How To Travel Around In Sikkim Using Public Transport?

One of the smallest states in India, Sikkim is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and natural beauties. The most part of the state is covered by the high mountains, natural river streams and beautiful valleys. Due to the relatively lower tourist inflow, Sikkim offers a wide variety of everlasting experiences to its visitors.

Accessibility is an issue to the most parts of Sikkim because of its remote location. High mountains are prone to the landslides, roads washes away during the torrential rains and driving is dangerous due to treacherous terrain. Public transport is available to travel around in Sikkim, but hilly terrains play very crucial role in these journeys.The availability of public transport depends on many things, and it requires a bit of planning and sometimes, advance bookings also.

1. Strategic Importance and Permit Requirements in Sikkim

Sikkim shares international boundaries with three countries, China (Tibet) in North and North East, Bhutan in the East and Nepal in the West. In the South, it shares a boundary with West Bengal. The state is surrounded by the high mountains from three sides, and there lies another country on the other side of the mountains. This makes its position very vulnerable in case of the conflicts and this is why the state has so much strategical importance. The visitors can not roam in all the parts of the state freely without a valid permit.

There are two types of permit:

1. For Foreign Citizens: Foreign citizens (except the citizens of Bhutan) can not enter in any part of Sikkim without having a valid Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in addition to the valid Indian visa. This permit is issued free of cost at many government offices in India and abroad like All Foreigners Registration Offices, All Indian Mission Abroad, MHA in New Delhi, Immigration Offices at the airports in Delhi/Mumbai/Kolkata/Chennai, Sikkim Tourist Department offices in Siliguri/ Kolkata/ Delhi/ Melli/ Rangpo, Resident Commissioner Sikkim House Delhi, Deputy Commissioner Office in Darjeeling etc.

The 30-days duration permit is issued on the spot. The required documents are the copy of passport, visa and two passport size photos. It is possible to extend the stay for 30 more days from Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) at Gangtok (East District) or from the office of Superintendent of Police of the North, West and South Districts. The citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Maymmar and Nigeria will not be issued a Permit without the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.

Note: Foreign citizens are not allowed to travel individually in certain parts of the state, like North Sikkim beyond Mangan, East Sikkim beyond Changu Lake and West Sikkim beyond Yuksom. They are allowed to travel individually on the main tourist places like Gangtok, Ravangla, Namchi, Pelling, Yuksom, etc.

2. For Indian Citizens: Indian citizens are allowed to travel in Sikkim without a permit, but they also need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit many places in the state. While explaining the tourist attractions and transport details district wise (it has only four districts), I will also explain the permit required for Indian Citizens to travel in that district.

2. How To Reach Sikkim?

By Air

There is a small airport at Pakyong in Sikkim that became operational few years ago. The airport is about 30 kms form Gangtok. It started operation with a wide publicity and offered daily flights to Kolkata and Guwahati. However, after one year of operation that was often hampered due to the weather conditions, the airport became non-operational.

As of now, Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri (15 kms) is the nearest airport serving to the state of Sikkim. Bagdogra is about 130 kms away from the capital city Gangtok. It is connected with daily flights to Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati and many other cities in India. Druk Air also operates twice a week flight to Bangkok and Paro. Due to its location near Darjeeling and Sikkim, Bagdogra Airport receives thousands of visitors every year.

Helicopter Service: A daily helicopter service run by the Sikkim Helicopter Service connects Bagdogra to Gangtok. The helicopter can carry eight people at a time on thirty-five minutes long flight from Bagdogra to Gangtok. It departs around 0230 PM from Bagdogra to Gangtok. From Gangtok to Bagdogra, its departure time is around 1100 AM. Prior booking is required for the helicopter. The fare is approx Rs. 3500 per person.

By Train

Sikkim doesn’t have a train network also. The nearest major railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) , about 7 kms from Siliguri. Some trains also pass through Siliguri Railway Station. New Jalpaiguri Railway station is connected with rest of India by long-distance express and superfast trains.


A new railway line is proposed to connect Sevoke Railway Station near Siliguri to Rangpo (38 kms from Gangtok) in Sikkim. However, construction is not yet started.

By Road

Road connection between Sikkim and Rest of India passes thought the highly sensitive Siliguri Corridor, also known as The Chicken’s Neck. Due to its strategic location in the Chicken’s Neck, Siliguri is an important of the region and connects through the rest of India by National Highway 27, a part of the East-West Corridor as well as the Asian Highway 2. The National Highway 10 originated from Siliguri to connect Gangtok. Most of the vehicles for onwards travel to Kurseong, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok etc operate from Siliguri. You may get some vehicles directly from NJP Railway Station, but many times, it’s better to reach Siliguri for onwards travel to Gangtok.

