Explore Baba Mandir
Baba Mandir, also known as Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, is a revered shrine located near the Nathula Pass in the East Sikkim district of Sikkim, India. It is dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, a soldier of the Indian Army who is revered as a saint-like figure by soldiers and locals alike. Baba Harbhajan Singh was a soldier of the Indian Army who served in the Nathula area near the Indo-China border. He is believed to have died in 1968 under mysterious circumstances while on duty. According to legend, his spirit continues to protect the soldiers patrolling the border. Many soldiers and locals believe that Baba Harbhajan Singh's spirit still roams the area, and he is considered a guardian deity of the region. Baba Mandir is a small shrine constructed in honor of Baba Harbhajan Singh. The temple houses a bronze statue of the soldier, along with his belongings, including his uniform, boots, and cap. Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and other offerings at the temple to seek blessings for their well-being and protection. Baba Harbhajan Singh is revered not only by soldiers but also by civilians who believe in his miraculous powers and protective presence. It is said that he continues to watch over the soldiers stationed in the area and provides them with guidance and protection. Many people attribute their safe return from the treacherous terrain of the border to Baba Harbhajan Singh's blessings. Baba Mandir is located at an altitude of approximately 13,123 feet (3,999 meters) above sea level, near the Nathula Pass on the way to the Indo-China border. The temple is situated amidst picturesque surroundings, with snow-capped mountains and pristine valleys adding to its spiritual ambiance. Visitors to Sikkim often include Baba Mandir as part of their itinerary, especially those traveling to the Nathula Pass. The temple can be reached by road from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, and is approximately 52 kilometers (32 miles) away. Due to its high altitude and proximity to the border, visitors are required to obtain special permits to visit Baba Mandir. Overall, Baba Mandir holds immense significance for both soldiers and civilians, serving as a symbol of faith, devotion, and protection in the challenging terrain of the Himalayas.
Country
India
Best Time to Visit
April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Ideal Duration
n/a
Visa Rules
Last updated: 2025-04-23 03:41:06
Tourist Visa
You can apply for a tourist visa if you're visiting India for recreation, sightseeing, or to meet friends and relatives. You can also apply for a tourist visa if you're attending a short-term yoga program or medical treatment.
You can apply for an e-visa
online.
Mandatory Documents:
1. Passport: Original passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 3 blank visa pages, plus a photocopy of the passport's data page.
2. Photographs: Two passport-size photographs (2x2 inches) glued to the visa application form as per instructions.
3. Visa Application Form: Fill out the Indian Government visa application form online at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in. Ensure your signature matches your passport signature and validate the data with a declaration signature at the bottom of page 2.
Additional Documents (Depending on Applicant's Situation):
• For Applicants of Indian Origin (Born Indian):
o Surrender Certificate or cancelled Indian passport copy or sworn affidavit.
• For Applicants of Indian Origin (Naturalized):
o First passport copy (if issued in India), Nationality Certificate, or sworn affidavit.
• Explanation for Birth in India (if not of Indian origin): Letter in English addressed to consular services explaining details and reasons.
• Parent of Indian Descent Born in France: Statement confirming no previous Indian passport or nationality.
• Joining Specific Organizations in India: Official invitation letter in a sealed envelope from the organization.
• Property Ownership Intention: Letter from Reserve Bank of India granting permission to acquire property and proof of property ownership in India.
• Minor Applicants: French "livret de famille" or birth certificate, ID proof of each parent, and travel authorization letter signed by both parents.
• Dual Nationality: Copy of the second passport.
• Applicants of Pakistani Origin: Reference form as per current nationality and additional documents based on current or previous nationality.
Declaration:
Certification: Acknowledgment of submitting a complete application and acceptance of the minimum processing time required.
Make sure to gather all necessary documents according to your specific situation and follow the guidelines closely to ensure a smooth visa application process. If you have any more questions or need further clarification on any of these requirements, feel free to ask!
Disclaimers
The above list of documents is the standard requirement for the visa application. The Embassy/Consulate/High Commission/Application Centres reserve the right to request additional documents for verification.
Travelspoc does not guarantee the outcome of any visa application. Decisions on visa applications are at the sole discretion of the respective Embassy/Consulate/High Commission.
The official website for applying for an Indian visa is: