The Nathula pass is is about 60 kms from Gangtok. This is located on Indo-Chinese border and is open only to Indian tourists (Foreigners not allowed). In order to visit Nathula you have to get special permission one day in advance (by providing Indian ID card). The route closes on Monday and Tuesday, besides it also closes in winter due to snowfall. Only small jeeps are going there. Bigger vehicles and private cars are not allowed in this route.
You can see the Chinese border here from one ft distance but you are not allowed to jump the border to get into Chinese land. There are Indian soldiers on Indian side and Chinese soldiers on Chinese side. Our vehicle was supposed to leave at 8 am but actually left after 10 am. The route is painful and full of ups and downs. It is important to get a good vehicle and a comfortable seat in order to enjoy this trip.
You are not allowed to take photographs in Nathula. The pictures in this video are taken on the route while going to Nathu la. There is extreme cold and strong wind in Nathula. You need proper winter garments with head cover. All tourists must leave Nathula before 2 PM. Nobody is allowed to stay in Nathula after 2 PM as the wind becomes stronger and dangerous. We were given only half an hour in Nathula. Initially we were dissatisfied but later we realized that staying longer wouldn’t have been possible in that terrible cold. There is a canteen with limited food items maintained by Indian army here. We took coffee and momo from this military canteen. There is no other shop or habitation at this place.
Baba Mandir
Baba mandir (13,123 ft ) is located about 50 kms from Gangtok and 8 kms before Nathu la pass. This is usually visited on the way while going to Nathula pass. The temple area is maintained by Indian Army. The baba mandir is build in the name of Harbajan Singh Baba who was a soldier in Indian army. It is believed that the soul of Harbhajan Singh guards the place from enemies. There is also a beautiful Shiva Idol about half km distance from Baba Mandir, along the foothills of Namang chho. The Shiva idol adds to the beauty and serenity of the area and provides a hermitage feeling at the backdrop of Namang chho waterfalls. The Shiva idol is 12 feet tall and made of high quality fiberglass material.
Changu Lake
The Tsongmo Lake or the Changu Lake is situated about 40 kms from Gangtok which is about 2+ hours drive on Himalayan mountains. You can see this on the way while going to Nathula and Baba mandir. This can be visited on any day even on Mondays and Tuesdays even when Nathula is closed. This is one of the most visited tourist spots near Gangtok. This is a one km long lake. The average depth of water is about 15 meters.
We visited this place while returning from Nathula pass. When we got down from the vehicle our attention was first cought by the huge yalks. We saw many so yaks near the lake. The yaks were so beautiful. They charge 50 rs to take pictures and 100 rs to sit on the yak. Yaks although look huge and furious; they are actually very soft and loving animals. I loved those animals very much.
You can also get Sikim dress on hire (100-150 Rs) which you can wear and take pictures near the lake. This place is less cold than Nathula and Baba mandir. However, the place is covered with snow after January as they say. This place is very much different from other tourist places and worth visiting during your Gangtok trip. There are a few places to get food and coffee but quite expensive.
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