The potential of Nathu La was realised in 1873, after the Darjeeling Deputy Commissioner published a report on the strategic importance of mountain passes between Sikkim and Tibet.
Potensial Nathu La diwujudkan pada 1873, setelah Deputi Komisioner Darjeeling menerbitkan sebuah laporan tentang pengaruh strategis jalur-jalur gunung antara Sikkim dan Tibet.