Nathula Pass is a high border point between Sikkim and Tibet, and it is open to Indian citizens only.
Foreign nationals are not allowed. You cannot apply for the permit yourself online. It is a Protected Area Permit generated through the registered channel in Gangtok, and WayToIndia arranges it for you, usually the afternoon before or the morning of your visit. It is often combined with Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir on the same day. The pass is open only on certain days of the week and can be closed at short notice by the Army or the weather.
Who can go
- Indian citizens can visit Nathula with the permit arranged for you.
- Foreign nationals are not allowed at Nathula at all. If you hold a foreign passport, please plan Tsomgo Lake instead, which foreign travellers can visit with the right permit, but without Baba Mandir or Nathula.
How the permit works
- There is no self service online form for Nathula. The Protected Area Permit is generated through the registered channel in Gangtok, and WayToIndia arranges it for you, using your identity proof and photos.
- The permit is usually issued the afternoon before or on the morning of the trip, once the day is cleared.
- Your original identity is checked at points along the road, so carry it with you.
- The Nathula trip is normally taken as a day trip from Gangtok, often together with Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir.
Open days
- Nathula is not open every day. It is commonly open on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, but the days can change.
- The road can be closed at short notice for weather or for security. Keep a spare day in your plan, and WayToIndia will confirm the current open days for your dates. [Open days last checked 13 September 2026. Confirmed for your travel dates at booking.]
What it costs
- The permit itself is a small government charge. In practice you pay a day trip price that includes the permit, a shared vehicle, and the driver, because a private application is not allowed.
- The exact day trip price depends on the vehicle and the season, so WayToIndia gives you the current price at the time of booking. [Exact price varies by vehicle and season. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Documents you need
- A government photo identity. A voter card, an Indian passport, or a driving licence is accepted.
- Two recent passport size photos, with a white background.
- Please note a common trap below about Aadhaar.
Common mistakes to avoid
- A foreign traveller planning Nathula. It is closed to foreign nationals. Plan Tsomgo Lake instead.
- Relying on Aadhaar for this permit. For the Nathula Protected Area Permit, a voter card, a passport, or a driving licence is the safe choice, and Aadhaar is often not accepted, so carry one of the three above.
- Expecting to apply yourself online. You cannot. It is arranged for you through the registered channel.
- Planning Nathula on a closed day, or with no spare day for weather. Confirm the open days first and keep a buffer.
- Carrying only a phone copy of your identity. Carry the original, because it is checked on the road.
Questions people ask
Can foreigners visit Nathula Pass?
No. Nathula is open to Indian citizens only.
Can I get the permit online myself?
No. It is generated through the registered channel, and WayToIndia arranges it for you, usually the day before or the morning of the visit.
Which identity proof should I carry?
A voter card, an Indian passport, or a driving licence, plus two passport size photos. Aadhaar is often not accepted for this permit.
Which days is Nathula open?
Commonly Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, but this can change and the road can close for weather or security. Confirm for your dates.
Can I combine it with Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir?
Yes. It is usually a single day trip from Gangtok that covers all three for Indian travellers.