Nathula Pass is Closed on Monday, Not Tuesday – Important Update for Every Sikkim Traveler

If you are planning a trip to Nathula Pass, this is one important update every traveler must know. Many websites and old travel blogs still mention that Nathula Pass is closed on Tuesdays, but the correct information is that Nathula Pass remains closed every Monday for tourists.

This confusion has affected many travelers visiting Sikkim, especially those planning the popular Gangtok–Tsomgo Lake–Baba Mandir–Nathula sightseeing route. Reaching Gangtok and later discovering that Nathula is closed can completely disturb your travel itinerary.

Managed under strict military supervision near the Indo-China border, Nathula Pass follows regulated tourism operations. Tourist permits are not issued on Mondays, which means visitors cannot access Nathula Pass on that day. However, the route remains open from Tuesday to Sunday, depending on weather and road conditions.

Before planning your tour, travelers should also know that permits are compulsory for Indian nationals, while foreign nationals are not allowed to visit Nathula Pass. Carrying valid government ID proof is mandatory for permit processing.

• The best time to visit Nathula Pass is during March to May and October to December when the weather stays comparatively clear and the Himalayan views are spectacular. Winter months often bring snowfall, making the experience even more beautiful.