Nathula Pass – Exploring the Himalayan Splendor

Once known as Silk Route, Ntula, Natu La, Nathula, or Natula, has been known for its cultural and trade activities. The literal meaning of word Nathu means 'listening ears' and La means 'pass' in Tibetan dialect. The pass is situated at the height of 14450 ft and it can be reached by traveling at comfortable distance of 56 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. As you make your headway to Gangtok and off to Nathula; you’ll find spectacular belt of flora and fauna covering the entire mountainous zone. You will be simple captivated by the rich landscapes and the snow capped areas in the region.

As I moved up and up, the thick sub tropical vegetation cover became thin to dry alpine climate , before it completely vanished and turned into cold tundra desert. I could feel my breathing becoming hoarse and hoarse with every step. Through your journey, ssomewhere or the other you would consider yourself jammy to find the view of Tibetan graziers or Dokpas herd yak, pashmina sheeps trotting along your way. You can also get to see many endangered species of fauna viz, , raven, golden eagle, ruddy shelduck, snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Tibetan snowcock, lammergeier and much more.

If you want to plan a trekking with the help of local guide, you can do so. It would be an affordable affair and you would get to know about the denizens and environment in more detail. The guide would be your friend and a mentor in those toughest terrains. I was not able to find any trace of permanent settlements. Only defense personal manning the borders with their sniper rifles and snow overcoats walking up the hill or down the hill.

The temperature in and around the regions of Nathula doesn’t see any major rise. The summers can be hot to temperatures not above 15 degrees and winters cannot be colder than –20 degrees. It would be a good idea therefore, to take good winter clothing with you if you plan a tour to Nathula. Since, you can get private vehicles on hire, you have to take care that those are overhauled and in good working condition. Staying with locals in wooden huts can be yet another experience to explore the simplicity of the village life.

I would rate Nathula as the perfect terrain for those memorable adventure tours. However, you need to consider one thing and that is that you should be healthy, before taking the tour to 14450 ft. height. And for the tourists, there is special piece of information out here. If you have not planned your trip to Nathula, then do so in advance. This is because you’ll be given a permit to this terrific landscape only 4 days a week i.e. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, with not more than 30 transportation vehicles allowed each day. Nathula is the most spectacular of the Himalayan wonders, and you’d not be able to forget the place all through your life, after you come back and get absorbed in your daily chores.
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