How to Get Permits for Sikkim Travel

Overview of Sikkim Permits

Sikkim requires permits for both domestic and foreign tourists due to its sensitive border location. This guide simplifies the process.

Types of Permits

1. Inner Line Permit (ILP) - For Indians

Required for: Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, North Sikkim

How to obtain:

• Through registered tour operator
• At Tourism Office in Gangtok
• Valid photo ID required
• Processing: Same day usually
• Cost: Rs 200-300

2. Protected Area Permit (PAP) - For Foreigners

Required for: All of Sikkim

How to obtain:

• Must go through registered tour operator
• Minimum 2 persons required (for some areas)
• Processing: 1-2 days
• Cost: Rs 200 + agent fees

3. Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

For: Nathula, Gurudongmar (foreigners from specific countries)

Note: Citizens from China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and others may have restrictions.

Permit Requirements by Location

Tsomgo Lake & Nathula Pass

• ILP required for Indians
• PAP + RAP for foreigners
• Must go with registered tour
• Tuesday closed at Nathula
• Need 2+ people for foreigners

North Sikkim (Lachung, Yumthang, Gurudongmar)

• ILP for Indians
• PAP for foreigners
• Some areas restricted for foreigners
• Gurudongmar: Indians only

West Sikkim (Pelling, Yuksom)

• No special permit for Indians
• PAP for foreigners
• Dzongri trek needs additional permit

Gangtok & South Sikkim

• No permit for Indians
• PAP for foreigners

How to Get Permits

For Indians

Option 1: Online (Sikkim Tourism)

1. Visit sikkim.gov.in
2. Fill application form
3. Upload ID proof
4. Pay fee online
5. Receive e-permit via email

Option 2: On Arrival

• Rangpo checkpost (entry from West Bengal)
• Melli checkpost (entry from West Bengal)
• Gangtok Tourism Office

Required documents:

• Photo ID (Passport/Voter ID/Aadhaar)
• 2 passport photos
• Vehicle registration (if driving)

For Foreigners

Option 1: Through Tour Operator (Recommended)

1. Book tour with registered operator
2. Send passport copy and photos
3. Operator handles all permits
4. Costs included in tour or charged separately

Option 2: Sikkim Tourism Office

• Located in Siliguri, Kolkata, Delhi
• Requires original passport
• Processing takes 1-2 days

Required documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months)
• Valid Indian visa
• 2 passport photos
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Travel itinerary

Permit Validity

Important Rules

1. Carry permits always - Checkposts will ask
2. Don't lose permits - Replacement is complicated
3. Respect restricted zones - Don't venture beyond permitted areas
4. Photography - Prohibited at military installations
5. Timing - Some areas close by afternoon

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Arriving without any permit (for foreigners)
2. Traveling solo to Nathula (need 2+ for foreigners)
3. Planning Gurudongmar as a foreigner (not allowed)
4. Not carrying original ID
5. Missing checkpost registration

Recommended Tour Operators

For hassle-free permit processing:

• Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation
• Blue Sky Treks & Tours
• Himalayan Holidays

Always use government-registered operators listed on sikkim.gov.in.

Quick Reference

Conclusion

While Sikkim's permit system seems complex, it's manageable with planning. For foreigners, booking through a tour operator is the easiest solution. For Indians, online applications have made the process much simpler.

Start your permit applications at least 3-4 days before travel to avoid last-minute stress.