Nathula: Located at a distance of approximately 56 kms from Gangtok, the Nathula Pass used to be a corridor of passage between India and Tibet. It is located at an altitude of 4,310 meters and one can view the Tsomgo Lake on their way to it. The word Nathula is derived from two words Nathu meaning listening ears and La meaning pass.

The road towards the Nathula Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. It is richly surrounded with alpine flora. The road winding down the Chumbi valley can be seen on a clear day. Chinese soldiers on the other side of the barbed wire can be viewed from the international border. Initially this trade route between India and China was closed down in 1961 but was reopened in 2006.

One has to get a permit through the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department through a registered and recognized Travel Agency. Only Indian nationals can visit the Nathula Pass.