Self Driving Motorbikes & Cars In Sikkim

So you want to self drive a vehicle in Sikkim - either a car or a bike? While most tourists go through a tour operator and avail a tour package which usually includes a reserved vehicle, hotel, food etc and sometimes even a qualified guide, but there are good reasons to self-drive a motorbike or car in Sikkim, whether it's your own or a rented one.

First you can enjoy the pleasure of self drive... those who do can understand this well, particularly driving in the mountains through scenic routes. Second, you have all the flexibility of stopping anywhere for photo-shoot or just relaxing on the roadside to soak in the views. Third, there is substantial reduction in cost because you don't need to pay for the driver and the tour operators cost.

Self-driving in unprotected areas of Sikkim

There are several areas in Sikkim that have no restrictions for self drive - either for bike or car. For most who are looking for the main essence of Sikkim, these areas would suffice. Foreign nationals require a valid Inner Line Permit for Sikkim which is necessary anyway for them to enter any part of Sikkim as a tourist, while Indians do not require any permits in these unprotected areas. You can either drive your own bike or car, or rent one (rental options are discussed later on this page).

The main unprotected areas in Sikkim includes:

Gangtok in east Sikkim

West Sikkim including Pelling, Yuksom, Soreng, Kaluk, Rinchingpong etc

South Sikkim including Jorethang, Namchi, Ravangla, Rabong, Borong, Sikip

Self-driving in protected areas of Sikkim

There are several areas in Sikkim which are close to the international borders and are protected for security reasons. Protected areas in North Sikkim includes places like Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake etc. In fact the whole area of north Sikkim beyond Singhik (located about 56kms or 2hrs 40 minutes drive from Gangtok) is a protected area.

Protected areas in East Sikkim includes Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, Zuluk (located along the historic silk route) etc.

Self-driving a car

Self-driving a car (a 4-wheeler) in any protected area of Sikkim is usually not allowed for tourists. With Protected Area Permit one can get to such areas through registered tour operators of Sikkim who offer tour packages in their own vehicles like Sumo, Scorpio, Bolero etc. The tour operators also mediate to get the Protected Area Permit as part of their tour package.

Self driven private vehicles are discouraged mainly because of two reasons... first the state government doesn't want tourists to eat into the earnings of tour operators (north Sikkim being the most profitable of all routes). Second and more importantly, self driving can be very risky on those routes particularly when it snows. Exceptions are made by the officers on their own discretion on a case to case basis and it's not easy at all to get the permits for self-driven private vehicles.

And if you are lucky to get it (have an army connection?), an undertaking needs to be given on the risks and eventualities thereof, the vehicle must be registered on your own name and it should be an SUV or 4WD vehicle. If you must try your luck, you stand a better chance to get the permits at Mangan (District Administrative Centre) instead of Gangtok (Tourism Permit Office located near MG Marg at the Sikkim Public Service Commission building).

Should you attempt to do this, you must have enough time in your hand (may be few days), go down to the office, and figure out if you could be allowed, and then go through the documentation process.

Self-driving a motorbike

Bikers however can take bikes to such protected areas on their own and need not go through a tour operator. But there is a stringent and special permit process which needs to be followed for this (for both the bike and rider) and we will discuss this shortly.

Note:

Foreign nationals are strictly not allowed in few specific protected areas such as Nathula and Gurudongmar lake. Also foreign nationals must be in a group of two or more to get to other protected areas where allowed and must always organize their trip along with permits through a registered tour operator and should be accompanied by a guide (even while self-driving a motorbike).

Permit for Biking in Protected Areas

There are two ways you can go about getting your bike permits to ride in protected areas - 1) You can do it yourself (this option is available only for Indians), or 2) Engage an authorized local Tour Operator to get it done for you (this option would work for both Indians and foreigners).

In the first case you need to go through all the steps including standing on queues, application process and some heckling ... it can get a little tiresome or annoying for some... usually you need two days to get the initial permit issued by the Tourism Permit Office in Gangtok and then get to the Gangtok Police Check Post for the final travel permit before you start your journey.

In the second case, you can avoid all the legwork which are taken care of by the tour operator but for a fee. If you send all your papers to the operator in advance, they can get it ready before you arrive in Gangtok and save you from wasting couple of days there to get your permit yourself.

