NATHU LA PASS, SIKKIM

Nathu La pass (mountain pass) is situated in the Himalayas in the East Sikkim which connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China's and Tibet Autonomous Region. And it is also located 54km east of Gangtok. Nathu La was reopened in 2006 following many bilateral trade agreements.

View of Nathu La pss

The height of this pass is 4310 metre above from the mean sea level which forms a part of an offshoot of the ancient Indian Silk road.If you will go in Gangtok you should have the visit of this pass which is at China boarder.You can visit this pass  by  taxi and the beauty of the surrounding road is just amazing and you can enjoy the serene beauty of this pass.

This pass also has a rugged beauty and it is a famous tourist spot. Nathula La pass is only open for Indian visitors for 5 days in a week including Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday and closed for Monday & Tuesday.

The best time for visit this Nathu La pass is May to October when temperature are around 10 degree celsius. In winter it is closed for heavy snowfall.

Foreign nationals are not allowed to visit this pass and photography is strictly prohibited and visitors have get a permit to visit the place by applying to the tourism and Indian Civil Aviation department through the registered travel agency.

                                            VIEWS OF NATHU LA PASS

DAL LAKE, SRINAGAR, INDIA

Dal lake is a major attraction of  Kashmir (paradise of Earth), situated in Srinagar, the capital state of Jammu & Kashmir, India. In one word the beauty of Dal lake is just mind blowing. The another name of this lake is "Lake of flowers", "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's jewel".

                                     

Dal lake, Srinagar

                                   

                                    
HOUSEBOAT & SHIKARA  OF DAL LAKE 

Dal lake is formed from five lake basins- the Nehru park, Nishat, Hazratbal, Nagin & Brari. It is a vast sheet of water reflecting the misty peaks of the Pir Panjal mountain and carved wooden balconies of the houseboats. Shikara is the main transport goods in this lake (Shikara is a one type of wooden boat pointed at both end which is found in Dal lake and have beautifully decorated canopies overhead). Shikaras are the cultural symbol of Srinagar which is found only in Srinagar.

Shikara ride in Dal lake

If you want to enjoy the scenic beauty of this Dal lake you have stay in the Shikara.Many tourists preferred to stay in this unique type of house but there are many good quality hotels and restaurants are also available on the lake-front. If you rise early in the morning here you can see floating market of flower & vegetable and you can enjoy an unique shopping experience.

Floating flower market of  Dal lake

Floating vegetable market of Dal lake

                                                    
                                              
    BEAUTY OF DAL LAKE

Dal lake is a famous landmark of Srinagar.The beauty of Dal lake is mesmerising you during the sunrise & sunset.The water of the lake is very clean and clear which is so beautiful.You can enjoy ice skating during winter on the frozen surface of lake and it a wonderful activities persue under the Kashmir's winter sun which attracts many tourist but you have to take the guide of an expert because the frozen lake surface can be extremely dangerous.It is a very famous tourist spot and also a shooting spot for it's natural beauty and amazing background beauty.You can enjoy the scenic beauty of this lake and with houseboat & shikara, the white crane also increases the beauty of Dal lake more & more.

                                    

It can be said that Srinagar without Dal lake is akin with the Paris without Eiffel tower.

                                           
 VISITING TIME OF DAL LAKE

The best time for to visit this Dal lake is between June and August because in this time the weather becomes pleasant. In winter the temperature drops as low as minus 11 degree celcius. So, the surface of the lake can freeze and it is needless to say that the frozen lake surface can be very dangerous. 

                                    
  HOW TO REACH THE DAL LAKE

You can take your train to Jammu followed by taxi or bus ride to Srinagar.And Jammu has an excellent airport that has many flights from Delhi (Spice jet, Air India, Jet airways, Goair etc.).Srinagar international air port is also well connected to major cities & outside the India and Dal lake is easily accessible via all mode of local transport (buses & auto rickshaws)