If you look at the above-mentioned ways, then one thing is pretty sure. You have to reach Siliguri in every case. You can consider Siliguri as the gateway to Sikkim. From the airport at Bagdogra, from the railway station at New Jalpaiguri and the highways leading towards Sikkim, all modes of transports bring you to Siliguri only. From Siliguri, you can proceed to any of the four districts in Sikkim. Considering Siliguri as the starting point, this post will explain available modes of transportation for all districts in Sikkim.

3. Public Transport at Bagdogra Airport

Bagdogra Airport has some good options for onwards travel besides the availability of prepaid taxis. After arriving at Bagdogra Airport, just walk out from the terminal building for 50 meters. After crossing the main gate, there is a local taxi stand at Bagdogra Airport. Many shared jeeps are available for Siliguri, Darjeeling, Gangtok etc from that taxi stand. A shared jeep charges Rs. 200 per person to Darjeeling (3 hours journey), Rs. 250 per person to Gangtok (4-5 hours journey) and Rs.100 per person to Siliguri (40 minutes).

If you are fortunate and it suits your status, you can also get an auto rickshaw for Siliguri at much lower prices than the cab. For Siliguri, a reserved auto rickshaw (upto three persons) charges Rs. 200 while a reserved cab charges Rs. 400-500.

If you want to cut the cost further down, then walk for approx 700-800 meters till the main road outside the airport boundary. Many public buses and other vehicles pass through this road. However, there is no designated bus stop, but small vehicles can stop to pick a passenger. If you walk for two kms more to the main market in Bagdogra Town, you can get plenty of affordable options for onward journeys.

The last shared jeep to Darjeeling or Gangtok should be available up to 6-7 PM, but if you don’t get a shared jeep from Bagdogra Airport in the late evening, take a shared or reserved vehicle to Siliguri. From Siliguri, you can get a shared jeep to Gangtok and Darjeeling in the late evening.

4. Public Transport at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Station

Direct shared jeeps to Gangtok and Darjeeling are available from NJP station during the daytime. But after the sunset, it’s difficult to get a shared jeep. In that case, walk outside the NJP station to shared auto stand. From there, you can get a shared auto to Siliguri Railway Station (20 minutes).

Outside Siliguri Railway Station on the main road, you can get a shared jeep to Gangtok and Darjeeling upto 0800 PM at least. After the sunset, shared jeeps to Gangtok are more in numbers than to Darjeeling. If you don’t get a shared jeep to Darjeeling, then get another shared auto to Darjeeling More in Siliguri. From there, you can get a shared jeep to Kurseong, Ghum and Darjeeling upto 0900 PM at least.

5. Public Transport from Siliguri to Darjeeling

Direct shared jeeps from Siliguri to Darjeeling (67 kms) are frequently available in the daytime from Darjeeling Shared Jeep Stand outside Siliguri Railway Station. The journey takes 3 hours and fare is Rs.150-200 per person (depending on the time, but Rs.150 is common). Shared jeep stand in Darjeeling is located in front of Old Super Market, about one km from the Mall Road.

As mentioned above, if you don’t get a shared jeep to Darjeeling after the sunset, then try to get one from Darjeeling More, not far from the railway station (1.5 km). Few buses also run on this route, but their frequency is limited. Bus fare is approx Rs.120 per person.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR): A two feet narrow gauge railway line from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling is the biggest tourist attraction of this region. Along with the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Kalka-Shimla Railway, this is declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site under Mountain Railways Of India.

There is only one train in a day from NJP to Darjeeling. It departs from NJP at 1000 AM and arrives in Darjeeling at 0520 PM with only First Class and AC class coaches. During return journey, the train departs from Darjeeling at 0800 AM and arrives in NJP at 0315 PM. Fare for First Class is Rs.1420 and for AC Class is Rs.1720.

Another train leaves from Kurseong to Darjeeling. It departs from Kurseong at 0630 AM and arrives in Darjeeling at 0905 AM with only First Class and Second class coaches. In return journey, the train departs from Darjeeling at 0400 PM and arrives in Kurseong at 0640 PM. Fare for First Class is Rs.743 and for Second class is Rs.281.

Few Trains operate in a day on Darjeeling-Batasia Loop-Ghum-Darjeeling section as the joyride trains from 0900 AM to 0400 PM. They stop at the famous Batasia Loop for 10 minutes and at Ghum station for 30 minutes. For Diesel Locomotive (up to 3 times in a day), fare is Rs. 1000 and for Steam Locomotive (up to 6 times in a day), fare is Rs. 1600. Frequency of the trains depends on the tourist season.

