't have signal to read them later.Mild AMS (acute mountain sickness) first response
If
You develop a mild headache, nausea, dizziness or loss of appetite above roughly 2,500m within 6–24 hours of arrival.
Then
Stop ascending. Rest at the current altitude for 24–48 hours. Hydrate aggressively. If symptoms worsen or fail to improve, descend 500m and seek medical help. Never ascend further while symptomatic — HAPE and HACE kill quietly.
Full protocol →
UPI stops working in a remote belt
If
Your UPI apps return Server Error or Bank Unavailable repeatedly, and no card reader is in sight.
Then
This is the default state in most border valleys, not an emergency. Carry at least ₹10,000 cash in mixed denominations for any trip above 2,500m or off a state highway. Withdraw at the LAST reliable ATM — usually the district HQ — because village ATMs are ornamental.
Full protocol →
Altitude Context
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PEAK ALERT · MAY
Nathu La is at its best in May.
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