The land of orchids,The land of tranquility, these are the few ways in which Sikkim has been described. Infact in all its manisfestations Sikkim has been projected as a naturalists paradise.A tourist visiting Sikkim is all praises for the richness in nature which no doubt has been the basic ingredient of tourism in Sikkim. It is here that Khanchendzonga-the third highest mountain in the world stands tall. Blessed with snow capped mountains, lakes, rivers and varieties of flora and fauna Sikkim is in par with other ecological hotspots of the world . Nathula is a mountain pass in the Himalayas. It is located on the Indo-China border connecting the Indian state of Sikkim with the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The pass, at 4,310 m (14,140 ft) above mean sea level, forms part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk 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. Nathula Pass used to be a main gateway for Sikkim -Tibet Trade (also known as SILK ROUTE) until it was called off in 1961. Shortly later China and India fought a bitter war and trade never resumed. Till then, China had a trade office in Kalimpong, a People's Bank of China in Kolkata and also a consulate there. Nathu La has moderately-shallow, excessively-drained, coarse and loamy soil on steep lope (30–50%) with gravelly loamy surface, moderate erosion, and moderate stoniness. It has several sinking zones and parts of it are prone to landslides. To preserve the fragile environment of Nathu La on the Indian side, the government of India regulates the flow of tourists. Road maintenance is entrusted to Border Roads Organisation, a wing of the Indian Army. On the Chinese side the pass leads to the Chumbi Valley of the Tibetan Plateau. 56 km from Gangtok is the Nathula Pass at an altitude of 14450 ft, bordering between India and China in the Tibetan Plateau. It is one of the highest motor able roads and is richly covered by many varieties of alpine flora and fauna. It is most tranquil place to visit. At present domestic tourist are given permit to visit Nathula 4 daysa week (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday) and only 30 vehicles are allowed each day. The Prime Minister's China Visit, the nnouncement of Resumptionof Indo-Tibet trade through Nathula was made official. on 23rd June 2003. With declaration of trade, tourism will not be far behind. A Pilgrimage tour to Tibet via Sikkim will be one of the most fulfilling experiences whether it is Lhasa (Roof of the world) or Manasarover Lake (Spiritual freedom). Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. It is the least populous state in India,[1] and the second-smallest in area after Goa. Despite its tiny size, Sikkim is geographically diverse, owing to its location on the Himalaya. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Sikkim has become one of India's most visited states, owing to its reputation of cleanliness, scenic beauty and political stability. Darjeeling (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council) in northeast India provides the perfect ambience of a hill resort with its mild climate and laid-back charm. Its verdant hills and valleys are steeped in color, and are interspersed with vast stretches of lush green tea gardens.