Nathu La, a high mountain pass on the border between India and China, is located in which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on strategic and physical geography. Nathu La is an important high altitude pass that has been in the news due to its role in trade and military movement between India and China. Knowing the state where this pass is located is a standard requirement for competitive examinations that cover Indian geography.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The pass in question is Nathu La.
• The task is to identify the Indian state in which it is located.
• Options include Sikkim, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
• We are concerned with the Indian administrative unit on the Indian side of the border.

Concept / Approach:
Nathu La is a high mountain pass in the eastern Himalayas connecting the Indian state of Sikkim with China Tibet Autonomous Region. It is one of the passes on the old Silk Route and has been reopened for limited trade and pilgrimage. Therefore, the correct Indian state to associate with Nathu La is Sikkim.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Nathu La is widely reported as a pass in Sikkim on the India China border. Step 2: Understand that Bhutan is a separate neighbouring country and cannot be an Indian state in this context. Step 3: Note that Arunachal Pradesh also borders China but is associated with other passes and not primarily with Nathu La. Step 4: Recognise that Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are in the western and north western Himalayas, not in the eastern sector where Nathu La lies. Step 5: Select Sikkim as the correct state for Nathu La.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by checking a map of India showing major passes or by reading articles about trade and pilgrimage routes to Kailash Mansarovar. These sources consistently identify Nathu La as a pass in Sikkim. Government and news reports on border trade through Nathu La also refer to Sikkim as the Indian state involved, confirming the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Bhutan is not an Indian state but a neighbouring country, so it cannot be the answer to a question asking for an Indian state. Arunachal Pradesh does border China but is more associated with passes like Bum La. Jammu and Kashmir borders China and Pakistan in the western Himalayan region but does not contain Nathu La. Himachal Pradesh is another Himalayan state in the western part of India, again with different passes and not with Nathu La.

Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to confuse various India China border passes, especially between the eastern and western sectors. Another error is to misread the option Bhutan as if it were a state rather than an independent country. To avoid errors, remember that Nathu La is specifically connected with Sikkim in the eastern Himalayas, while other states have their own distinct passes.

Final Answer:
Sikkim