Permits
North Sikkim permit
How the North Sikkim permit run works: registered agency, bundled vehicle, overnight at Lachung or Lachen, and the foreigner restrictions.
The rules
What applies, with sources
Everyone
All North Sikkim travel beyond Mangan requires PAP-zone permits via registered agencies. Source: Sikkim Tourism PAP page ↗
Foreign nationals
Gurudongmar: Indian nationals only under current rules. Source: Sikkim Tourism PAP page ↗
Detail
The full picture
North Sikkim beyond Mangan is protected-area territory: every visitor needs permits, and in practice the trip runs as a package through a registered travel agency, permits and vehicle bundled. The standard loop is two nights: Gangtok-Lachung (Yumthang, Zero Point) and Gangtok-Lachen (Chopta, Thangu, Gurudongmar for Indians).
Foreign nationals may visit Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang under the current PAP system, but Gurudongmar is not open to them. Carry passports/photos for the permit lists and expect road checks.
Quick answers
Permit FAQs
Can I self-drive to Yumthang?
No: protected-area runs use registered vehicles with permits bundled; self-drive cars are not permitted on these routes.
How many nights for North Sikkim?
Two: one at Lachung for Yumthang-Zero Point, one at Lachen for Gurudongmar-Chopta (Indians).
Plan it
Permits handled, honestly
Every trip we run includes permit handling: you upload ID details, we run the paperwork, and we flag it immediately when a rule changes.
Rules verified 2026-09-26 against official portals · Permit rules change: confirm on the official portal before travel.