Nature · Nathu La
Snow at Nathu La in April and May
For families travelling in the summer holidays, April and May are the best months to find snow at Nathu La while the road is usually open. Snow walls beside the road, white slopes and clear mornings, with fewer closures than midwinter.
Photo: Indrajit Das · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
In midwinter, from about December to March, Nathu La often closes after snowfall, sometimes for days. By April and May the road is usually cleared, yet deep snow remains beside it and on the slopes around the pass. For families from the plains travelling in the school holidays, this is often the best chance to see real snow.
Mornings are usually clearer, with cloud building after noon. Daytime temperatures at the pass are around freezing to a few degrees above, with strong wind. Hire gumboots and coats at Tsomgo on the way up for about ₹100–300, and carry gloves, a warm hat and sunglasses.
May and June are also the busiest months, with long queues of cars at the check post. Get your permit early and leave Gangtok by 7 am. Snow can still fall in spring and close the pass at short notice. Check current status before you travel.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Is there snow at Nathu La in May?
Usually yes. In most years snow remains beside the road and on the slopes around Nathu La into May, while the road itself is cleared. Exact conditions vary by year. Fresh snowfall is possible even in late spring. Check current status before you travel.
What is the temperature at Nathu La?
In winter it falls far below freezing, often -10 °C or colder at night. In April and May daytime temperatures are around 0–8 °C with strong wind. In October and November expect 0–10 °C on clear days. It always feels colder than the number because of wind.
Do we need snow boots at Nathu La?
Waterproof boots help in snow season. If you do not have them, gumboots can be hired at Tsomgo stalls for about ₹100–300. Long padded coats and gloves are available too. Ordinary trainers soak through quickly and can lead to very cold feet at 4,310 m.
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