6. Public Transport from Siliguri to Gangtok

Public buses operate at the frequent internals from SNT Bus Stand in Siliguri to Gangtok (120 kms) starting from 0630 AM to 0300 PM. One bus also operates from Siliguri to Pakyong at 0230 PM.

Direct shared jeeps are available from the early morning to late evening (about 0900s PM) to travel between Siliguri and Gangtok. Shared jeep stand is located near Siliguri Railway Station near SNT Bus Stand. However, the jeep parking is not limited to the stand only. From the bus stand to the bridge over Mahananda River, you may find many jeeps waiting for the passengers. The journey about 5 hours and fare is approx Rs.200 per person. Many shared vehicles also wait for the passengers near Payal Cinema on Sevoke Road.

Although you can get a shared jeep in the late evening from Siliguri to Gangtok, but it is not recommended to travel after the sunset. The hilly terrain and steep valleys make it a rough road to negotiate. There are a lot of bad patches also.

If you get a jeep with West Bengal (WB) number plate from Siliguri, it normally drops you at Deorali Stand in Gangtok, about 2 kms prior to the main market M.G.Road. From Deorali Stand, expect to pay extra Rs.150-200 to reach your hotel or the main market at M.G.Road in Gangtok. If you get a jeep with Sikkim (SK) number plate, it normally drops you near the M.G.Road.

Note :
1. Shared jeeps normally wait for the passengers and move only when they get loaded with ten passengers normally (Two front rows, Four middle rows and Four back rows).

2. You have to place your luggage on the rooftop. During the rains, they cover it by tirpal (Broad plastic sheet).

3. It’s conventional among the people (especially tourists in a group of two or three person) to book all four seats in the middle or in the back rows for a comfortable journey between Siliguri to Gangtok or Siliguri to Darjeeling. However, this practice should be prevented on the other routes connecting the smaller villages/towns where transport options are limited for the general public.

7. Transport Options in Sikkim

Sikkim state is divided in four districts: North Sikkim, East Sikkim, South Sikkim and West Sikkim. Let us see the public transport options district wise:

Travel in South Sikkim

South Sikkim remain the most convenient part of the state, where you can travel freely, easily and without worrying too much about the transport. Namchi is the district headquarter and considered as the main transport hub in the district.

Tourist Attractions: Namchi, Samudraptse (Char Dham replica), Temi Tea Garden, Ravangla (Beautiful Place, Huge Buddha Statue at Tathagata Tsal), Ralang Monastery

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Permit Requirements: Indian citizens don’t require any kind of permit to explore South Sikkim district.

Shared Vehicles from Siliguri to Namchi: Since Namchi is the main transport hub in the district, you should try reaching Namchi first, while travelling in South District. The journey from Siliguri to Namchi (90 kms) can be covered in three hours. Many shared jeeps are available from Siliguri to Namchi via Melli Bazar (Fare Rs.140) in the morning to the late afternoon. Two SNT buses (0800 AM and 0230 PM) as well as few private buses also operate from Siliguri to Namchi. SNT buses are available from SNT bus stand while private buses are available from private bus stand near Siliguri Railway Station.

You can also reach Namchi from Jorethang. There are many shared jeeps available from Jorethang to Namchi ( 21 kms, Fare Rs.35) throughout the day.

Shared Vehicles from Siliguri to Ravangla:
 A bus departs from Siliguri at 0100 PM to Ravangla via Namchi. It reaches Ravangla at 0730 PM. There are few direct shared jeeps in a day upto 0230 PM. But instead of waiting for a direct vehicle at Siliguri, it’s better to get a shared jeep/bus to Namchi (as described above) or Singhtam (102 kms, at Siliguri-Gangtok Road). From Singhtam, you can get a shared jeep to Ravangla upto 0330 PM. Road conditions from Singhtam to Ravangla (40 kms, 2 hours, Fare Rs.60) are not good, but vehicles are more frequent. Road conditions from Namchi to Ravangla (26 kms) are not so good also. From Namchi, you can get a shared jeep in the afternoon (upto 0300 PM) for Ravangla. These jeeps basically start from Ravangla to Namchi in the morning and return in the afternoon.

