Sikkim · Trip planning
Sikkim homestays and permits: what to know before you go
Village homestays from Pelling's ridge to the valleys of the north, and the permits some of them need. A practical primer for planning.
By TripToPahar Editorial TeamLast updated 6 min read
Indian citizens need no special permit for most of Sikkim, including Gangtok, Pelling, Ravangla and Yuksom. North Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula and the Old Silk Route need a Protected Area Permit. Foreign nationals need a permit to enter Sikkim at all. Rules change, so confirm with Sikkim Tourism or your host.
Which Sikkim areas need a permit?
Sikkim borders Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, and parts of it are protected areas. The rules change from time to time. Treat this as an outline. Confirm the current position with Sikkim Tourism or your host before you travel.
| Area | Indian citizens | Foreign nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Gangtok, Pelling, Ravangla, Namchi, Yuksom | No special permit | Inner Line Permit (Restricted Area Permit) to enter Sikkim |
| North Sikkim: Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang, Gurudongmar | Protected Area Permit, usually through a registered operator | Restricted; some places only in groups through an operator, some closed |
| Tsomgo Lake and Nathula | Permit through a registered operator | Tsomgo with a permit; Nathula is not open to foreign nationals |
| Old Silk Route: Zuluk, Gnathang | Permit, usually arranged from Rongli or by your host | Restricted; check before planning |
Carry ID and a few passport-size photographs: they are needed for most permit applications.
What is West Sikkim like?
Pelling faces Kanchenjunga across the valley, with Pemayangtse monastery, the Rabdentse ruins and the skywalk at Chenrezig nearby. Homestays on the ridge look straight at the peaks. Yuksom, Sikkim’s first capital, is the starting point of the Goecha La and Dzongri treks. It is a quiet place to spend a couple of nights before or after. The villages around Soreng, including Rinchenpong and Okhrey, add more homestay options in the west.
What is South Sikkim like?
Ravangla is a quiet hill town known for the Buddha Park. Temi, the only tea estate in Sikkim, is nearby. Namchi has Char Dham and the Samdruptse statue. Both are easy to reach and need no special permit for Indian citizens.
Where should you stay near Gangtok?
Gangtok is the capital and the usual base for day trips to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula. Homestays on the edges of the city are quieter than the hotels on MG Marg. So are those in Rumtek, across the valley.
How do you visit Lachung and Lachen?
Lachung is a village of wooden houses in a deep valley. It is the base for the Yumthang valley of flowers and Zero Point. Lachen is the base for Gurudongmar Lake. Both need permits. Visits are usually arranged as a package with a registered operator. The operator handles the permit, the vehicle and often the stay. North Sikkim gets heavy snow in winter. Roads are prone to landslides in the monsoon. Keep spare days in your plan.
What is the Old Silk Route and Zuluk?
Zuluk is a hamlet on the old trade route to Tibet. It is famous for its road of dozens of hairpin bends. Thambi viewpoint has a sunrise over Kanchenjunga. Homestays here are simple and the nights are cold at any time of year. Permits are usually arranged from Rongli, the starting point of the route. The route can also be joined from Kalimpong’s Pedong and Sillery Gaon.
When is the best time to go?
March to May for flowers and clear days, October to December for the clearest mountain views. See the month-by-month guide for the whole region.
At altitude, take it slowly. Places like Gurudongmar and the high Silk Route are well above 4,000 m. Spend a night at a middle altitude on the way up. Drink plenty of water. Turn back if you feel unwell.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to visit Sikkim?
Indian citizens can visit most of Sikkim without a special permit. This includes Gangtok, Pelling, Ravangla and Yuksom. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit to enter. Some areas need a Protected Area Permit for everyone. Rules change, so check Sikkim Tourism before you travel.
Which parts of Sikkim need a Protected Area Permit?
North Sikkim, including Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang and Gurudongmar, needs one. So do Tsomgo Lake, Nathula and the Old Silk Route around Zuluk. A registered tour operator or your host usually arranges it. Carry ID and passport-size photographs for the application.
What is the best time to visit Sikkim?
March to May is the season for flowers and clear days. October to December gives the clearest mountain views. North Sikkim gets heavy snow in winter, and high roads can close. Landslides affect roads in the monsoon, so keep spare days.
How do I get to Sikkim from Siliguri?
Fly to Bagdogra or Pakyong, or take a train to NJP. Then it is about 4 hours by road to Gangtok. The road follows the Teesta and enters Sikkim at Rangpo. Foreign nationals need a permit before they enter the state.
Sources and further reading
- Sikkim Tourism: official travel and permit information
- Pelling (Wikipedia)
- Zuluk (Wikipedia)
- Sikkim (Wikipedia)
- India Meteorological Department: weather forecasts
Rules, fees and timings change. Check these official pages before you travel.
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