India / Sikkim: A mule caravan from Tibet enters Sikkim via the Nathua La Pass, 1930s

Nathu La (Chinese: Nǎiduīlā Shānkǒu) is a mountain pass in the Himalayas. It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The pass, at 4,310 m (14,140 ft) above mean sea level, forms a part of an offshoot of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Nathu means 'listening ears' and La means 'pass' in Tibetan. It is also spelled Ntula, Natu La, Nathula, or Natula.

Nathu La is one of the three trading border posts between China and India; the other two are Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh (or Lipulech) in Uttarakhand. Sealed by India after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Nathu La was re-opened in 2006 following numerous bilateral trade agreements.

The opening of the pass is expected to bolster the economy of the region and play a key role in the growing Sino-Indian trade. The opening also shortens the travel distance to important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the region.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

TEA HORSE ROAD