Shared Vehicles from Gangtok to Ravangala:
 Shared jeeps are available from Gangtok to Ravangla at frequent intervals in the morning from 0630 AM to 1000 AM and then in the afternoon from 1230 PM to 0230 PM. From Gangtok to Ravangla, approx 70 kms of journey (Fare Rs. 100) takes about 4 hours. A public bus also operates form Gangtok to Ravangla. If you don’t get a direct vehicle, then you can take a shared jeep to Singhtam (27 kms, Fare Rs. 30) on Siliguri Road. From Singhtam, you can get another shared jeep as described above.

South Sikkim by Private Vehicle/Bike: It’s possible to travel in South Sikkim by a private car (registered in any state) or a bike. No special permit is required for that.

Travel in West Sikkim

West Sikkim is the most popular among the adventure lovers. Gyalshing (Geyzing) is the district headquarter and main transport hub in the district.

Tourist Attractions: Kirateshwar Mahadev temple near Legship, Pelling (Beautiful Hill Station), Darap (Scenic Village), Rimbi Waterfall, Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga Falls, Tashiding (Monastery), Yuksom (First capital of Sikkim and base camp for the prominent treks like Goecha La Trek, Dzongri La Trek etc).

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year. However, this area receives excessive torrential rains during the monsoon. Landslides and road-blockages are extremely common. Better to avoid Pelling during the Durga Puja vacations due to heavy tourist rush.

Permit Requirements: Indian citizens don’t require any kind of permit to visit West Sikkim district. You can freely travel to Pelling, Darap, Yuksom, Tashiding etc without a permit. For Dzongri La/Goecha La/SingaliLa Treks, a separate permit is required. The permit can be arranged from Tourism Department Office at Yuksom. It’s situated on the entry point to Dzongri La Trek.

Shared Vehicles from Siliguri To Pelling/Yuksom: To reach Pelling or Yuksom in West Sikkim by public transport, you have to follow two steps: In first step, you are supposed to reach Geyzing and then in the subsequent step, you can reach Pelling/Yuksom after getting another transport from Geyzing.

There may be two direct jeeps from Siliguri to Pelling on the daily basis. The first one normally starts in the morning at 0600 AM and second one in the afternoon about 1230 PM (upto Yuksom).

A bus service is also operated by Sikkim National Transport (SNT) from Siliguri to Pelling (130 kms). The bus leaves from SNT bus stand in Siliguri at 1030 AM and reach Pelling in the evening due to the bad condition of the road. The bus departs from Pelling at 0730 AM to Siliguri. (Please check the schedule from SNT before your departure).

The direct services are highly unreliable and required advanced booking in case of the shared jeeps. Rather than waiting for a direct jeep/bus, it’s better to reach Jorethang as early as possible from Siliguri. From Jorethang, one can easily travel to Geyzing/Pelling or Yuksom.

a) Follow Siliguri-Darjeeling-Jorethang-Geyzing Route: Get a shared jeep from Siliguri to Darjeeling as described above. From Darjeeling, you can get a shared jeep to Pelling directly. But there are only 2-3 jeeps directly to Geyzing or Pelling and last jeep departs by 0900 AM at the most.

If a direct jeep to Pelling is unavailable, then try to get a shared jeep to Jorethang. The journey from Darjeeling to Jorethang takes about one and half hour (Fare Rs.120) . Shared jeeps are available from sunrise to sunset at the frequent intervals, but it is unadvisable to travel on this road after the sunset. The road conditions are very bad for apporx 20 kms, but this journey takes you through the famed tea estates of Darjeeling. The view is very scenic on this route. The last jeep from Jorethang to Geyzing departs at 0300 PM apporx.

b) Follow Siliguri-Teesta Bazar-Melli Bazar-Jorethang-Geyzing Route: This one is better than Darjeeling Route. Shared jeeps from Siliguri to Jorethang (82 kms, Fare Rs.124) operate via Teesta Bazar, Melli Bazar on Siliguri-Gangtok Road. The last jeep from Siliguri to Jorethang departs at 0300 PM approx.

A bus service is also available from Siliguri to Jorethang. The bus leaves from SNT bus stand in Siliguri at 0200 PM and reach Jorethang in the evening. The bus departs from Jorethang at 0930 AM to Siliguri. (Please check the schedule from SNT before your departure).

Shared Vehicles from Jorethang to Geyzing/Pelling/Yuksom/Tashiding: Jeep stand in Jorethang is a multi-level parking. Shared jeeps to the different places leave from the different level of this parking stand. From Jorethang, direct jeeps (only 3-4 in a day) are available for Peling (Fare Rs.100) and Yuksom (via Tashiding, Fare Rs.170, via Gyalshing/Geyzing, Fare Rs.150). These jeeps bascially arrive at Jorethang from Peling and Yuksom in the morning and return in the afternoon (about 0100 PM).

