In September-October 1967, scarcely five years after the humiliating 1962 war, India inflicted a serious setback on China in two high-altitude clashes at Nathu La and Cho La along the Sikkim-Tibet border. The PLA attempted aggressive incursions in both passes; India responded with fortified positions, superior artillery, and fierce hand-to-hand combat, especially by Gorkha regiments wielding khukris. At Nathu La, India’s artillery destroyed Chinese bunkers and pushed back multiple Chinese advances. At Cho La, the Chinese again tried an offensive, but Indian defenders repelled them decisively.

Casualties: India lost about 88 soldiers, while Chinese forces reportedly lost over 300, with their bunkers destroyed. These battles had deep strategic significance: they restored Indian morale after the 1962 loss, demonstrated India’s capacity to defend its borders, and signalled to China that Indian resolve had hardened.

They also played a role in shaping the strategic mindset of both nations ahead of the 1971 India-Pakistan War. Though less known today, Nathu La and Cho La remain powerful reminders of how morale, terrain, and leadership can shift the balance in border conflicts.