Nathula Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located on the Indo-China border in the East Sikkim district of India. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking breathtaking views and a glimpse of the historic trade route between India and Tibet.

This route from Delhi to Nathula Pass is commonly traveled by adventure seekers and tourists eager to explore Sikkim’s natural beauty. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Nathula Pass from Delhi using different transport modes, along with practical travel tips for a smooth journey.

Getting from Delhi to Nathula Pass – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Delhi is a popular choice for those who want a comfortable and scenic journey to reach the nearest railhead before heading to Sikkim. However, there is no direct train to Nathula Pass, so a combination of train and road travel is necessary.

• The nearest major railway station to Nathula Pass is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal, approximately 125 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Trains from Delhi to NJP take around 30 to 36 hours, depending on the train service chosen.

• Popular trains include the New Jalpaiguri Rajdhani Express and the North East Express, offering sleeper and AC coaches with fares ranging from ₹800 to ₹2,500 based on class and availability.

• Trains run frequently but can be crowded during festivals and holiday seasons, so booking tickets via IRCTC well in advance is recommended to secure preferred dates and classes.

• After reaching NJP, you will need to hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Gangtok, which takes about 4 to 5 hours on National Highway 10, passing through scenic tea gardens and hills.

• From Gangtok, Nathula Pass is accessible by road, but special permits are required, and the pass is open only on specific days, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to travel from Delhi to Sikkim, but there are no direct buses to Nathula Pass. You can take buses to Gangtok and then arrange local transport to the pass.

• Delhi to Siliguri or NJP bus services are limited and usually involve multiple changes; most travelers prefer trains or flights for this leg due to distance and comfort.

• From Siliguri or NJP, state transport buses and shared taxis operate frequently to Gangtok, taking around 5 to 6 hours on hilly roads with fares between ₹250 to ₹400.

• MSRTC and Sikkim Nationalised Transport buses run on this route, but buses can be crowded and less comfortable, especially during monsoon when landslides may cause delays.

• Once in Gangtok, you must hire a private taxi or join a guided tour to Nathula Pass, as public buses do not go there due to restricted access.

• Bus travel is best suited for budget travelers who have flexible schedules and do not mind longer travel times and basic amenities.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Nathula Pass is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore at their own pace. The route covers diverse terrains and requires careful planning.

• The distance from Delhi to Gangtok is approximately 1,800 km via NH44 and NH10, taking around 35 to 40 hours of driving time, usually split over multiple days with overnight stops.

• From Gangtok, Nathula Pass is about 54 km away on a mountainous road that requires a sturdy vehicle, preferably a SUV or 4x4, due to steep and narrow stretches.

• Driving through states like Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal offers varied landscapes but also involves toll plazas, highway traffic, and occasional fog in winter mornings.

• Fuel stations are available along the main highways, but once in Sikkim, fuel availability is limited, so plan refueling in Siliguri or Gangtok carefully.

• Permits are mandatory for Nathula Pass, and you must check road conditions, especially during monsoon when landslides can block routes.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to reach the region near Nathula Pass, but no direct flights go to Sikkim’s capital. You will combine air travel with road transport to reach the pass.

• The nearest airport to Nathula Pass is Pakyong Airport, about 35 km from Gangtok, with limited flights from Delhi and Kolkata operated by regional airlines.

• Flight duration from Delhi to Pakyong is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the season and advance booking.

• Due to Pakyong Airport’s small size and weather constraints, flights can be delayed or canceled during monsoon and winter fog, so plan with buffer days.

• From Pakyong Airport, you can hire a taxi or use local transport to reach Gangtok in about 1 to 1.5 hours, then proceed to Nathula Pass with a permit and guided transport.

• Alternatively, you can fly to Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, which has more frequent flights and better connectivity, then travel by road to Gangtok.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Nathula Pass, ensuring a smooth and well-organized journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets from Delhi to New Jalpaiguri or Pakyong well in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Upon arrival at NJP or Pakyong, arrange a pre-booked taxi or shared jeep to Gangtok; this helps avoid confusion and ensures timely arrival, especially since local transport can be irregular.

• Apply for the Inner Line Permit (ILP) required to visit Nathula Pass through the Sikkim Tourism Department online or at Gangtok; this permit is essential and only issued to Indian nationals.

• Hire a registered taxi or join a guided tour from Gangtok to Nathula Pass, as private vehicles are not allowed; guides help with navigation and pass formalities.

• Plan your visit to Nathula Pass on days when it is open (usually Tuesday to Thursday) and check weather conditions to avoid cancellations due to snow or landslides.

• Carry valid ID proofs, warm clothing, and snacks, as facilities at Nathula Pass are limited; also, acclimatize in Gangtok for a day or two to avoid altitude sickness.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during the journey, especially in hilly areas, to prevent stomach infections common among travelers in India.

• Book train and flight tickets at least 30 days in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and festivals to secure seats and better fares.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Siliguri and Gangtok to avoid overcharging and ensure safe travel.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy footwear, as weather in Sikkim can change rapidly, especially near Nathula Pass.

• Be cautious of altitude sickness symptoms such as headache and nausea; stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity on arrival at high altitudes.

• Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly, especially in crowded train stations and bus depots along the route.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Nathula Pass is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is clear and roads are safer. Winters can be very cold with heavy snowfall, while monsoons bring landslides and travel disruptions.

Planning your journey outside the peak monsoon and winter months reduces the risk of delays and cancellations. Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and allow better connections with onward transport.

• Avoid traveling during major Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi, as trains and flights are heavily booked and prices surge.

• Monsoon season (June to September) often causes landslides on NH10 and mountain roads, leading to roadblocks and longer travel times.

• Winter months (December to February) bring heavy fog and snow near Nathula Pass, which may close the pass temporarily and cause flight delays.

• Depart Delhi early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach connecting points like NJP or Siliguri with ample time for onward travel.

Arrival at Nathula Pass & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Nathula Pass, you will experience stunning views of the Himalayan range and the Indo-China border area. The pass is at an altitude of about 4,310 meters, so expect cooler temperatures and thinner air.

Local transport options to Nathula Pass are limited to government-approved taxis and guided tours from Gangtok. Staying in Gangtok is recommended, as it offers a range of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. At the pass, basic facilities like a small cafeteria and souvenir shops are available, but amenities are minimal.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available in Gangtok for local travel, but it is best to pre-arrange your transport to Nathula Pass due to permit requirements and restricted access. The pass has a strict visitor limit and is open only on certain days, so expect some waiting time and security checks.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Nathula Pass involves a combination of train or flight and road travel, with the train to New Jalpaiguri or flight to Pakyong being the most efficient starting points. From there, road transport to Gangtok and then to Nathula Pass completes the journey.

Careful planning, including advance booking of tickets, obtaining permits, and choosing the right travel season, will help you enjoy this unique destination without hassle. With the right preparation, you can confidently explore Nathula Pass and experience the breathtaking beauty and history of this high mountain route.