Direct shared jeeps may be unavailable in the morning. If a shared jeep is unavailable, then it’s better to catch a jeep upto Geyzing (Fare Rs.80). Jeep for Geyzing is available since the morning. The last jeep from Jorethang to Geyzing departs at 0300 PM apporx.

Shared Vehicles from Geyzing to Pelling/Yuksom/Tashiding: If you don’t get a direct jeep to Pelling or Yuksom from Jorethang or Gangtok then it’s better to reach Geyzing for onward travel. From Geyzing, shared jeep to Pelling are available from morning till 0400 PM approx. Shared jeeps from Geyzing to Yuksom (Fare Rs. 100) moves only between 0100 PM to 0200 PM. No jeep from Geyzing to Yuksom is available before 0100 PM and not after 0300 PM at the most. Basically, the local people comes from Yuksom to Geyzing Market in the morning, and after completing shopping and other works in Geyzing, they return to Yuksom in the afternoon. Similarly, for Tashiding, you can get few jeeps in the afternoon from Geyzing.

Shared Vehicles from Pelling to Yuksom, Darap and Other Villages :Yuksom is connected to Geyzing or Jorethang by two routes. One is via Pelling, and other one is via Tashiding. Shared jeep from Jorethang to Yuksom typically operates on Tashiding route. Shared jeeps from Geyzing to Yuksom operate on Pelling route. So, any vehicle moving from Geyzing to Yuksom or vice versa passes through Pelling town, unless that followed Tashiding-Legship route. But, it rarely happens that you get a seat on the jeep going to Yuksom from Pelling Town.

Pelling is a popular destination among the tourist, but it is not a transport hub. The transport hub is at Geyzing, only 10 kms away. Most of the time jeep departs from Geyzing with full capacity and doesn’t pick a passenger at Pelling. It’s better to reserve a seat in advance through your hotel in Pelling, and you have to pay full fare from Geyzing to Yuksom (Rs.100). If you can’t reserve a seat, then first get jeep to Geyzing (Fare Rs.50) and from there get another jeep to Yuksom as described above. Similarly, if you wish to visit Darap, Uttarey etc, then you should go to Geyzing to get a shared jeep.

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A post shared by Solo Backpacker (@solobackpacker) on Nov 28, 2018 at 2:16am PST

Legship Village Intersection: Legship is an intersection lies on the main routes from Jorethang to Pelling, Jorethang to Tashiding and Ravangla to Geyzing. You can change jeeps here from one direction to another. For example, if you want to go to Ravangla from Pelling, you can come to Legship by a jeep and then get another jeep from Legship to Ravangla.

Similarly, if you want to go to Tashiding from Ravangla, then you can come to Legship first and then from there, you can get another jeep to Tashiding. Legship is also famous for Kirateshawar Mahadev Temple on the bank of Rangit River.

Shared Vehicles from Gangtok to Geyzing/Pelling/Yuksom: Direct shared jeeps are available from Gangtok to Geyzing, Pelling and Yuksom in the morning. Depending on the season, there may be 5-6 jeeps in the morning (0630 AM to 0830 AM) and 5-6 jeeps in the afternoon (1200 PM to 0200 PM). In Gangtok, the shared jeeps are available from West Sikkim Taxi/Jeep Stand near Domino’s/Police Headquarters in the vicinity of M.G.Road Market. It’s advisable to check the timings and book your seats one day prior to your departure. The jeep to Yuksom does not follow the route via Pelling, but before Legship it turns to Yuksom via Tashiding. If direct jeep is unavailable from Gangtok to Yuksom then you can get a jeep to Geyzing and continue your onward journey from Geyzing.

In case you want to visit Ravangla before going to Pelling/Yuksom, then you can follow Gangtok-Singtham-Ravangla-Legship-Geyzing route. From Ravangla, there is no shared jeep to Yuksom or Pelling. But you can reach there after changing jeeps at Legship and Geyzing. From Legship, you can get a jeep in the afternoon (about 3-4 PM) to Yuksom. These jeeps are basically coming from Jorethang and proceeding to Yuksom via Tashiding. But, the problem is you may not get a seat in the jeeps, if they are full.

West Sikkim by Private Vehicle/Bike: It’s possible to travel in West Sikkim by a private car (registered in any state) or a bike. No special permit is required for that.

Travel in East Sikkim

Most part of East Sikkim is conveniently accessible. The state capital Gangtok is the district headquarter and considered as the main transport hub in the district. Pakyong airport is also situated in the East Sikkim district.

