How early should I apply for Northeast India travel permits?

For Indian citizens, apply at least 5-7 days before travel. For foreign nationals, apply 3-4 weeks in advance as PAP processing takes longer and requires additional verifications.

Can I extend my Inner Line Permit while traveling?

Yes! ILP can be extended at the district headquarters of the state you're visiting. Extensions are usually granted for valid reasons.

What happens if I travel without a permit in Northeast India?

Traveling without required permits is a serious offense. You can be detained, fined heavily, and deported from the protected area. There are checkpoints at all entry points.

Do children need separate permits for Northeast India?

Yes, everyone including children requires their own permit. For minors, the parent/guardian's details are included in the application along with the child's identity proof.

Can foreign nationals visit Arunachal Pradesh solo?

No, foreign nationals must travel in groups of minimum 2 people and must book through a registered tour operator. This is a government requirement for Protected Area Permits.

Which Northeast Indian states require travel permits?

Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur require Inner Line Permits (ILP) for Indian citizens. Meghalaya, Assam, and Tripura do not require permits. Sikkim requires permits only for restricted areas like Nathula Pass.

Do I need permit for Gangtok?

No, Gangtok and most general tourist areas in Sikkim do not require any permit for Indians or foreigners. You can freely visit Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi, Ravangla, and similar areas.

How to get Nathula Pass permit?

Nathula permit must be obtained through a registered travel agent in Gangtok. Provide 2 photos and ID proof. Open only Wednesday to Sunday. INDIANS ONLY - foreigners are not allowed.

Can foreigners visit Nathula Pass?

No, Nathula Pass is strictly restricted for foreigners. Only Indian citizens can visit Nathula Pass. Foreigners can visit Tsomgo Lake but not proceed to Nathula.

Sikkim Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required for visiting protected/restricted areas like Nathula, North Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake. It's obtained through travel agents, not directly by tourists.

Can foreigners visit Gurudongmar Lake?

Foreigners are allowed only till Thangu village. They cannot proceed to Gurudongmar Lake due to its proximity to the China border. Only Indian citizens can visit Gurudongmar Lake.

How much does Sikkim permit cost?

General areas: Free. Protected areas: ₹200-500 through travel agent (often included in tour package). The permit fee varies by destination and agent.

How to get North Sikkim permit?

North Sikkim permit (for Lachung, Yumthang, Lachen, Gurudongmar) must be obtained through a registered travel agent. Provide ID proof and photos. Processing takes 1 day.

Is Tsomgo Lake permit available on the spot?

Yes, for Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir, your vehicle driver can get permit at the police check post. Carry original ID proof. Most convenient option.

When is Nathula Pass open?

Nathula Pass is open Wednesday to Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday. It may also close during heavy snowfall (December-February) or for security reasons.

Do I need ILP for Sikkim?

No, Sikkim does not require Inner Line Permit (ILP). It requires Protected Area Permit (PAP) only for specific restricted areas. General areas are permit-free.

Updated 2025 • Nathula & North Sikkim Guide

Sikkim
Protected Area Permit Guide

Complete Guide to Protected Area Permits for the Land of Kangchenjunga. General areas: No permit. Nathula, North Sikkim & Gurudongmar require PAP.

Sikkim Tourism Portal Get Help on WhatsApp

General Areas: No Permit!

Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi, Ravangla, Yuksom - Open to all tourists without any permit. Just book and visit!

Nathula: Indians Only!

Nathula Pass and Gurudongmar Lake are strictly restricted for foreigners. Only Indian citizens can visit these locations.

Sikkim Permit Zones

Understanding which areas need permits and who can visit

General Areas (No Permit)

No Permit

GangtokPellingRavanglaNamchiYuksomLachung

IndiansForeigners

Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir

PAP Required

Tsomgo Lake (Changu)Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir

IndiansForeigners

Permit at Police Check Post or through agent

Nathula Pass

PAP Required

Nathula Pass (Indo-China Border)

IndiansForeigners

INDIANS ONLY. Open Wed-Sun. Closed Mon-Tue.

