NATHU LA PASS
Nathu La Pass is high altitude mountain pass situated at around 14000 ft from sea level. It is among top 10 highest motorable roads in world. It can only be visited by only Indians with permit provided by government authorities. The permit can be arranged through local travel agent or your hotel can also help you to get it. In case of unfavorable weather conditions permit is not granted. You need to keep couple of days spare as you will get idea about permit only in the morning. The pass is also closed on Monday. I was lucky to get permit as tourist on earlier three days were not allowed to visit because of snowfall.
The Nathu la pass boarder is around 56 km from Gangtok. Once you start your journey from Gangtok, on the way you get glimpse of the city in clear weather conditions.
You get exotic views of valley enrich with flora and fauna covered with dark forest and enrich nature. The drive through this pass is very exciting and you feel to take pictures of wonderful nature and exotic road on every turn.
You will come across many military vehicles during your journey. You might spot their artilleries as well.
As you start approaching high altitudes, view of snow covered mountains and roads on opposite range of mountains start feeling your body with excitement and positive energy.
On moving further, you pass through snow covered areas and view is amazing. You will feel like you are in heaven.
You will also come across several military camps and checkposts . You will also find Bank of India ATM ( at around 10000 ft) near one of the camp.
Finally you reach Nathu La pass boarder which is actually zero line between India and China. Cab driver drops you at parking area and you actually have to climb around 100-150 steps to reach zero line.
On zero line, you can actually see chinese soldiers on other side. You can also do shake hands with them. They also treat you with respect. Photography is strictly prohibited. Please do not try taking snaps on your camera and mobile as it really make our soldiers very angry. Our soldiers treat you with utmost respect and talk to you very politely. Just do not break any of their rules.
On return journey one can visit Baba mandir and Tsomgo lake which is also known as Changu lake.
The Baba Mandir which is built in honor of Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian brave soldier. Many of the faithful people, chiefly Indian army personnel posted in and around the Nathula Pass and the Sino-Indian border between the state of Sikkim and Chinese occupied Tibet have come to believe his spirit protects every soldier in the inhospitable high altitude terrain of the Eastern Himalayas. There is also Shiva statue built by our army and one board which contains information about our country.
Tsomgo lake located at elevation of around 12000 ft offers fantastic view glacier lake and snow covered mountains in background ( you can visit this when going to Nathu La pass border as well).
You can also take Yak ride at this lake.
Nathu La Pass is must visit entry in your itenary when you are visiting Sikkim. Many people know what the words Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage mean. But how often do you see someone actually live up to them? You will find Indian soldiers with these values here. I would say we will come to know value of our freedom, our country when you will visit this place. Now days we are hearing many anti nation slogans from idiots in our country who are dishonest with our nation. When you will visit Nathu La pass and you will see Indian Flag proudly standing at the Boarder, you will say two most powerful words :
Vande Mataram !!!