Tourist Attractions: Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery, Changu Lake (Tsomgo Lake), Nathu La and Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Best Time to Visit: Gangtok is accessible throughout the year. Nathu La and Changu Lake receive heavy snowfall in the winter season. Landslides are common during the monsoon. The government doesn’t issue permit during the bad weather conditions. Mid-March to Mid-June and September to November is the best time to visit Changu Lake and Nathu La.

Permit Requirements: Indian citizens don’t require any kind of permit to travel Gangtok and around. But, a permit is required to visit Changu Lake (Tsomgo Lake), Nathu La and Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. Foreign visitors are strictly prohibited beyond Changu Lake. Nathu La is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Changu Lake and Baba Mandir are open on all the days.

Shared Vehicles from Siliguri to Gangtok: Gangtok is easily accessible from Siliguri and Darjeeling as described already in this post.

How to Reach Rumtek Monstery from Gangtok? Shared jeeps are available from Gangtok to Rumtek Monastery (One Hour, Fare Rs.50) till 0300 PM. The jeep stand in Gangtok is near the Domino’s/Police Headquarters in the vicinity of M.G.Road Market. While returning to Gangtok, a shared jeep may not be available after 1200 PM, so plan accordingly. We booked a small alto car with two other passengers to reach Gangtok (Fare Rs.100 per person) from Rumtek at 0100 PM.

Shared Vehicles from West Sikkim and South Sikkim to Gangtok: From most of the places like Yuksom, Pelling, Tashiding, Ravangla, Namchi; one or two shared jeeps definitely proceed for Gangtok. From the transport hubs like Geyzing and Namchi, you can get a shared jeep upto 0200 PM. A bus service is also available from Geyzing, Namchi and Ravangla to Gangtok.

How to visit Changu Lake, Nathu La and Baba Temple from Gangtok? It is very difficult to reach Nathu La pass by shared vehicle unless you are on a shared group tour package offered by many tour operators in Gangtok. The tour packages typically cost Rs.800 – Rs.1200 depends on the bargaining. I will explain permit part later in this post.

East Sikkim by Private Vehicle/Bike: It’s possible to travel in East Sikkim by a private car (registered in any state) or a bike. But a permit is required for that.

Travel in North Sikkim

It is the most remote area of Sikkim. Mangan is the district headquarter of North Sikkim.

Tourist Attractions: Thangu Valley, Gurudongmar Lake (5425 meters), Lachen, Lachung, Katao, Yumthang Valley (3564 meters),  Yumesamdong (Zero Point, 4664 meters)

Best Time to Visit: North Sikkim is in a high altitude zone and receives heavy snowfall in the winter season. Weather condition is harsh during the winter. Due to the heavy torrential rains in the monsoon season, Landslides are frequent and road-blockages are very common. The government doesn’t issue permit during the bad weather conditions. Best time to visit North Sikkim is from last week of March to first week of June and then from the first week of October to second week of December.

Please make sure you are in excellent health and equipped with adequate warm clothes. Avoid going with small children below 5 years of age, because they can’t express their problems correctly. Similarly, if you are in higher age group and your fitness doesn’t allow, then better not to go in this area.

Permit Requirements Indian citizens don’t require any kind of permit to travel upto Mangan. From Singhik checkpost, just beyond Mangan, no one is allowed to travel further without a valid permit. Foreign citizens are not allowed to visit Gurudongmar Lake, but they can visit Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.

How to Visit North Sikkim from Gangtok? You can get a shared jeep from Gangtok to Mangan. A public bus also operates from Siliguri to Mangan directly. The bus departs from SNT stand at 1100 AM to Mangan. In the return journey, it departs from 0700 AM from Mangan to Siliguri. But there is no fun to travel upto Mangan only. If you travel independently and reach Mangan, it is very difficult to travel beyond. On a lucky day, you may get a shared vehicle to Lachen or upto Lachung also but no shared vehicle is available for further journey to Gurudongmar Lake (from Lachen) or Yumthang Valley (from Lachung). That is why you need a shared tour package to travel in North Sikkim.

North Sikkim by Private Vehicle/Bike: It’s possible to travel in North Sikkim by a private car (registered in any state). But a permit is required for that. The four wheelers should be four wheel drive or SUV. The vehicle must be registered in your own name.

8. How to Get Permit For East Sikkim and North Sikkim?

The protected area permit to travel in North Sikkim and East Sikkim is available from the Sikkim Tourism Permit Office located near MG Marg (Mall Road) at the Sikkim Public Service Commission Building. You can NOT get this permit ONLINE. It is possible to get a permit by yourself or through a tour operator. Permit is normally valid for a week in case of North Sikkim.

