Man delivers letters at 14,000 feet between India and China
Bhim Bahadur Tamang, a postal departmental employee, physically delivers letters every Thursday between India and China at the Nathu La pass in Sikkim, all this in the age of social media and digital communication. The mail usually consists of letters written by Tibetan refugees to their families across the Border. The exchange on the Indian side takes place every Sunday.
Formally recognizing postal trade
After President R. Venkataraman paid a state visit to China in May 1992, India and China formally recognized the official trade of post from Nathu La pass. Under the agreement mail is physically exchanged on the Chinese side every Thursday, while it is done on the Indian side every Sunday. The exchange is not delayed or stopped even during times of bilateral tensions.
A quick transfer
Bhim Bahadur Tamang says the exchange is quick and simple. Bags are exchanged at a postal shed on the Chinese side, registers signed and the process is concluded. Mail to China is vetted and sealed by the Army before it is dispatched for delivery.
