Visitors' Reviews/Comments
Rajvinder Singh (March 2021)
Hello Sir, I went through your thread where you have mentioned that Permits for self owned vehicles are very difficult and can be tried at Mangan. Is this possible at New Delhi office or Sikkim House? Alternatively, Can you refer somebody who specializes in getting such permits? Can pay him extra if that helps. With regards.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2021
Hello, the permits to protected areas of Sikkim are issued/endorsed by Indian Army check posts in Sikkim... unlikely that you will get it at Delhi Sikkim House... you can call them up and check. Your only other option is to try and do it yourself at Mangan... you won't likely get any agency help on such a matter.... all agencies get permits to conduct tours on their own transports.
Abhijit Sinha (January 2021)
Hello Raj, Your posts are very informative. Please provide below additional info for my planned trip in Feb 2021. I plan to drive into Darjeeling or Gangtok - 3 adults and 2 kids (5+ and 10+ age). Haven't finalized in which order, please suggest. Total duration of stay expected to be about a week.
I plan to drive a sedan with JH number and then use a local tour operator for local travel. Do I need any special permits? I read something about stay being allowed only at Govt. approved hotels. How do I get info about such hotels. Thanks.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) January 2021
Hi, you can visit the places in any order... doesn't really matter when you have your own car. You won't need any special permits in Sikkim unless you visit protected areas such as Tsomgo/Nathula, North Sikkim etc.
I suggest you go through the following link in details and understand the current guidelines/restrictions in Sikkim (Darjeeling is relatively restriction-free other than having to wear masks and keeping social distancing): New Sikkim guidelines for tourists.
Ankita (November 2020)
Hello sir, I have came across many blogs and information but you have hit the nail. It's beautiful narration with all required information and details. I have some doubts regarding our travel plan.
We are planning to visit Darjeeling and Gangtok during Diwali holidays i.e. 13th November 2020 to 17th november by our own hatchback car. We have a Covid situation at our hand to tackle along with kids aged 6, 3 and 21 months old toddler. Could you please suggest if its good to visit Tsmong lake, Nathula, Lachen, Lachung. Should we skip Lachen, Lachung? We have planned 1 N Darjeeling and 2 N Gangtok. Can we visit Darjeeling and Gangtok by our own vehicle or public transports and hired vehicles are recommended.?
Up to which point is it safe with kids? Mandatory things to be carried out due to recent situation (Covid tests or pre Hotel bookings and registering them to government). Where to get Permits. Please do reply. Thank you in advance for help.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2020
Hello, Children below 5 are not allowed (and permits not issued) in high altitude places in Sikkim such as Lachen/Lachung and even Tsomgo lake/Nathula. You should avoid those places with your small kids. You can self-drive to Darjeeling. However 1N in Darjeeling and 2N in Gangtok are too less time to justify the visit... in any case you won't have time to visit North Sikkim in such a short time.
Sikkim is presently asking tourists to stay in health & safety compliant hotels (as certified by Sikkim Government) and use the services of only compliant tour operators. And all should have Sikkim Travel Cards. Know about getting Sikkim permits here.
Shubham Kirange (November 2020)
Hi, Greetings! I am planning a trip to Sikkim in December, Could you please let me know if we can take hired Zoomcar from Siliguri to North Sikkim (till Lachung). Thanks for your help.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2020
Hi, no you can not take a Zoomcar to any protected area in Sikkim including Lachung.
Pallavi (August 2020)
Hi Raj.. really a very informative blog I have found in comparison to all others. It can help travellers a lot and making their trip a lot easier. I have my own 4wd SUV (private Odisha number plate) which I would like to use for entire Darjeeling-Gangtok-North & East Sikkim trip with a group of 4-5 members. This includes all the places you have highlighted-both non-protected and protected areas.
PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR VALUABLE SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO CARRY OUT THE WHOLE ITERNARY. ALSO MENTION THE MAIN HINDERANCES IN THIS TRIP.
Please note that the question is just general and considering all conditions are just normal and post pandemic Covid-19. I am asking this question on behalf of my husband who is an excellent knowledge of driving and is a pro. With him, we have successfully completed our trip to Leh-Ladakh and all places like Khardung-La, Nubra valley,Rohtang pass etc.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) August 2020
Hi Pallavi, Your question is quite broad. Both Darjeeling (the district) and Sikkim have numerous destinations... I suggest you go through the relevant sections of my website to get a good understanding of the places first before you make a tour plan.
In Sikkim, there are restrictions in self-driving a vehicle in protected areas... permits may not be always issued to tourists for several such places. Similarly, self-driving to Sandakphu (of Darjeeling district) may not be allowed by the Land Rover Association in Manebhanjan. It depends on their discretion and in most cases, permissions are refused.
I also suggest you go through Sikkim Permits to understand the permit process in Sikkim.
Note that roads in many parts of Sikkim (as you go into the interiors) are in bad conditions. You should keep adequate spares, should there be any breakdown. Other than in the main townships, there is practically no automotive repair service available in Darjeeling and Sikkim, neither any support system. So your group should be skilled to handle such issues.
Partha Sarathi Paul (February 2020)
Hi Raj, could you please tell me that is it possible to visit the sacred place (Gurudongmar lake) on my bike. We are planning a trip to the Gurudongmar lake in May this year on our bikes. With all the research I didn't find anybody visited that place on motor bike and thus before further planning we need some useful guidance.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) February 2020
Hi, it is possible to visit Gurudongmar lake on your bike. You can get the permits (both for yourself and the bike) at Mangan. Carry all the required papers, photo ID proofs and photos. Plan to stay overnight at Mangan because the permit process might take a while. Also refill the tank at Mangan because you won't get any petrol pump ahead. Carry 10-litres of extra fuel for each bike. The road conditions are quite bad for most parts... so avoid pillion riding.
Prathamesh Wakade (December 2019)
Hi Raj, Thanks a lot for the detailed information covering all the aspects of tourism. I want to ask if self driven Zoomcar hired from Bagdogra will be allowed in Gangtok town or not considering the restrictions for WB vehicles? In one of the forums on internet, I saw they are allowed but appreciate if you can confirm this.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2019
Hi, self-driven rental cars like Zoomcars are allowed in non-protected areas of Sikkim including Gangtok.
Pathak (November 2019)
Hello, A very informative page and also it's nice to see you respond to comments. I'm planning to travel in this December from Bagdogra to Darjeeling to Pelling to Gangtok and then back to Bagdogra. My intention was to book a zoom car from Siliguri and move about in the non-protected areas of Sikkim by the self driven zoom car. Is that acceptable or even that is not permitted by Sikkim Govt? Thanks in advance.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2019
Hi, you can use self driven Zoomcar in Darjeeling and non-protected areas of Sikkim. Make sure that your hotels have parking areas because public parking in Darjeeling and Gangtok as well as in main town of Pelling would be quite difficult to get. Use the main routes between places... road conditions of the shorter or inner routes of Sikkim are horrendous and you may have a very difficult time to negotiate. From Rabangla to Gangtok the route goes via Yangyang and then Singtam.... some stretches of the road can make you regret your decision to self drive.
Raviteja (November 2019)
Dear Raj, Firstly thank you for all the great posts and guidance. We are a group of 14 people, frequently self driving around the Himalayan region. We are very keen on self driving in the east and north Sikkim. I understand that the chances are bleak, but would really like to understand if there is any chance of hiring self drive cars in Sikkim.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2019
Hello, you can rent Zoomcars (at Bagdogra airport or Siliguri) and self drive to unprotected areas of East Sikkim such as Gangtok but not in protected areas such as Tsomgo/Nathula. In North Sikkim you can go up to Mangan or at the most Singhik but not beyond to protected areas. But having visited much of Sikkim in recent times, I would advise you to self drive to the main township areas... the road conditions in much of inner Sikkim is horrendous to say the least and at some places have become quite dangerous to negotiate.
