---
title: "Nathu La Pass: India-China Border Trade Route"
description: "Nathu La is a 14,140-ft pass in Sikkim linking India and Tibet, reopened for border trade in 2006. A key UPSC GS1 geography and boundary topic."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/nathu-la-pass"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Nathu La is a high-altitude Himalayan mountain pass on the India–China border in eastern Sikkim, connecting the Chumbi Valley to the Tibetan Plateau.
- Why is Nathu La considered a settled boundary point unlike most of the Line of Actual Control?
- What is the significance of the 1967 Nathu La clash?
- How does Nathu La relate to the 2017 Doklam standoff?
- What trade and pilgrimage functions does Nathu La serve today?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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Example

In July 2006, India and China reopened Nathu La for cross-border trade after a 44-year closure, with marts established at Sherathang in Sikkim and Renqinggang in Tibet.

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