Protected Area Permit
North Sikkim Permit
How the North Sikkim Protected Area Permit works — for Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and Gurudongmar Lake. Who's eligible, documents needed and why you travel with a registered operator.
- Protected Area Permit
- Registered operator
- Documents list
- Verify before travel
Which areas need the permit
- Lachung — base for Yumthang Valley & Zero Point.
- Yumthang Valley (~11,800 ft) — the “Valley of Flowers”, rhododendrons in spring.
- Zero Point / Yumesamdong (~15,300 ft) — snow point beyond Yumthang; often closed by snow.
- Lachen — base for Gurudongmar / Chopta Valley.
- Gurudongmar Lake (~17,800 ft) — among the world's highest lakes; restricted to Indian nationals.
Who can go
Indian nationals: permitted across the North Sikkim circuit with the Protected Area Permit, subject to conditions and access on the day. Foreign nationals: subject to additional restrictions — Gurudongmar is generally not open to foreigners, and foreigners are usually required to travel with a registered operator and guide, often in a group of two or more. Eligibility changes; confirm before planning.
Documents (Indian nationals)
- Original government photo ID (Voter ID, Passport or Driving Licence) + physical photocopies
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- For children: birth certificate or school ID plus a parent's ID
- Foreign nationals: passport, visa and additional paperwork via the operator
Why you travel with a registered operator
Permits for North Sikkim are issued against a registered operator's confirmed itinerary and a Sikkim-registered vehicle — self-drive and walk-in individual permits generally don't work here. That's why North Sikkim is booked as an organised trip. aruviaa arranges the permit, the vehicle and the driver together.
Altitude, weather & access — read this
- Altitude is serious. Yumthang, Zero Point and especially Gurudongmar are very high; ascend gradually and avoid if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure issues.
- Access is never guaranteed. Snow, landslides and Army/administration decisions can close Zero Point, Gurudongmar or whole sections at short notice.
- Seasons matter. Spring brings rhododendrons at Yumthang; deep winter brings heavy snow that can shut upper points. Confirm seasonal access before travel.
- Remote region. Overnight stays are in local lodges at Lachung/Lachen with limited connectivity.
Related
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
Plan a North Sikkim trip the right way
We'll arrange the permit, the vehicle and the driver — tell us your dates and group.