Calvin DMello (August 2019)
Good Day, A friend and I are planning to do a self drive trip through Sikkim, from Siliguri to zero point and back. I wanted to enquire about the permits required to do so. We are both Indian Citizens and will be renting a car from Siliguri for this using zoom car. It will be a 6day trip. I would really appreciate your help in any information you can provide us on this matter in regards to 1) is self drive allowed on a rented car to zero point, 2) how do we obtain a permit for north Sikkim.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) August 2019
Hi, self driven rented cars are not allowed in protected areas of Sikkim including Yumthang and Zero point.
Saurabh (June 2019)
Sir, we (4 adults + 2 kids) are planning a trip to Darjelling (1 night), Pelling (1 night) and Gangtok(3 night), starting from 16th June. Is it advisable to hire a self driven car (zoom car). Can we take the car to most of the tourist spots? Could you please help me with this. Thanks in advance.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) June 2019
You can take the car to all the tourist spots that are accessible by taxi.
Arijit Baidya (May 2019)
Sir, we 2 friends are planning for a bike trip to silk route. We will rent bikes from siliguri. Our itinerary is... Siliguri to Sillery Gaon (night stay at Sillery Gaon), day2 Sillery Gaon to Zuluk via Rangpo (night stay at Zuluk), day3 Zuluk to Kupup lake sightseeing (stay at Nathang), day4 Nathang to Rishikhola via Nathula (night stay at Rishi Khola). Day5 back to Siliguri. My questions are: 1) Is this trip is possible? 2) If it's possible from where should we take all the permits? Please help us regarding these queries.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) May 2019
It is possible. You should go through a proper agency in Gangtok to get your permits done in advance and deliver them to you in Siliguri. It won't be possible to get all the permits on the go, so better get them done in advance. You can also contact a travel agency in Siliguri to help with the matter. You need to keep all documents (self plus bike) ready for the permits.
Arindrajit Debsarma (April 2019)
I am planning to take a zoom car for a trip from Siliguri to Pelling for 3 days. is that possible (Allowed)?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) April 2019
Yes, you can do that.
Kiran (April 2019)
Hi Raj, I have seen many of your reviews and suggestions regarding sikkim tour and found them very useful. I was travelling to sikkim in May for 5 days with my parents. However I found it very confusing with permitted areas visit, it looks like we have to travel through registered travel agency. Now I am really confused whether to book a self drive car(my initial plan) or go for a travel ageny(I recently contacted one and he was quoting around 38k for 5 day tour excluding hotels).. Please guide me further on further steps. My initial plan on places to visit are: Tsongo lake, Nathula pass, Thangu, Thangu Valley, Gurudongmar Lake, Tso Lhamo Lake, Lhonak, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Zero point. Please suggest. Thank you in advance.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) April 2019
Hi, you can not take self driven car to the protected areas you mentioned in your post. You should go through a registered tour operator.
Shiva Rangan (April 2019)
Hello Sir, I am visiting Sikkim with my wife on my own SUV. I want to visit North Sikkim and Tsomgo Lake/NathuLa too on my own. Is it allowed to drive on my own car to these areas? If yes, how and where can I apply for permits for PAP? Thanks in advance for your help.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) April 2019
You can not usually take self driven cars to protected areas of Sikkim including Tsomgo/Nathula and North Sikkim. You need to go through a registered tour operator, get permits and use their vehicle.
Roy (March 2019)
Dear Raj, Many thanks for sharing all the valuable information. It was very helpful. Now I'm planning to visit North Sikkim this May, and I was wondering if it's possible to get the permits (PAP) from Kolkata. Also I'm planning on bringing a self drive rental, do you know if that is permitted at North Sikkim (Lachen, Lachung)? Thanks in advance.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2019
You can not get Protected Area Permits anywhere other than in Sikkim. No you can not self drive your own car in protected areas like Lachung, Lachen (Motorbike is an exception).
