Baba Harbhajan Singh Old Shrine

The Old Baba Harbhajan Singh Shrine is a memorial shrine located at Tukla Valley near Kupup on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road between Changu Lake and Nathu La in East Sikkim. Built at the original bunker of Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the Indian Army who died near Nathu La in 1968, it is maintained by the Indian Army. Revered by soldiers and tourists, the shrine houses his belongings and is visited en route to Nathu La Pass.

Visitors can expect a small shrine complex at high altitude (around 13,123 feet) set in a rugged Himalayan valley with snow-covered mountains. The shrine preserves the original bunker of Baba Harbhajan Singh with his uniform, bed, shoes and personal belongings maintained by the Indian Army. The site includes a small temple room, photographs, and an army-maintained display. Surroundings are stark and cold with prayer flags, army bunkers and limited shops selling souvenirs and tea nearby.

Dedicated to Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment who died on 4 October 1968 near Nathu La while escorting mules carrying supplies. His body was found after three days and cremated with full military honours. The Indian Army built a shrine at his original bunker in Tukla Valley, which became known as the Old Baba Mandir. A new shrine was later built at a lower altitude near Changu Lake for easier access, but the old bunker shrine remains the original memorial.

Highly revered by Indian Army personnel and local people who believe the spirit of Baba Harbhajan Singh protects soldiers posted along the Nathu La border. Soldiers maintain his room, uniform and belongings with daily care. Visitors offer prayers and the shrine is treated as a sacred protective site along the high Himalayan border route.