There are basically two permits (Tourism/Police Department and Army Permit) in case of East Sikkim and one permit (Tourism/Police Department) in case of North Sikkim. Both permits are available at the same building in Gangtok. Since Nathu La is a border area protected by the Indian Army, you need an Army permit for that. If you don’t have an army permit for Nathu La, but received a permit from Tourism/Police Department, then still you can visit Changu La and Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. That is why Changu Lake and Baba Temple is open for the visitors throughout the week, while Nathu La is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Required Documents:
a) Copy of Photo ID Proof ( Preferably Passport or Voter ID, May also accept Driving License or Aadhar Card; PAN card is strictly NOT acceptable).
b) Two passport-sized photographs

Note: 1. If you want to apply for both East Sikkim and North Sikkim, then you have to submit separate set of documents for each permit.

2. No separate permit is required for the children below 4 years of age. Official version says that children below 4 years of age should not go to the high altitude areas for the purpose of tourism. However, many people accompany their children with them.

Similarly, there is no restriction on upper age limit. But due to the paucity of oxygen, the people with respiratory problems or over 60 years of age should avoid traveling to Gurudongmar Lake or Yumthang Valley. At last, it depends on your fitness level.

Timings: Application should be submitted between 1000 AM to 0200 PM. You will get permit the next day from 0500 AM to 0800 AM. Travel agents are capable to submit application in the evening also. Issuing of permit is subjected to the weather and road conditions also.

Permit Fee: Ideally, the permit is free of cost for North Sikkim. Form cost is Rs. 10. But you may have to pay Rs. 20 for the permit, if you apply by yourself. For East Sikkim, permit cost is Rs. 200.

Should you apply by yourself or through a travel operator? It’s better to apply though a travel agent or a driver based in Gangtok. It saves one day of waiting time in Gangtok. You can send your documents through the e-mail or submit one day prior to your departure to any local tour operator. They will get you a permit on the next day morning. It also saves the time and effort while going to apply for the permit and then again to collect the permit.

Note: You have to submit a copy of your permit at each check-post. Therefore, take multiple photocopies (4 copies for Nathu La trip, 7-8 copies for North Sikkim trip) with you.

9. Shared Tour Packages For East Sikkim and North Sikkim

If you want to visit North Sikkim (Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung, Yumthang Valley) or East Sikkim (Changu Lake, Nathu La and Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple), then the most attractive option is a shared group tour offered by many tour operators in Gangtok. Once you arrived in Gangtok, you don’t need to search for the tour packages. There are many tour operators scattered all around in Gangtok, who offer this package. You can also check with the driver of shared jeeps. They also arrange the required permit as well as this tour package.

Shared Tour Packages For East Sikkim

Places Covered: Kyongnosla Waterfall, Changu Lake (3753 meters), Changu Lake Ropeway (4420 meters), Nathu La (4310 meters), Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. These places are situated at high altitude. Make sure you wear warm clothes and waterproof shoes to avoid any misadventure during the rain or the snow.

Duration: One Day starting at 0800 AM from Gangtok and returning at 0500 PM to Gangtok.

Typical Itinerary: Departure from Gangtok by 0800 AM. Stop at Kyongnosla Waterfall. Then straight to Nathu La and Baba Temple. Stop at Changu Lake and Changu Ropway during return journey.

Package Cost: Rs.700 – Rs.1000 per person depending on the bargaining. If you want to visit only Changu Lake, then it may cost you Rs. 400 – Rs. 500 including permit. Full charge is applicable for the children older than 4 years.

Package Includes: Permit, Shared jeep (10 person in a jeep; 2 front rows, 4 middle rows and 4 back rows) to Nathu La in the morning and back to Gangtok in the evening. You can choose seats as per your convenience, but at the time of booking only. Pick up point is Shared Jeep Stand near Domino’s. If your hotel is located on the way, then they may collect you from the main road.

Exclusively Hired Vehicle Cost: Rs.4000 – Rs.5000 for an exclusive vehicle.

Shared Tour Packages For North Sikkim

Places Covered: Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung, Yumthang Valley. These places are situated at high altitude. Make sure you wear warm clothes and waterproof shoes to avoid any misadventure during the rain or the snow.

Duration: Three Days and Two Nights

Typical Itinerary:
Day One: Gangtok to Lachen (125 kms, 8 hours) via Mangan, Chungthang. Night stay at Lachen.

