The easiest way for a day long trip to Nathula, Baba Mandir, Changu lake is via Gangtok. You can book a trip with local registered agencies. As per the security norms, all visitors have to get a prior permission to visit the Nathula pass. Permits are essential for the Indian tourists. Foreigners are required to obtain special permissions from the authorities before the tour. Hence all the visitors have to carry a valid photo identity proof for this purpose. This is usually a day long trip starts early Morning.

Nathula pass

The journey starts early next morning through the hilly roads. The first destination of the trip was decided to be “Nathula pass” (elevation 4,310m / 14,140 ft) as it closes down for tourists in the later part of the day. Gradually the road became steeper. Cars had to pass via various narrow turns (Including hairpin turns). Anybody would get mesmerized watching nature’s shower of the beauty of places surrounding Nathula. The temperature was around -2 C (Mid of February) at the time. Chill cool breeze and breathing problem of tourists was random. Nathula is one of several border zones between China and India. One can catch a glimpse of the disciplined border zone other than the beauty of snowy hills throughout.

In an eye of a tourist relationship between border protection forces of both countries (India and China) looked to be cordial. One can easily understand that the survival gets quite difficult here due to the weather conditions.

A glimpse from Nathula

Photography is prohibited in this area. Hence people normally get down from Nathula and then capture the incredible beauty of the hills in the camera lens. This memory will last a lifetime.

Baba Mandir

Next journey spot was the place of Baba Harbhajan Singh called “Baba Mandir”. Harbhajan Singh (August 3, 1941 – September 11, 1967) still is one of the most respected personnel in Indian Army. More info can be fount at Baba Harbhajan Singh wiki page.

As per the local tour conductors, there are two Baba Mandirs. Local people call them as New Baba Mandir and Old Baba Mandir. The old one is the most famous. The temple (Looks like the residence of Baba himself) is well decorated with the used accessories of Baba himself. His dress materials, turbans, shoes, study room, bedroom are maintained by the Army inside the temple.

Tsongmo / Changu Lake 

Next and the last spot of the day was Changu lake (elevation of 3,753 meters or 12,313 ft). Changu (Also known as Tsongmo Lake) is known for the scenic beauty it has. It is also famous as film shooting spot. We found the lake half frozen. We saw some yak here for the first time during the tour of Sikkim. The temperature here was not quite low but cool breeze accompanied us everywhere. Tourists would like to dress as localities (Dresses are available on Rent) and keep memories with photographs.

Half frozen Changu

A large number of photo-shoot perfect places are nearby. People enjoy here by playing with snow balls, crafting snowman etc.

Similar to the other hill stations, landslides are common in here as well. Events like this will make you wait in the road itself for long. You can feel the silence and the mysterious darkness of mountains if the sun sets during this waiting time which also can be an experience to cherish.

Suggestions 

• Carry cash for your expenditures during the journey.
• Recognized Photo IDs and photographs to be carried throughout the journey.
• Try to have a heavy breakfast before starting the tour itself. Also, carry dry food items and water during the journey.
• Eye protection is necessary at Nathula.
• Cellular phone coverage is mostly unavailable during the journey. Hence plan accordingly.

References

i) Nathula Wiki

ii) Changu Wiki