Sikkim is in the north eastern part of India bordering the state of West Bengal ( India )
How do I get to Sikkim?
Sikkim can be reached by flight, regular flights are of all carriers are avaible upto Bagdogra airport. From airport frequent pre-paid taxis are available to Sikkim. By rail nearest railway station is new jalpaiguri station( NJP). From NJP frequent pre-paid taxis are available to Sikkim. Buses are also available from siligurilocated near NJP. Bagdogra airport to Gangtok is 123 kms. From New jalpaiguri 125 kms to Gangtok .
Why there is need for Inner Line Permit , Restricted area permit / Protected area permit required for foreign nationals?
Sikkim being a border state sharing its boundaries with 3 other countries. The foreigners are required to obtain ILP for security reasons. The numbers of the Tourist Information Centers are listed -> Click here
For Indian Nationals - No inner line permits or such formalities are needed to enter Sikkim but one should always carry with him, any indian identification documents, like either Voter ID card, Pan Card, Passport etc. This identification documents are most for the one planning to do trekking in any part of Sikkim himalayas
Entry Formalities
Foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. These can be obtained from all Indian Missions, Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, District Magistrates Office of Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Rangpo on the strength of an Indian Visa. The 30 days duration Permit is issued on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of the passport and visa along with two pass port photos of the applicants are made available. The permissible duration of the stay for foreign tourists is 30 days initially.
The State Government is authorized to extend the same by a further period of 30 days. The extension of the permit can be obtained from FRO at Gangtok and office of Superintendent of Police of the North, West and South Districts.
For those interested in going for trekking in the interior region of the state, the Tourism and Civil Aviation issues Protected Area Permit (PAP) at Gangtok which is available for certain specified area for groups consisting of two or more foreigners subject to condition that the trekking programme is arranged through a registered travel agency.
Foreigners Registration Offices (FRO)
FRO at Gangtok
The FRO is located at Kazi Road, Gangtok
+91 3592 203041
Superintendent of Police of North District
+91 3592 234242
Superintendent of Police of West District
953595 250763
953595 250763
953595 250763
Superintendent of Police of South District
953595 263726
DOs
Always travel with a guide
Vegetation is fragile; follow designated trails
Avoid littering and deposit garbage at designated places
Keep all pollutants away from streams and lakes
Respect local culture by taking permission before taking photographs
Dress modestly. Be aware of the customs and manners and culture of the local people
It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction
DONT's
Don’t disturb wildlife or its habitat
Don’t buy endangered species or antiques
Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly near sacred places