Day Two: Early morning departure (3-4 AM) to Gurudongmar Lake via Thangu Valley. Return to Lachen by 0200 PM. Lunch at Lachen, next proceed to Lachung. Night stay at Lachung.

Day Three: Morning departure ( 0600 AM) to Yumthang Valley (25 kms, 90 Minutes). Zero Point (Yumesamdong) is again 25 kms from Yumthang Valley. Back to Lachung. Lunch at Lachung. Then proceed to Gangtok. Arrival in Gangtok by 6-7 PM.

Package Cost: Rs.2500 – Rs.3500 per person depending on the bargaining. Full charge is applicable for the children older than 4 years.

Package Includes: Permit, Shared jeep (10 person in a jeep; 2 front rows, 4 middle rows and 4 back rows) to North Sikkim and back to Gangtok. One night stay at Lachen and One night stay at Lachung. Accommodation is like a single room for a family of two or three. If you are alone, you normally get a separate room. It’s not like you are forced to share a room with the strangers, unless there is really huge rush. Meals are included. You can choose seats as per your convenience, but at the time of booking only. Pick up point is Shared Jeep Stand near Domino’s. If you don’t have much luggage and your hotel is on the way, then they may pick you from the main road.

Note: 1. If you are running short of time, you may also choose for only one night package. That package excluded either Gurudongmar Lake or Yumthang Valley as per your choice.

2. Some tour operators may misguide you by saying that Katao is Zero Point. But Zero Point (Yumesamdong) is beyond Yumthang Valley.

Exclusively Hired Vehicle Cost: Rs. 18,000 approx (Permit charges, hotels and meals charges are not included). Most of the hotels/homestays are booked for the shared group tour, therefore make sure you have the arrangement for night stay before your departure.

Quality of Shared Tour Operators: If you book a package from the tour operator based in Gangtok, you should not worry about the quality of tour operator or your itinerary. The hotels are extremely basic in nature at Lachen and Lachung. All of the tour operators normally follow the same itinerary, and use same type of vehicles. You can choose any of them who suits your budget and timings

If you book a package from anywhere else in India, then you should be careful with the tour operators. Ultimately, they sublet your booking to a Gangtok based tour operators. Some tour operators may try to mislead you by saying that a particular place is closed, permit not available or the road is closed etc at the time of the actual journey.

Is it Possible to do North Sikkim Without a Package? Absolutely possible but not advisable. First, You have to run around for the permit. Next, you have to run around for a seat in the shared jeeps. If you manage to reach Lachen or Lachung anyhow, then again you have to struggle for a shared vehicle to Gurudongmar Lake or Yumthang Valley, and getting one is extremely difficult, if not impossible. You may need one or two extra days. All the efforts will ultimately save you few hundred rupees only.

Therefore, it’s better to opt for a shared group tour for the peace of mind, and a hassle free journey. If you want to spend more days in North Sikkim (permit is valid for 7 days), then also you should opt for a shared package. Once you return to Lachung from Yumthang Valley on the third day, then you can make your own arrangements to stay longer in Lachung and Lachen. This way, you will be able to visit Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley on a tour package and then you can spend few more days in the area. However, you have to spend few bucks more to travel from Lachung or Lachen to Gangtok at the end of your journey.

Permit For The Private Car/Bike

From the same permit office, you can obtain a permit for your vehicle. The vehicle permit means you are automatically securing the permit for yourself. Therefore, the charges are same (North Sikkim, Rs 20 and East Sikkim, Rs. 200). You need following documents to get a permit:

1. Copy of Photo ID Card
2. Copy of Driving License
3. Two passport-sized photos
4. Copy of Registration Certificate
5. Copy of Insurance
6. Copy of Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate.

If you have a rental vehicle or vehicle is not registered in your own name, then an authorisation is required from the rental company or the owner and should be certified by the RTO, where the vehicle is registered.

Application should be submitted between 1000 AM to 0200 PM. You will get permit on the next day.

It’s relatively straightforward to arrange the vehicle permit at Mangan rather than in Gangtok. You may receive a permit from District Administrative Centre on the same day at Mangan.

Important Point: While planning a trip to Sikkim using public transport, and using google maps for the idea of distance and time between the two destinations, always consider the average speed of the shared jeep as 20 km per hour. It provides you an exact idea of time required to travel between two places. Moreover, at some places, you are supposed to wait for extra 1-2 hours, because the shared jeeps don’t move unless they get the booking for all 10 seats. The system of public transportation is a bit complicated in this hilly state, but with proper planning, you can travel all around in Sikkim at lower cost.