A Nathula Pass tour from Gangtok covers three of the most visited destinations in Sikkim in a single day — Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass itself, the historic mountain pass on the India-China border at over 14,000 feet above sea level. If you are planning a trip to Gangtok and want to experience the high-altitude landscape of East Sikkim, this is the excursion most travellers put at the top of their list.
Wizzride now offers a shared sightseeing tour to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass from Gangtok, starting at ₹1,713 per person. The tour departs at 8:00 AM, covers approximately 110–120 km and returns by around 5:00 PM — a full 9-hour day in the mountains. Permits are arranged and included by Wizzride, so you do not have to worry about the paperwork.
This guide covers everything you need to know before booking — what each destination offers, how the shared tour works, what is included, and practical travel tips for the route.
Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass Tour at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tour | Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass |
| Departure Point | Gangtok (fixed boarding point) |
| Departure Time | 8:00 AM |
| Return Time | ~5:00 PM (estimated) |
| Duration | 9 hours |
| Distance | Approx. 110–120 km |
| Shared Tour Price | ₹1,713 per person |
| Private Tour Price | Depends on vehicle type |
| Days Available | Tuesday to Sunday |
| Permit | Included — arranged by Wizzride |
| Booking | wizzride.com/sightseeing |
What Is the Nathula Pass Tour?
The Nathula Pass day tour from Gangtok is a popular high-altitude excursion that combines three distinct stops in East Sikkim. The route takes you from Gangtok up into the mountains along the Old Silk Route, stopping first at Tsomgo Lake, then at Baba Mandir and finally at Nathula Pass on the India-China border.
The entire circuit is approximately 110–120 km and takes about 9 hours including travel and stops. Because Nathula Pass sits at over 14,000 feet, the tour requires a special sightseeing permit — which Wizzride arranges as part of the package.
The shared sightseeing option means you travel with other passengers in the same vehicle at a per-person rate, making it a practical and affordable way to experience the route without booking an entire private cab.
The Three Destinations
1. Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake — also spelled Changu Lake — sits at approximately 3,753 metres above sea level and is one of the most visited high-altitude lakes in India. Located around 35 km from Gangtok, the lake is glacial in origin and is considered sacred by the local Sikkimese people.
The lake changes character with the seasons. In winter it partially freezes over; in spring and summer the surrounding slopes are covered with rhododendron and primula. The landscape around Tsomgo is open and dramatic — bare mountain ridges, a steel-blue lake and, on clear days, views of distant snow peaks.
Yak rides are available around the lake if you want to add that to your morning stop, though this is an optional activity not included in the tour price.
2. Baba Mandir
Baba Mandir is a military shrine dedicated to the memory of Harbhajan Singh, a soldier of the Indian Army who is believed by locals and army personnel to continue to protect and serve in the mountains after his death. The shrine is located at around 4,023 metres above sea level, a short distance beyond Tsomgo Lake on the road towards Nathula.
For many travellers, Baba Mandir is one of the most emotionally resonant stops on the route. The shrine draws both tourists and serving military personnel. The story of Harbhajan Singh has been part of Sikkim’s mountain folklore for decades, and the site has a quiet, contemplative atmosphere that many visitors find memorable.
3. Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass sits at 4,310 metres above sea level on the India-China border in the Himalayas. It was part of the historic Silk Route trade path between India and Tibet and was closed for decades before reopening for trade and tourism. Today it is one of the few points on the India-China border where Indian tourists can stand and look across into Tibet.
At the pass, you can see the border fence, the Chinese side of the boundary and, on clear days, wide views across the high-altitude landscape. The altitude at Nathula is significant — most travellers feel the thinness of the air, and it is worth pacing yourself and not rushing around.
Access to Nathula Pass requires a special permit for Indian nationals, which is separate from the standard Sikkim Inner Line Permit. Wizzride arranges this permit as part of the tour package — you will be asked for your documents after booking through their secure permit process.
Wizzride Travel Notes — Practical Tips for This Route
- Nathula permit approval is not guaranteed. If a Nathula permit is unavailable on your date, Wizzride arranges alternative sightseeing. That alternative counts as the service provided and does not create a refund entitlement.
- Departure is at 8:00 AM sharp from the fixed boarding point. Arriving late can result in missing the vehicle.
- Carry warm clothing even in summer. Nathula Pass is above 14,000 feet and temperatures drop sharply, even on sunny days.
- Altitude caution: If you have a history of altitude sickness, consult a doctor before booking. Ascent is rapid from Gangtok to 14,000+ feet.
- Carry valid photo ID — Aadhaar or passport — as documents are needed for the permit process after booking.
- The tour does not run on Mondays. Plan your Gangtok stay accordingly if this tour is a priority.
- Return time is an estimate (~5:00 PM), not a guarantee. Mountain road conditions and permit check post queues can affect timing.
What’s Included and What’s Not
What’s Included
- Vehicle (shared with other passengers)
- Driver
- Fuel
- Driver allowance
- Parking charges
- Road tolls
- Required sightseeing permits (Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass)
- Pickup and drop-off at the fixed boarding point
What’s Not Included
- Attraction entry tickets
- Meals and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities (yak rides, etc.)