Jay (March 2019)
Hi Raj. Thank you so much for all ththe detail you put into this website. It is extremely helpful. I am just checking on the permits for motorbikes to north Sikkim. We are 2 x Australians, travelling on our own bikes (from Australia) and would like to go to North Sikkim, around Yamthung Valley. Would we be able to get a permit? Or is it for Indian locals only with Indian registered motorbikes? And if it is possible, is there anything else we would require? Like a guide? Or would we be ok to go up on our own. Thanks.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2019
Hi, it is unlikely that you will be allowed to take your own bikes (registered overseas) to Yumthang because all foreign nationals are required to go through a registered operator for permits and tours to protected areas and accompanied by a guide.
Vijay Dhadphale (October 2018)
Hey, thank you for detailed article. We (group of 6 friends) are planning to go to North Sikkim. We would like to explore Lachen, Lachung,Gurdogmar lake & zero point. We will be taking a flight to Bagdogra and then will reach Gangtok. The next day, we will be hiring Royal Enfield Himalayan from Gangtok. My questions are: A. Do we still need to register for Permit with authorized travel agent? B. How many days do we need to cover above? C. Is the the month of May would be good for Bike Ride? Many Thanks Mate :)
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) October 2018
Hi, you can get the permits on your own, but it is better to get it done through an authorized travel agent... the process would be much smoother (Sikkim Government encourages that). You need one night stay each at Lachen and Lachung. Month of May is an excellent time to go.
Manu Prakash (October 2018)
Hi Raj, Please let me know whether bike renting agencies will allow me to hire a bike in Gangtok and drop it in Darjeeling or Siliguri.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) October 2018
Hi, yes an agency can allow you to do that if they have offices at both places, otherwise not. For example, Adventures Unlimited has offices at Gangtok, Darjeeling and Siliguri, so they can agree.
Arun (September 2018)
Can we take self-driving car like (zoom car) for local sightseeing in Gangtok and drive to through silk route.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2018
You can take self driven rental cars for local sightseeing in Gangtok and Darjeeling, however you can not go to any protected areas of Sikkim including Silk Route / Zuluk.
Rahul Khanna (September 2018)
I have planned to visit Gangtok in October last week 2018. Wanted to know that is it possible to visit Zero point by Bike. I have booked bike for myself from Sikkim Bike rental shop.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2018
Yes possible with necessary permits.
Ankit Paliwal (April 2018)
Hi Raj, Thank you so much for such informative website. I am planning to visit Sikkim with a self-drive car like zoomcar. My journey includes, Siliguri- Pelling- Gangtok- Darjeeling- Siliguri. I have a little hill area driving experience (Rishikesh-Joshimath, Uttrakhand). I would like to know about road conditions, specially if they are double lane or single. Also does self drive car from Siliguri allowed in Sikkim? I will be hiring local taxi for day tours at Pelling and Gangtok.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) April 2018
Hi, it's a single lane road all through and quite narrow at some places. Road condition between Siliguri to Pelling beyond Melli is not good at several stretches. You can self drive at the places you mentioned.
Lloyd (March 2018)
Hello, First of all let me thank you for the wonderful information regarding Darjeeling and sikkim you have mentioned in your website. Me and my Family are planning to visit Darjeeling, pelling and Gantok in next month event thow you have mentioned about the self driving restrictions i would like to confirm about using a zoom car for this trip in which the pik up will be from Siliguri.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2018
Hi, you can visit Darjeeling, Gangtok and Pelling on a self driven rented vehicle.
Rahul Garg (March 2018)
Hi Raj... first of all terrific website. Thanks. We are driving down to Darjeeling in a self driven hired car, do you think it will be a problem with your recent update of only WB76 taxi numbers being allowed to do local sightseeing tours.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2018
Hi, it should not have a number plate similar to that of a commercial passenger taxi (i.e. yellow plate with numbers in black). Otherwise ok (for example self driven Zoomcar is okay which usually has black plate with numbers in yellow).