North Sikkim

PAP Required

LachungYumthang ValleyZero PointLachenGurudongmar Lake

IndiansForeigners

Foreigners allowed only till Thangu (not Gurudongmar)

How to Get Sikkim Permits

Through Registered Travel Agent (Recommended)

Recommended

Book through a Sikkim Tourism registered travel agent
Provide: 2 passport photos, ID proof copy, vehicle details
Agent applies on your behalf
Permit issued within 1 day
Agent handles all paperwork

Cost: ₹200-500 (included in tour package usually)

At Police Check Post (Tsomgo/Baba Mandir only)

Limited Areas

Reach Gangtok and hire a vehicle
Driver applies for permit at check post
Carry original ID proof
Permit issued on the spot

Only for Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir route

Popular Destinations in Sikkim

Gangtok

Free

State capital, MG Marg, Rumtek Monastery

Foreigners

1,650mMar-Jun, Sep-Dec

Tsomgo Lake

PAP

Sacred glacial lake, yak rides

Foreigners

3,753mMar-Jun, Oct-Dec

Nathula Pass

PAP

Indo-China border, historic Silk Route

Foreigners

4,310mMar-Jun, Sep-Nov

Yumthang Valley

PAP

Valley of Flowers, hot springs

Foreigners

3,564mMar-Jun

Gurudongmar Lake

PAP

One of highest lakes, sacred

Foreigners

5,183mMar-Jun, Oct-Nov

Pelling

Free

Kanchenjunga views, monasteries

Foreigners

2,150mMar-Jun, Sep-Dec

Zero Point

PAP

Highest point tourists can visit

Foreigners

4,572mMar-May

Lachung

PAP

Gateway to Yumthang, scenic village

Foreigners

2,700mMar-Jun, Sep-Dec

Important Tips

Book Through Agent

All protected area permits must go through registered travel agents. You cannot apply directly.

Nathula: Indians Only

Nathula Pass is strictly for Indian citizens. Foreigners cannot visit under any circumstances.

Carry Original ID

Original photo ID is mandatory at all checkpoints. No photocopies accepted.

Check Weather

High altitude areas may be closed due to snow in winter (Dec-Feb). Check conditions before booking.

Acclimatize

Gurudongmar (5,183m) and Nathula (4,310m) are high altitude. Acclimatize in Gangtok first.

Book in Advance

Peak season (Oct-Nov, Mar-May) sees high demand. Book permits 2-3 days in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help with Sikkim Permits?

Our team can arrange Nathula, North Sikkim, and Gurudongmar permits through registered agents. Complete Sikkim tour packages available!

Get Help on WhatsApp

Sikkim
Protected Area Permit Guide

General Areas: No Permit!

Nathula: Indians Only!

Sikkim Permit Zones

General Areas (No Permit)

Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir

Nathula Pass

North Sikkim

How to Get Sikkim Permits

Through Registered Travel Agent (Recommended)

At Police Check Post (Tsomgo/Baba Mandir only)

Popular Destinations in Sikkim

Gangtok

Tsomgo Lake

Nathula Pass

Yumthang Valley

Gurudongmar Lake

Pelling

Zero Point

Lachung

Important Tips

Book Through Agent

Nathula: Indians Only

Carry Original ID

Check Weather

Acclimatize

Book in Advance

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help with Sikkim Permits?

Explore Other State Permits

Arunachal Pradesh ILP

Nagaland ILP

Mizoram ILP

Manipur ILP

Get in touch

SikkimProtected Area Permit Guide

General Areas: No Permit!

Nathula: Indians Only!

Sikkim Permit Zones

General Areas (No Permit)

Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir

Nathula Pass

North Sikkim

How to Get Sikkim Permits

Through Registered Travel Agent (Recommended)

At Police Check Post (Tsomgo/Baba Mandir only)

Popular Destinations in Sikkim

Gangtok

Tsomgo Lake

Nathula Pass

Yumthang Valley

Gurudongmar Lake

Pelling

Zero Point

Lachung

Important Tips

Book Through Agent

Nathula: Indians Only

Carry Original ID

Check Weather

Acclimatize

Book in Advance

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help with Sikkim Permits?

Explore Other State Permits

Arunachal Pradesh ILP

Nagaland ILP

Mizoram ILP

Manipur ILP

Sikkim
Protected Area Permit Guide