Which permits do you need?
- Inner-Line Permit (ILP) — for Indian nationals visiting Tsomgo, Nathula and most of North Sikkim. Issued quickly.
- Protected Area Permit (PAP) — required for Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Lachen and Gurudongmar.
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP) — for foreign nationals (mandatory for the entire state of Sikkim).
- Special permits — Zero Point and Gurudongmar Lake require an additional same-day permit obtained at Lachen/Lachung.
Documents required
- Original valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport) — and 2 photocopies.
- 2 recent passport-size photographs.
- For foreigners: original passport with valid Indian visa + 2 copies + 2 photos. RAP is issued for groups of 2 or more.
- Children's documents — birth certificate or school ID with photocopy.
- Driver's license is NOT accepted as primary ID in Sikkim.
Driver's licenses, PAN cards and credit cards are NOT accepted by Sikkim authorities. You must carry Aadhaar, Voter ID or Passport.
How permits are issued (step by step)
1. You share scanned ID + photos with us 4-5 days before your travel date.
2. We submit to the Sikkim Tourism office in Gangtok the day before your North Sikkim leg.
3. On the morning you drive to Lachung, our operator hands over the printed permit with your name and vehicle registered.
4. For Zero Point / Gurudongmar — the permit is taken on the morning of the actual day, locally, by your driver.
Permit validity & restrictions
- Lachung / Yumthang permits — usually valid for 1 night + 2 days.
- Lachen / Gurudongmar permits — valid for 1 night + 2 days, only after a verified Lachen overnight stay.
- Zero Point — same-day permit, only issued on a Lachung overnight stay, weather permitting.
- Foreigners can't visit Gurudongmar Lake — restricted to Indian citizens.
- Permits are vehicle and operator-tied — you cannot transfer them to a different cab.
Common mistakes that block your trip
- Carrying only a driver's license — you'll be stopped at the Chungthang checkpoint and turned back.
- Mismatched names on permits vs ID — even minor spelling errors cause delays.
- Trying to do North Sikkim in a single day — physically impossible; you need at least 2 nights.
- Booking via WhatsApp on day 0 — permits genuinely need 48 hours minimum.
If permits feel intimidating, they shouldn't — our team in Siliguri does this every week. Share your ID 5 days before travel and we will handle every signature. WhatsApp us for the form and ID checklist.
Plan with our team
Want this trip planned for you?
Share your dates on WhatsApp — our Siliguri team will craft a personalised itinerary within an hour.
