Rapid Fire
Nathula Pass
- 12 Dec 2025
- 2 min read
A MP from Sikkim has urged the Centre to immediately resume border trade through the Nathula Pass, highlighting severe livelihood impacts due to its suspension since 2020.
- Nathu La: It is a high-altitude Himalayan pass in East Sikkim on the India–China border, standing at 4,302 metres.
- It is one of the highest motorable roads and an important strategic and border trade point between the two countries.
- It is one of the two ancient passes connecting Sikkim and Tibet, the other being Jelep La.
- Historical Link: It is part of an ancient Silk Road offshoot, historically facilitating trans-Himalayan trade.
- Cultural Link: The Mansarovar route via Nathu La is fully motorable, requiring no trekking except 35–40 km for Mount Kailash parikrama.
- Trade Post Status: Closed after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Nathu La was reopened in 2006 following bilateral agreements.
- However, trade was disrupted again in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and has not resumed since.
- The other passes located in the state of Sikkim are Jelep La Pass, Donkia Pass, Chiwabhanjang Pass.
| Read more: Nathu La, Sikkim |