- Additional destinations outside the itinerary
- Overnight accommodation
Shared Tour vs Private Tour — Which Should You Book?
Both tour options cover the same route — Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass — with the same departure time and inclusions.
The Shared Tour at ₹1,713 per person is the practical choice for solo travellers, couples or small groups who want to keep costs down. You share the vehicle with other passengers and travel from a fixed boarding point.
A Private Tour option is also available for those who prefer exclusive use of a vehicle, with pricing that varies depending on the vehicle type chosen.
This works out cheaper per person for groups of four or more and gives you more flexibility on how long you spend at each stop.
Permit Information for Nathula Pass
A standard Sikkim Inner Line Permit is not sufficient for Nathula Pass. You need a separate Nathula Pass sightseeing permit, which is issued by the Government of Sikkim and has a daily quota.
Wizzride handles the entire permit process as part of the tour package — the permit cost is included in the tour price. After booking, Wizzride will contact you to collect your documents through their secure permit process. You will need a valid photo ID (Aadhaar card or passport).
Because Nathula permits are quota-based, approval is not guaranteed even after booking. If a permit is not available on your travel date, Wizzride arranges an alternative sightseeing destination. That alternative is the service provided and does not create grounds for a refund.
Note for foreign nationals: Foreign tourists are not currently permitted at Nathula Pass. This tour is available for Indian nationals only.
How to Book the Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass Tour
- Visit wizzride.com/sightseeing
- Select your date and choose between Shared Tour or Private Tour
- Choose your seats and complete payment
- Wizzride will contact you for permit documentation
- Receive your boarding point details before departure day
The tour operates Tuesday to Sunday. It is not available on Mondays.
Cancellation Policy
| When You Cancel | Cancellation Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 72 hours before departure | 5% |
| 48 to 72 hours before departure | 20% |
| 24 to 48 hours before departure | 50% |
| 12 to 24 hours before departure | 80% |
| Less than 12 hours before departure | 100% (no refund) |
Cancellation is not available after the scheduled departure time. Charges apply to the amount paid including GST.
Practical Travel Tips for the Route
What to Wear
Even if Gangtok feels warm at departure, temperatures at Tsomgo Lake and especially at Nathula Pass drop sharply. Carry a warm jacket, gloves and a light inner layer regardless of the season. Wind at 14,000 feet can be biting even in October and November.
Altitude Awareness
Gangtok sits at around 1,650 metres. Nathula Pass is at 4,310 metres. The ascent is rapid, and some travellers experience mild symptoms — headache, breathlessness, light-headedness — at the higher altitudes. If you have a known sensitivity to altitude, consult a doctor before the trip and consider carrying basic altitude medication.
Photography
Photography at the India-China border at Nathula may have restrictions in certain areas. Follow instructions from army personnel at the pass regarding where photography is permitted.
Food and Water
There are small food stalls and basic eateries near Tsomgo Lake. Carry water, snacks and any personal medicines as meals are not included in the package.
Mobile Connectivity
Mobile signal becomes patchy between Tsomgo and Nathula. Download offline maps and any information you need before departing Gangtok.
Getting to Gangtok
The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, approximately 124 km away. From Bagdogra, Wizzride operates shared cabs from Bagdogra to Gangtok — a practical option for travellers arriving by air.
If you are travelling from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station, you can select the nearest pickup point in the wizzride app or website and plan to arrive in Gangtok at least one day before your sightseeing tour date to allow time to rest and acclimatise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Nathula Pass tour from Gangtok?
The shared sightseeing tour to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass is priced at <strong>₹1,713 per person</strong>. A private tour (entire vehicle) is available at a cost depending on the vehicle type.
Is the Nathula Pass permit included in the tour price?
Yes. Wizzride arranges the required sightseeing permits and the cost is included in the tour price. After booking, Wizzride will request your documents through a secure permit process.
What time does the Nathula Pass tour depart from Gangtok?
The tour departs at <strong>8:00 AM</strong> from a fixed boarding point in Gangtok. The exact boarding point is shared after booking.
What time does the tour return?
The estimated return time is approximately <strong>5:00 PM</strong>. This is an estimate based on the 9-hour duration and is not a guaranteed arrival time.
Which days is the Nathula Pass tour available?
The tour operates <strong>Tuesday to Sunday</strong>. It is not available on Mondays.
Can foreign nationals join the Nathula Pass tour?
No. Foreign nationals are currently not permitted at Nathula Pass. This tour is open to Indian nationals only.
What happens if the Nathula permit is not available on my date?
Nathula Pass permits are quota-based and authority approval is not guaranteed. If a permit is unavailable, Wizzride arranges alternative sightseeing. That alternative counts as the service provided and does not create a refund entitlement.
What is the altitude of Nathula Pass?
Nathula Pass is at approximately <strong>4,310 metres (14,140 feet)</strong> above sea level on the India-China border in East Sikkim.
What is the altitude of Tsomgo Lake?
Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) sits at approximately <strong>3,753 metres (12,313 feet)</strong> above sea level, around 35 km from Gangtok.
How do I book the Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass tour?
Select your date, choose Shared or Private, complete payment and Wizzride will follow up with permit and boarding details.