I had read about Nathula Pass during my school days but had never thought that I will ever be able to see it. When we planned our trip to North East India, I wanted to include Nathula Pass as part of our itinerary but my husband was a bit skeptical about it. People too suggested that with little kids it may not be a good idea to travel to such a high altitude of 14,140 ft.

On the way to Nathula Pass

But when we drove up till Gangtok from New Jalpai Guri, we talked to local people about kids friendly weather uphill. Everyone advised to take kids up there unless and until anyone suffered from respiratory disease. Even The Royal Plaza General Manager advised to take kids up there. He also warned us that the moment anyone gets sick, retreat instantly.

Enroute to Nathula Pass

This gave us a lot of confidence and courage to take kids up till Nathula Pass. We started well in time. We were advised by the GM to start between 8-9 am and be back by 4 pm maximum from both Tsango and Nathula Pass.

Information board

As we started, soon we were on narrow roads with one side rock and one side valley. A little ahead, we reached the landslide area. Our driver was very alert and vigilant. Music was not on so that he could concentrate on the road. At dicey points we had to tell kids to keep quiet so as to not distract him. I must say, roads sometimes appeared risky.

Nathula Pass is not as far. One can easily reach there within one and a half hours. After say 1 hour snowey mountains started. Kids were thrilled at thge sight. After a while we could see sheets of ice covering mountains and it was a breathtaking view. I wondered how beautiful things God has created. It was a new and unique view at every turn of the road.

Tsango lake comes on the way to Nathula Pass. We are first supposed to do Nathula and then enjoy at Tsango. So, we took only five minutes at Tsango and headed for Nathula.

Looks like a painting

Our driver dropped us at the taxi stand and we were supposed to climb up stairs. It was a feeling of achievement for us to even reach there. Now the weather was extremely cold and tooth biting. Good that we had got woolen caps, leather gloves and mouth mask. All of us were wearing jackets and sweaters. It was piercing cold. We all loved the weather.

Viharin.con- Nathula Pass

We started climbing the stairs. On the top was the border between India and China. We saw Nathula Pass where business between India and China happens. We all were elated to see that. Chinese soldiers too were standing at the border. There was snow around. We played there for sometime and retreated contented.

Divine beauty

Wow, this sense of accomplishment can’t be explained. Nature’s beauty, snow, skies and roads together created a scenic view. I would recommend Nathula Pass to all. A must must go point while taking few precautions.

Mesmerizing scenic beauty on the way to Nathula Pass

Here are some precautions to take while going to Nathula Pass

1. Follow advice given by Hotel Authorities
2. Start early in the morning from Gangtok latest by 9am and reach before 4pm.
3. Carry wooleen caps, leather gloves so that one can play in snow, east muffs, mouth cover
4. Carry camphor or Vix with you. In case of heavy breath uphill, one can inhale it and be fine
5. As soon as you feel heavy breath, retreat immediately

Life seeing is more important than sight seeing.

Happy exploring Nathula Pass!

Nidhi KM

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