Much of Sikkim borders Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, so several of its most beautiful places are protected or restricted areas. The good news is that the main towns – Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi and Ravangla – need no permit for Indian visitors. For the high-altitude areas you need a permit, and in practice these are arranged by registered Sikkim tour operators along with your vehicle.
Permit needs at a glance
| Place | Indian visitors | Foreign visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi, Ravangla | No permit | Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter Sikkim |
| Tsomgo (Changu) Lake | Permit through registered operator | RAP + Protected Area Permit, in a group |
| Baba Mandir | Permit | Not allowed |
| Nathula Pass | Special permit, limited numbers, certain days | Not allowed |
| Lachung, Yumthang, Lachen | Protected Area Permit | Protected Area Permit, in a group via operator |
| Zero Point (Yumesamdong) | Permit | Not allowed |
| Gurudongmar Lake | Permit | Not allowed |
| Zuluk / Old Silk Route | Special permit | Not allowed |
Documents to carry (Indian visitors)
- Government photo ID for every adult – passport, voter ID or driving licence. Aadhaar is often not accepted for North Sikkim and some East Sikkim permits, so carry another ID as well.
- Two to four passport-size photographs per person.
- For children: a birth certificate or school ID, along with a parent's ID.
- Photocopies of everything – there is little mobile signal in North Sikkim.
Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula
Permits for Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir are issued through registered operators, usually the day before. Nathula Pass needs a separate special permit. It is open only to Indian citizens, on certain days of the week, with a daily limit on vehicles, and it can be closed at short notice because of snow or army requirements. If Nathula is closed on your day, the permit fee may not be refundable. See our Tsomgo Lake and Nathula guide.
North Sikkim
All visitors need a Protected Area Permit to go beyond Mangan to Lachung, Yumthang, Lachen and Gurudongmar. It is issued against a confirmed itinerary, hotel booking and a Sikkim-registered vehicle through a registered operator; individual walk-in applications are rarely successful and self-drive or outside vehicles are not allowed. Apply a few days ahead in the busy seasons (April–June and October–November). Read our North Sikkim guide for current road conditions.
Foreign visitors
Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter Sikkim. It is free and can be obtained online or at entry points such as Rangpo, Melli, Bagdogra Airport and Siliguri, with your passport, Indian visa and photos. To visit Tsomgo Lake or North Sikkim, foreigners also need a Protected Area Permit and must travel in a group arranged by a registered operator. Nathula, Baba Mandir, Zero Point, Gurudongmar Lake and the Old Silk Route are closed to foreign nationals. OCI cardholders are generally treated like Indian citizens, but check before you travel.
Our tips
- Send us clear photos of everyone's ID a few days before arrival so the permits can be prepared.
- Keep at least one spare day in your plan in case Nathula or a North Sikkim road is closed.
- Senior citizens and anyone with heart or breathing problems should talk to a doctor before going to Nathula, Zero Point or Gurudongmar.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a permit to enter Sikkim?
No. Indian citizens can enter Sikkim with a normal photo ID. Permits are only needed for protected areas such as Tsomgo, Nathula and North Sikkim.
Can I apply for a North Sikkim permit myself?
In practice, no. Permits are issued through registered Sikkim tour operators with a local vehicle and confirmed itinerary.
Is Aadhaar accepted for Sikkim permits?
Not always. Carry a passport, voter ID or driving licence as well.
Can foreigners visit Nathula?
No. Nathula, Baba Mandir, Zero Point, Gurudongmar Lake and the Old Silk Route are closed to foreign nationals.
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Updated October 2026 by the Tip Top Group team.