Gangtok to Nathu La: Distance, Route, Permit and Open Days

Gangtok to Nathu La is about 56 km, a drive of 2.5 to 3 hours each way up a steep mountain road. On the way you pass Tsomgo (Changu) Lake at 3,753 m, about 38–40 km from Gangtok, before climbing to the pass at 4,310 m on the India–China border. Most visitors also stop at Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir on the way back.

You can't just drive up: Nathu La needs a permit arranged through a registered operator, a permitted vehicle, and an Indian passport or ID. This guide covers the route, permits, open days, costs and what to expect.

Route and distances

The road climbs almost 2,700 m in a couple of hours. Past Tsomgo, it forks: one road goes up to Nathu La, the other to the Baba Mandir. Drivers usually do Tsomgo on the way up or down, then the pass and the temple.

Permits

Every visitor needs a permit for Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La. It is applied for through a registered tour operator or travel agent, normally a day before the trip, with a photo ID for each person. Permits have a daily quota, so in peak season apply early.

Things to know:

• Carry the same ID you used for the permit on the day; the army checks it.
• Foreign nationals need a protected area permit and can go only as far as Tsomgo Lake.
• Permits are suspended when snow or weather closes the road.

See our Nathu La permit guide and Sikkim permit guide for Indian tourists.

Open days and timings

Nathu La is usually open to tourists from Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Vehicles leave Gangtok early, around 7 to 8 am, and visitors are expected to leave the pass by early afternoon. Schedules can change with the season, the weather and army orders, so confirm with your operator when you book.

How to go and what it costs

• Shared vehicle: the cheapest way, a seat in a shared jeep with permits arranged. Our Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathu La day trip is ₹1,299 per person with permits included.
• Private vehicle: a whole jeep for your group, arranged through a registered operator. Better for families or if you want to set your own pace.
• Your own car: private and out-of-state cars generally can't go to Nathu La; you need a permitted local vehicle. See Sikkim taxi rules.

Altitude and what to wear

Nathu La is above 4,300 m, where the air has much less oxygen. Spend at least one night in Gangtok first, walk slowly at the top, drink water and don't drink alcohol the night before. Children, older travellers and anyone with heart or lung conditions should check with a doctor.

It is cold at the pass in every season. Wear thermals, a heavy jacket, gloves and good shoes; in winter you can hire boots and coats on the way. Our Tsomgo Lake weather guide covers conditions month by month.

Plan your Sikkim trip

• From the plains: NJP and Bagdogra to Gangtok.
• Snow trips: where to see snow in Sikkim.
• Packages: Sikkim tour packages.