Note that a biking permit for protected areas is usually issued for up to 7 days. You need to mention the number of days on the application form. For example, you need 3 days to make a return trip to Lachen & Gurudongmar lake from Gangtok (keep an additional day, it does not incur additional cost).

Doing It Yourself

To get your necessary permits, you need to first visit the Tourism Permit Office located near MG Marg at the Sikkim Public Service Commission building (Address: Sikkim Public Service Commission, Old Tourism Complex, M. G. Marg, Arithang, Gangtok).

NOTE: Earlier such permits were issued by the Home Department located at the New Secretariat Building (Manan Bhavan) in Development Area of Gangtok. However since 2018 the permit issuance process has been moved to the new location.

Here you can collect the permit application form. The application forms are issued and duly filled-up forms are received between 10am to 2pm (note that applications are not received after 2pm). If your application is complete, the permit is usually issued next day (either in the morning or afternoon).

You will need to submit the following documents along with duly filled up application form:

Two passport size photos (including that of co-rider / pillion rider if any)

Two photocopies of Photo ID Proof (Voters ID or Passport) including of co-rider. Note that Aadhar Card, PAN card, driving license etc are not accepted as proof of citizenship.

Two photocopies of Driving License

Two photocopies of bike's Pollution Control Certificate

Two photocopies of bike's Insurance Certificate

Two photocopies of Bike's Registration Certificate

If it is a hired or borrowed bike, you need to produce affidavit of authorization from rental company or the owner respectively and certified by the RTO (Regional Transport Office) of the state where the bike is registered. If you are renting a bike from a company in Gangtok or Darjeeling, the company will take care of this. Otherwise you need to ensure that it is on a proper court stamp paper and notarized in addition to the certification by RTO.

Note:

Carry all the originals as they may be checked anytime, even while on the journey.

If you have a co-rider (i.e. pillion rider), only one application is required while you need to submit details and documents of the co-rider as mentioned above.

In the application form you must mention your intended places of visit. For example for North Sikkim mention North: Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Gurudongmar Lake.

You need to also mention the number of days for which the permit is required (Note that you must leave the protected area within the permitted number of days).

The permit form costs only Rs. 10/- and there is no other permit charge for North Sikkim. However for East Sikkim, there is a permit charge of Rs. 200/-.

Having submitted your application along with necessary documents, you need to go back to the same counter next day to collect the Initial Permit which is a yellow piece of paper. Your job is now half done because you still need to get the final permit.

For getting the final permit, visit the Office of ADGP (Additional Director General of Police), Check Post Branch, Gangtok which is also located in the Sikkim Public Commission Service premises and next to the Tourism Permit Office. There are designated counters here for East and North Sikkim. The counters open at 4pm in the afternoon.

So visit the Police Check Post office counter and submit the yellow permit (i.e. the initial permit) at the appropriate counter. Don't be surprised to see numerous travel agents trying to do the same for their clients... and they do not usually follow the discipline of maintaining a proper queue. So reach there early to give yourself a descent chance of getting through this step as quickly as possible. But the chaotic situation there would certainly make you think if you should have engaged an agent instead.

The final permit is issued by the Police depending on the day's road condition, weather, security activities in the protected areas etc. Here they will issue a single copy of the police permit (a white piece of paper) which is the main document you will require along the way. The officer at the counter calls out names and issues the final police permit.

As soon as you get yours, just go down to the opposite side of the road and make 7-10 photocopies. You will need to submit a photocopy at every check post you pass by along the way.

Once this is done, you are all set to go :)

Tip:

For North Sikkim Permits, you can optionally go down to Mangan which is the District Head Quarters of North Sikkim (about 2 hours 45 minutes drive from Gangtok and on the way to Lachung or Lachen). Visit the District Administrative Centre to get your permits (try to reach early). There are good chances that you will get your permits on the same day and proceed further.

Using a Tour Operator / Agent

This is the easiest way to get all your permits without you having to be involved in the entire process. All you need to do is pay for a mediation fee which is usually in the range of Rs. 200 - 300 for a biking permit to either North or East Sikkim. You can however apply for both North and East Sikkim, which would attract higher fees.

You need to of course send all your documents (as listed in the earlier section) to the agent in advance in order to get the permits done. Usually only the photocopies and passport size photos are enough to get this done while you personally carry all the originals for verification, if required. Most agents only ask for photos of your documents to be sent over whatsapp and that is enough for them to get the permits done.

