Trip tool 03
Permits, land by land
Rules change, sometimes mid-season. We apply for the permits a registered agent can arrange and confirm the rest when we quote. Check current status before you travel.
Darjeeling Hills
Indian nationals need no permit for the Darjeeling hills. Foreign nationals also need no special permit for Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik or the villages, but must carry a passport and visa, which hotels record. For Sandakphu and Phalut, everyone pays Singalila National Park entry at Manebhanjan and must hire a licensed guide; the trail runs along the Nepal border, so carry photo ID. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, around Tiger Hill and Chatakpur, may charge small entry and vehicle fees. Onward travel to Sikkim needs a free Restricted Area Permit for foreigners. Check current status before you travel.
Kalimpong and Neora
Indian citizens need no permit for Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon, Rishyap, Pedong or the villages. Foreign nationals also need no special permit for Kalimpong district. Neora Valley National Park needs a day-entry permit from the forest range office at Lava, with a vehicle fee and a guide; the park is closed in the monsoon, usually from 16 June to 15 September. The Silk Route beyond Pedong enters East Sikkim, where Zuluk and the Old Silk Route need a permit arranged through a registered Sikkim operator, and foreigners are generally not allowed. Check current status before you travel.
Gangtok and East Sikkim
Indian nationals need no permit to enter Sikkim but need a Protected Area Permit, arranged by a registered Gangtok agent with photos and ID, for Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La and the Silk Route beyond Rongli. Nathu La is open to Indians only, Wednesday to Sunday. Foreign nationals need a free Restricted Area Permit (Inner Line Permit) to enter Sikkim, available online and at Rangpo; they can visit Tsomgo on a day permit in a group, but not Nathu La or Zuluk. Sikkim also charges a ₹50 tourist fee at hotel check-in. Check current status before you travel.
North Sikkim
Indian citizens need a Protected Area Permit for Lachung, Yumthang, Zero Point, Lachen, Thangu and Gurudongmar. It is applied for only through a registered Sikkim tour operator, with ID and photos, usually a few days in advance, and same-day permits are not issued. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit through an approved operator, travel in groups of two or more, and are not allowed to Gurudongmar Lake; they can usually go as far as Thangu. Dzongu needs its own permit for every non-Lepcha visitor, usually arranged by your homestay. Rules change often; check current status before you travel.
West and South Sikkim
Indian nationals need no permit for Pelling, Yuksom, Ravangla, Namchi, Rinchenpong, Uttarey, Okhrey or Barsey; carry photo ID for checkposts. Foreign nationals need a Sikkim Restricted Area Permit, free and valid for 30 days, applied for online through e-FRRO or issued at the Melli and Rangpo checkposts. The Goecha La and Dzongri trek lies inside Khangchendzonga National Park: you pay park entry at the Yuksom forest checkpost and must trek with a registered agency and licensed guide; foreign nationals need a trek permit arranged by the agency. Rules and fees change, so check current status before you travel.
Bhutan
Indian nationals need a valid passport or Voter ID card to get a free Entry Permit, online or at Phuentsholing or Paro, which covers Thimphu and Paro. Route permits for Punakha, Haa, Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Gasa and beyond are issued in Thimphu on working days; your operator arranges them. Other nationalities apply for a visa, US$40, through a licensed operator or the online system before travel. Everyone pays the SDF per night and must have a licensed guide beyond the first checkpoint; treks need a licensed trekking guide. Check current status before you travel.
Dooars and the Terai
Indian citizens need no permit to travel in the Dooars. Entry into Gorumara, Jaldapara, Chapramari, Chilapata, Buxa and Mahananda is by safari or watchtower ticket, sold online by the forest department and at park counters; carry photo ID that matches the booking. The Buxa Fort and Jayanti treks need a forest entry ticket and are best done with a local guide. Crossing into Bhutan at Jaigaon–Phuentsholing needs a permit issued at the Phuentsholing immigration office; Indians use a passport or voter ID and pay Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee, while other nationals need a visa arranged in advance. Rules change, so check current status before you travel.