Nathula Pass guide: permit, opening days and what to expect

Nathula at a glance

The permit

You cannot apply for the Nathula permit yourself. A registered tour operator applies for it, usually a day before the trip, so plan to be in Gangtok the day before.

• An original photo ID for every traveller: Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence. A PAN card is not accepted.
• For children: a birth certificate, school ID or Aadhaar.
• Two passport-size photos per person.

Carry the originals on the day, as they are checked on the road. For the full rules, see our Sikkim permit guide.

Opening days and closures

Nathula is usually open from Wednesday to Sunday. It closes without much notice after heavy snow, on army orders, or for official events. Snow closures are most common from December to March. If Nathula is closed on your day, the Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir trip often still runs.

A typical day

• 7 to 8 am: leave Gangtok. Early starts give the best chance of clear skies.
• Mid-morning: stop at Tsomgo Lake, then drive on to Nathula.
• Late morning: time at the pass. The weather turns quickly, so visits are kept short.
• Early afternoon: stop at Baba Mandir on the way back.
• 3 to 4 pm: back in Gangtok, before the afternoon cloud and early dark.

Altitude sickness

Nathula is high enough for altitude sickness. Headache, dizziness, nausea and breathlessness are the common signs.

• Spend at least one night in Gangtok before going up.
• Walk slowly at the pass and avoid running or climbing stairs fast.
• Drink water, eat a light breakfast and avoid alcohol the night before.
• If you feel unwell, tell the driver. The cure is to go down.

Small children, older travellers, pregnant women and anyone with heart, lung or blood pressure problems should ask a doctor before the trip. Many families let them wait at Tsomgo Lake, which is lower.

What to wear

• A warm jacket, even in summer. It can be near freezing at the pass.
• Thermal inners, gloves, a woollen cap and warm socks.
• Shoes with good grip for snow and ice. Snow boots can be hired on the way.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun on snow is strong.

Photography of army posts and soldiers is not allowed. Follow the instructions of the army staff at the pass.

Book it as part of a package

Our Gangtok, Tsomgo and Nathula tour package includes the permit, a Sikkim-registered car and the airport transfers. You only send your ID copies and photos.

Opening days and permit rules change with weather and army orders. We confirm the current position with every booking. Last checked 19 October 2026.