This can save you time and the operator can keep the permits ready before your arrival at Sikkim so that you are ready to go without wasting a full day. Since the permits are first checked at Police Check Post at Singhik (about 3 hours from Gangtok), you can also ask the operator to deliver you the permits at Mangan which is located just before Singhik.

Bike Rentals for Sikkim & Darjeeling Tours

If you do not want to take the hassle of taking your own bike all the way to Gangtok from your city of residence and then tour Sikkim, instead rent a bike on reaching Bagdogra/NJP/or Gangtok, that can be worked out quite easily. In fact this can be a much easier option because the bike renting company will ensure all bike related papers including insurance, authorization etc for permit are in place.

Cost of renting a bike would include a security deposit (of about Rs. 10,000 which is refunded if there is no damage when returning the bike), a daily rental charge (of about Rs. 1500 per day), and a one-time insurance fee (of about Rs. 300 which is non-refundable). You will need to pay for the fuel used.

Here are some of the well known Bike Rental companies who offer bikes on rent for touring Sikkim:

BB Line Tours and Travels

They are centrally located in Gangtok and started bike rentals in October 2016. They offer Royal Enfields (500cc) and can take care of permit process and entry requirements.

Yama House, M.G. Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim-737101

Email: [email protected]; Phone: 03592-206110

Mobile: 9800411100 / 8170015109

Adventure Unlimited

Gautam Shrestha runs this popular adventure company based in Darjeeling (they have offices in Siliguri and Sikkim as well). They are in operation since several years and have earned a good name for themselves in adventure tourism in north-east India. Other than offering Royal Enfield bikes on rent, they also offer organized biking tours in Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal etc. They can also get their bikes delivered in Siliguri or Gangtok. They have their own tie-ups in Gangtok to handle permits.

Darjeeling Office:

Hotel Norling Complex, 142/1 Zakhir Hussian Road, Darjeeling - 734101

Mobile: +91-9933070013; Email: [email protected]

Self-Driven car rentals for Sikkim & Darjeeling

Although self-driving in Sikkim is limited to unprotected areas, there is a lot you can explore as you drive in Sikkim such as Gangtok, the whole of south Sikkim including Namchi, Ravangla, Jorethang and a lot of west Sikkim including Pelling, Temi, Kaluk and more. And almost the whole of Darjeeling can be explored in self-driven car in case you want to combine your Sikkim visit with Darjeeling.

Indians need valid driving license to rent cars. Foreigners require Inner Line Permit (for visiting Sikkim) as well as international driving permit. Here are some well known companies offering self driven car rentals to explore Sikkim & Darjeeling:

Adventure Unlimited

The company is well known in the hills and operates out of Darjeeling but also has offices in Siliguri and Sikkim. They offer several makes of cars for self-drive including lessons for hill driving. Car models include Suzuki Gypsy, Suzuki Eeco, Ford Eeco Sport, Mahindra Thar etc.

Darjeeling Office:

Hotel Norling Complex, 142/1 Zakhir Hussian Road, Darjeeling - 734101

Mobile: +91-9933070013; Email: [email protected]

Zoomcar

This is a well known country-wide chain of outlets that offers self driven cars on rent. They have an outlet at Siliguri (on Sevoke road, about 8kms from NJP Station, 17kms from Bagdogra airport). If you are landing at Bagdogra, there is also a pick up service. You give them a call after landing and wait near the Central Bank ATM outside the airport building. A car with a driver will come and pick you up in 15 minutes and take you to Zoomcar site nearby (2.5 kilometers from the airport). You need to complete a few formalities and then you can drive your car out. You need to follow the same process on your return (i.e. bring the car back to the Zoomcar site and they will drop you at the airport).

Zoomcar offers various makes and types of vehicles at hourly rate including or excluding fuel. For both options, depending on number of days (or hours) you book the car, there is a maximum limit to the total distance (in kilometers) which is included in the rental rate beyond which an additional per kilometer charge will also apply. If you go for 'inclusive of fuel' option and use more fuel than provided, keep the bills and they will reimburse you when returning the car.

You can book a rental Zoomcar online from this Zoomcar Siliguri Site

Siliguri Office (Pickup Point):

Zoomcar, Ward 41, Don Bosco Colony, Siliguri, West Bengal 734004

1) All about Sikkim Permits

2) Know all about tourism in Gangtok

3) Sikkim Tourism Secrets

Visitors' Reviews/Comments

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.