Rahul Garg (March 2018)
Thanks Raj, also a follow up question, I am booked into the Central Heritage Resort, I unfortunately did not check on the hotel parking which they do not seem to have. What are the alternates for parking a car in Darjeeling, near to the hotel. Thanks.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2018
Hi, public parking is a problem in Darjeeling town. You should ideally take help from your hotel to get parking (talk to them in advance). Central Heritage is on Robertson road. Further ahead at a short distance, beyond the small hotel Alice Villa and near Southfield College (formerly Loreto College), there is some public parking. However it may remain full particularly in high season.
Vinod (March 2018)
Hello Raj, thank you for the wealth of information you have posted on your blog. It helped me so much in planning my trip with family. We prefer self-drive for our tours and did our entire 7 day Himachal tour driving a Ford Ecosport from Zoom. My question is this - can I do the same without any local taxi issues if I drive from Siliguri (both Zoom and Adventure unlimited have rental options) to Darjeeling- Namchi- Pelling- Yuksom- Ravangla- Gangtok (hire taxi for Nathula) - Kalimpong- Siliguri. I have just started my research and will be using all the links on your blog one by one for stay and other info. Thank you again.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2018
Hi, you can take self-driven rental vehicle to the places you mentioned. Just ensure that your car doesn't have yellow number plate (as in passenger taxis).
Vinod (March 2018)
Dear Raj, thank you once again for the wealth of information here. This month end I plan to drive from Darjeeling to Yuksom and wanted to break the journey by halting at either Jorethang or Kaluk. Kaluk-Dentam looks like a nice route. Would I be able to drive a 2wd Scorpio in this route comfortably? Any pointers on the time required to reach Kaluk from Darjeeling would be helpful. Thank you so much.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2018
Hi, 2WD Scorpio would be okay for this route. Darjeeling to Jorethang (via Tukvar tea garden) is quite bad in patches although this is the shortest route. The route between Jorethang and Kaluk too is not in a good condition, but you can manage with a Scorpio. From Darjeeling, Jorethang takes about 1 hour 50 minutes via Tukvar/Jamuni. Kaluk is further 1 hour 20 minutes under normal road conditions.
Sudip Majhi (March 2018)
I am going to visit Gangtok with my bike for some work. Can I visit Tashi View Point and Bakthang Waterfall Gangtok without permission? Thank you.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2018
Yes you can visit. No permission is required for bikes to visit those places.
Ashad Zaman (February 2018)
I was in dreadful tension about my tour in Sikkim, as I'll be on my bike and thinking about the permits. But how you described everything is just beyond thankable.... it relieved all the stress now.... even I haven't found such well details in Sikkim tourism web... Thank you again for making it easy.
Bhanu Pratap (December 2017)
Can I self-drive my car to Lachung and Lachen ? Because I'm planing my tour to north Sikkim till lachung and lachen only on December last. And if the permit is needed can I get those in police check post. Please reply !
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2017
Self driven cars are not allowed in such protected areas. All areas beyond Singhik are protected areas including Lachung and Lachen.
Shubham Mukherjee (December 2017)
Hello Raj. We are a group of 5 people planning to visit tsomgu lake (not Nathula) on zoomcar(self-drive). As I have heard that you need to go through a travel agency only. Is it possible to do this trip on zoomcar? Anticipating for your reply.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) December 2017
Hi, no you can not take a self driven car to any protected area including Tsomgo lake.
Monish K Lal (November 2017)
Hi Raj, Your detailed efforts have made my life easy in planning the trip to Sikkim. I have a query with regards to renting a bike like Royal Enfield with Sikkim registered bike. I need your suggestion whether its advisable to ride from Gangtok - Tsomogo Lake and Nathula. Will there be any issue in taking the Sikkim registered rental bikes. Thanks.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2017
Hi, there is no issue as such. You need to get a special permit (known as Protected Area Permit) from the Home Department at Gangtok ... so carry all necessary documents. It's better to get it done through the bike rental agency. Once you send them the documents (by email or whatsapp), they can get it done in advance and you don't need to waste a day in Gangtok for the permit.
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