Planning a trip to Sikkim requires up-to-date knowledge about entry and travel permits, as several regions of this Himalayan state are restricted and require special documentation. Below is a thorough, user-focused guide covering all aspects relevant to Indian and foreign tourists—covering sightseeing, trekking, and mountaineering.

1. Understanding Permit Types in Sikkim

Sikkim, due to its sensitive international borders, has permit requirements based on your nationality, the area you plan to visit, and the nature of your trip (tour, trek, or mountaineering).

Main Permit Categories

2. Who Needs Permits? Eligibility

• Indian Citizens:
  • General Entry: No permit is needed for most areas.
  • Restricted/Protected Areas (e.g., North/East Sikkim, Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake): PAP required.
  • Trekking, Mountaineering: Specialized permits for several trails and peaks.
• Foreign Nationals (including OCI):
  • Must obtain an ILP/RAP to enter Sikkim.
  • PAP additionally required for North/East Sikkim and most trekking routes.
  • Group requirement: Minimum of 2 persons for PAP, plus an authorized guide.

3. Permit Requirements and Documents

For Indian Citizens

• Sightseeing/Tours:
  • Valid Government photo ID (Voter ID, DL, Passport)
  • 2 Passport-size photos
  • For children <18: Birth certificate or father’s ID (Aadhar not accepted for restricted zones)
• Trekking:
  • Same as above plus
  • Medical certificate (for certain treks)
  • Disclaimer/self-declaration form

For Foreign Nationals

• Passport and valid Indian visa
• Photocopies of ILP
• 2 Passport-size photos
• Group of minimum two (except for some exceptions)
• Must use an authorized tour operator

4. How & Where to Obtain Permits

Local Travel Agent Support

5. Permit Costs

ILP/RAP for Foreigners:

• Cost: Free of cost; issued on submission of documents
• Validity: 15 days initially, extendable for additional 15 days (maximum 30 days total)
• Extension: Can be extended beyond 30 days up to 60 days total from FRO Gangtok or District SP offices
• Documents Required: Valid passport, Indian visa, and passport-sized photos

PAP for Indians:

• Cost: Generally no fee or minimal charges for most protected areas
• Specific Areas: Nathula Pass permit costs Rs. 200 per person
• Vehicle Permits: Shared vehicle tours cost Rs. 800-1,000 per person including permits for Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula

Trekking Permits:

• Processing Fee for Foreigners: Additional Rs. 4,000 as service charge + 5% government tax per person for trekking permit processing
• National Park Entry: Rs. 250 for first six days in Kangchenjunga National Park, Rs. 50 per day thereafter (as per available data from park headquarters)
• Minimum Group Size: Minimum of 2 foreign nationals required for PAP/trekking permits
• Guide Requirement: Tourist guide charges between Rs. 1,500-2,000 per day for groups under six people

Mountaineering Permits:

• Peak Royalty Fees:
  • Foreign expedition teams: US $500 per team of up to 4 members
  • US $700 per team of up to 8 members
  • US $100 for every additional member beyond 8
• Permitted Peaks: 6 peaks opened for alpine expeditions including Tinchenkhang (5,603m), Jopuno (5,935m), Freys Peak (5,830m), Lama Angden (5,868m), Brumkhangse (5,433m)
• Insurance Requirements: Expedition members: Rs. 3 lakhs per member; Camp crews: Rs. 1 lakh per person; Porters: Rs. 50,000 per person
• Team Limits: Maximum of 10 mountaineering teams per year (6 foreign, 4 domestic)
• Booking: Foreign teams must book minimum 3 months in advance

Additional Requirements:

• Registration: All foreign tourists must register with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival
• Travel Agent: Foreigners must apply through Sikkim Tourism registered travel agents for PAP areas
• Processing Time: At least one additional day required to process PAP/trekking permits after receiving signed ILP copy

Note: Royalty payments for mountaineering must be paid in Gangtok after permit sanction, and all permits are subject to availability and government regulations.

6. Application Process: Step-by-Step

For Indians

1. Decide your itinerary (areas to visit).
2. Contact a registered travel agency (essential for restricted areas/expeditions).
3. Submit required documents and photos.
4. Agency/tour operator files for permits at check posts/authorities.
5. Receive issued permit (often delivered by agent before your journey or at the start point).

For Foreign Nationals

1. Obtain ILP/RAP at entry point (submit passport, visa, photos; process is quick, free).
2. For protected areas/treks, work through an authorized Sikkim travel agent.
3. Apply as a group of at least 2; agent arranges guide and submits paperwork.
4. Receive PAP/trekking permit through agent—present permit at entry checkpoint; keep copies with you at all times.

7. Key Areas and Routes Requiring Permits

8. Important Notes

• Permit Validity: Most permits (ILP) for foreigners are valid for 15 days, extendable up to 30 days at FRO in Gangtok. Other permits vary; check with issuing body.
• Issuance Times: Entry points (Rangpo, Melli) usually 8am–7:30pm; airport offices follow flight schedules; major city offices during business hours.
• Cancellations: Permits and movement may be restricted without notice due to road closures, landslides, or military activity (as seen April 2025 after landslides in North Sikkim).
• Travel Agent Support: Strongly recommended for all foreigners and for complex Indian itineraries—ensures compliance and simplifies coordination.

9. Support Assurance From Himalayan Exposure Tours and Trek

At Himalayan Exposure Tours and Trek, we understand that navigating Sikkim’s permit requirements can be overwhelming.

As a locally-based operator with deep expertise in regional regulations, we provide comprehensive support for all your documentation needs.

Our experienced team handles PAP applications, trekking permits, mountaineering clearances, and coordinates with relevant authorities on your behalf.

Important Note for Foreign Travelers: Please ensure you obtain your ILP/RAP (Inner Line Permit/Restricted Area Permit) before arrival, as this foundational document is mandatory for processing all subsequent permits.

Once you have your ILP/RAP, we seamlessly handle all additional permits, registrations, and clearances required for your Sikkim adventure, ensuring a hassle-free experience throughout your journey.

Tourists are urged to always check the latest advisories before making plans, as permit regimes and area access can change due to weather, safety, and administrative policies.

This guide arms you with everything needed for a smooth and legal visit to Sikkim, whether for adventure or sightseeing. Safe travels!