Fascinating Sikkim Tour

Important Information

• All Foreign Tourists (except those of Bhutanese origin) must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter Protected or Restricted Areas in Sikkim. The permit is issued free of cost and can be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs - Government of India (New Delhi), All Indian Missions Abroad, and Immigration Offices at the airports in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and New Delhi.
• List of Restricted Areas for Foreign Tourists (All Foreign Tourists need to obtain RAP to visit following destinations in Sikkim):
  • East: Gangtok, Rumtek, Pakyong, Barapathing, Rongli, Rhenock, Aritar, and Rorathang.
  • West: Gyalshing, Soreng, Pemagyangtse, khechepopalri, Tashiding and Yuksom.
  • South: Namchi and Ravangla.
  • North: Phodong, Mangan and Singhik upto Toong.
• Prior Clearance Requirements for Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
  1. Foreign Nationals, OCIs, or citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan, or China (including Hong Kong and Macau) require prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (New Delhi) before applying for a RAP.
  2. Individuals of Pakistani, Afghan, or Chinese origin (by birth), also from PRC countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau, must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs before applying for a RAP.
  3. Individuals born in or nationals, OCIs, or citizens of Myanmar or Nigeria require prior clearance from either the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Home Department of Sikkim before entering the state.
• Permit and Document Requirements: Need a clear Passport Copy or Identity Proof to get the required permits for Tsomgo Lake, New Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, Lachen, and Lachung. Foreign tourists are not permitted to visit Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, and Zuluk in Sikkim.
• Nathula Pass permits require an additional fee, issued on a rotation basis with confirmation only 24 hours before travel. Visits are allowed from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, requiring early departure from Gangtok. Efforts will be made to secure permits, but refunds are only given if unsuccessful due to weather or other factors—not if the permit is issued but the visit cannot be made. Small groups may be combined, requiring vehicle changes without refunds.
• Tourism infrastructure in Sikkim and Darjeeling is limited, with many hotels lacking lifts and facing water and power restrictions. Guests with health concerns should request lower-floor rooms at booking. Due to high altitude, Gurudongmar Lake is not recommended for seniors and children under 10.
• For easy communication on the go, consider downloading WhatsApp, as it is widely used in India.
• Transportation is provided according to the itinerary only and is not available on a disposal or point-to-point basis.
• Any costs arising from natural calamities such as landslides, road blockages, political disturbances (e.g., strikes), etc., are to be borne by the client and paid directly on the spot. We will not be held liable for any refunds or compensation claims resulting from these circumstances.
• India VISA: In most cases, you'll need a visa to visit India. Exceptions include Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizens of a few select countries with visa-free agreements. For more information, please check https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
• Itinerary Modifications: Alkof Holidays reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to factors such as weather conditions, political developments, or hotel availability.

Payment Terms

A deposit of 20% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 60 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 90 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash.

Cancellation

No additional cancellation fees apply for this tour, if you cancel this tour 60 days prior your tour start date. Read complete details at Cancellation Policy.