---
title: "Nathu La Pass: India–China Border Trade Route"
description: "Nathu La is a 4,310 m Himalayan pass in Sikkim on the India–China border, reopened for trade in 2006. Learn its strategic, trade and 2017 Doklam significance."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/nathu-la"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Nathu La is a 4,310-metre Himalayan mountain pass on the India–China border in Sikkim, linking the Chumbi Valley with the Tibet Autonomous Region.
- Why was Nathu La closed for so long before its 2006 reopening?
- How does Nathu La differ from Lipulekh and Shipki La?
- What is the significance of Nathu La's proximity to the Siliguri Corridor?
- Is trade through Nathu La currently active?

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

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Example

In June 2017, during the Doklam standoff, China cancelled the Nathu La route of the Kailash–Mansarovar Yatra, barring Indian pilgrims from crossing the pass into Tibet.

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