Essential Permits for Sikkim Tour Plan: A Comprehensive Guide

Essential Permits for Your Sikkim Tour Plan: A Complete 2025 Guide

Planning a trip to Sikkim? This beautiful Himalayan state is a dream destination for many, but travelers must be aware of the permit requirements before visiting certain areas. Sikkim shares sensitive international borders with China, Bhutan, and Nepal, and due to its strategic location, Protected Area Permits (PAP) and Restricted Area Permits (RAP) are mandatory for both Indian and foreign nationals in various regions.

This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about permits in Sikkim—who needs them, how to get them, and where they’re required.

Why do you need permits for Sikkim? 

Sikkim shares its borders with China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and West Bengal (India) in the south. Sikkim is also located close to India's Siliguri corridor near Bangladesh. Owing to this, the State has certain Restricted & Protected areas and to enter those areas, visitors have to avail applicable Permits from the Permit Issuing Authorities during their Sikkim tour plan especially when they are visiting certain restricted areas in Sikkim

Permits Required for North Sikkim and East Sikkim

To access popular destinations in North Sikkim, such as:

• Lachen
• Lachung
• Gurudongmar Lake
• Yumthang Valley
• Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
• Dzongu

And in East Sikkim, such as:

• Tsomgo Lake
• Nathula Pass
• Nathang Valley 
• Zuluk

Travelers (both Indian and foreign) must secure special permits through registered travel agents in Sikkim.

Permit Rules for Foreign Nationals

Inner Line Permit (ILP) 

All foreign nationals must obtain an ILP to enter Sikkim, which is valid for 15 days and extendable in Gangtok.

Where to get ILP:

At Rangpo or Melli check-posts (entry points to Sikkim)

Required documents: Passport, Indian Visa, passport-sized photos

Protected Area Permits (PAP):

To enter places like Dzongu, Lachen, Lachung, or Tsomgo Lake:

Foreigners must travel in groups of two or more

A certified local guide is mandatory

Permits must be arranged by a registered travel agency

Please Note:

Foreigners are not allowed to visit:

• Gurudongmar Lake
• Yumesamdong (Zero Point)
• Nathula Pass
• Dzuluk and Gnathang Valley

Permit Requirements for Indian Nationals

Indian citizens also need permits to enter:

• North Sikkim (Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar, Yumthang, Dzongu)
• East Sikkim (Nathula, Tsomgo, Silk Route)

Documents Required:

• Government-issued Photo ID (Voter ID, Driving License, Passport)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Birth certificate or school ID for minors

Note: Aadhaar card is not accepted for Sikkim permits.

Where to Apply:

Sikkim Police Permit Cell (3rd Mile, Gangtok)

District Collector Office (e.g., in Mangan for North Sikkim)

For Indian Nationals Driving Private Cars:

• Only the vehicle owner can apply
• Owner must be present at the Permit Cell
• Documents required: RC, Insurance, PUC, Driving License

For Bikers and Self-Drive Riders:

• Only geared bikes are allowed (no scooters)
• Bike must be registered in Sikkim or owned by the rider
• Authorization letters without owner present are not accepted

Required Documents for Bike Permits: 

• Registration Certificate
• Valid Driving License
• Vehicle Insurance
• Pollution Certificate
• Passport-size photographs
• Photo IDs of co-riders (if any)

Note: Permit processing takes 2 days, handled via registered travel agents like OurGuest.

Why Permits Might Be Rejected:

Permits may be denied due to:

• Incomplete or invalid documentation
• Bad weather or landslides
• Road closures or natural disasters
• Late submission of applications

Permit Validity and Extensions

Most Sikkim permits are valid for 5 days. Extensions can be applied for through the respective authorities in Gangtok or district offices, if you wish to stay longer.

Plan Your Sikkim Tour with OurGuest 

OurGuest aggregates verified and curated homestays and resorts in Sikkim. You can book the properties directly from our website just like other companies like Airbnb, Booking.com, MMT, etc. We only charge a commission of 10% and all our properties are verified by us. We also provide local support incase of any emergencies. For more information about various stays in Sikkim, you can read our blogs to find out more:

1. Blog about best homestays in Gangtok
2. Blog about best service apartments in Gangtok
3. Blog about best homestays in Lachung
4. 5 beautiful homestays in offbeat Sikkim

Written by Karma Thutop Chechutharpa: Bridging Cultures Through Travel

Karma, a seasoned traveler with a deep love for Sikkim's rural charm, returned home in 2017. Co-founding OurGuest, he leverages his experiences across India, Nepal, and Bhutan to curate authentic travel journeys. Beyond adventure, Karma champions rural tourism. Through OurGuest's stories, he empowers local homestays and fulfills his childhood dream of becoming a writer, all while sharing the magic of Northeast India.  

For a customized Sikkim tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in