The Himalayan state Sikkim is one of the most gorgeous mountain destinations in northeast India. It is home to the third-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga and also a plethora of other ranges, the turquoise Teesta river, ravishing waterfalls, dreamy glacial lakes, breathtaking monasteries, stunning temples and more. The zig-zag paths of Sikkim in the Old Silk route go right above the clouds in the higher expanses. Unquestionably, Sikkim is a true heaven on earth. But to visit some popular destinations in Sikkim, especially those at the highest points and in the interiors, you’ll need special permits. Various permits at Sikkim require government identity proof, photograph, signature and more.
Here are some permits you’ll require to explore some noteworthy Sikkemese tourist spots:
1. Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Foreigners need to obtain this special permit to visit Sikkim, which comes free of cost. It was previously known as Inner Line Permit. Foreigners coming from Pakistan, China, Bangladesh,Myanmar and Nigeria will be issued the permit only with the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi. Other foreigners planning to visit Sikkim can obtain the permit from the following places.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India in the Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi
- Immigration offices at airports at: Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai
- Assistant Director-Tourism Department, Melli, Near Melli Police Check Post, South Sikkim, Phone: +91 9775453611/ 03595-248536; ( timing from 8 AM to 8 PM)
- Assistant Director – Tourism Department, Sikkim Tourism Office, Rangpo, East Sikkim, Phone: 03592-240818
Foreigners Registration Offices
Indian Missions abroad - Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Deputy Director, SNT Complex, Siliguri, Tourism Department; Phone: 0353-2512646
Assistant Director-Tourism Department, Sikkim House, Panchasheel Marg, New Delhi, Tourism Department, Phone: 011- 41680421/26115346
Assistant Director – Tourism Department, Sikkim Tourism Office, 4/1 Middleton Street, Kolkata, Phone: 033-22817905 - Resident Commissioner, Government of Sikkim, Sikkim House, New Delhi
- Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, Home Department, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata
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2. Protected Area Permit ( PAP)
These are the permits that the tourists need to get to visit the Protected Areas in the state which include the Tsomgo-Baba Mandir trip, Nathu La Pass tour, Singalila trek, Dzongri trek, Yumthang and Zero Point trip, Yumesamdong, Gurudongmar lake trip and Thangu-Chopta Valley trip. The permits are issued by Tourism & Civil Aviation Department and Police check post. For more details, visit the PAP section of the Sikkim Tourism website. There Is A Char Dham Temple In Namchi, Sikkim That Has A Huge Shiva Statue
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3. Permit For Mountaineering And Trekking
The Tourism Department of Gangtok issues the alpine mountaineering expedition permit after receiving permit from Home Department, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok. The permit covers the following peaks:
- TinchenKhang 5603 metres ( West Sikkim)
- Jopuno 5935m (West Sikkim)
- Freys peak 5830m(West Sikkim)
- Lama Angden 5868m( North Sikkim )
- Brum Khangse 5433m ( North Sikkim
Foreigners who want to go on trekking can receive the PAP from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Gangtok. World’s Highest Dosa Point Is Located At 14000 Feet Near Sikkim’s Gurudongmar Lake
4. National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Permit
The Forest Department at Gangtok issues the entry permits for national park and wildlife sanctuaries.
Also Read: I Explored Gangtok To Rinchenpong In Sikkim In 5 Days & Here’s How I Did It
5. Motorbiking Permit
Biking enthusiasts who want to explore the Protected Areas of the state need to apply to the Home Department for the permit. For receiving the permit, they need to obtain a form from the department and attest two sets of necessary documents like driving license, government ID proof, ID proof of co-rider or tour guide, passport size photographs of the rider and co-rider, motor bike’s insurance documents, pollution control paper of motorbike, affidavit of authorisation for hired bikes, etc.