Protected Area Permits (PAP), Tsomgo Changu Lake, Nathula Pass Eligibility, Required ID Proofs & Foreign Tourist Guidelines.
For Gangtok and West Sikkim: Indian citizens do not need permits. Foreign tourists require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) issued free of charge at border checkposts (Rangpo and Melli).
For Border & High-Altitude Zones (Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, and North Sikkim): All travelers require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) issued by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department in Gangtok. Nathula Pass is strictly restricted to Indian citizens only.
| Destination / Circuit | Indian Nationals | Foreign Nationals | Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangtok, Pelling, Ravangla, Namchi | No permit needed | ILP required (Free at Rangpo/Melli checkposts) | Passport + Indian Visa + 2 Photos |
| Tsomgo Changu Lake & Baba Mandir (12,400 ft) | PAP required (Processed by DMC) | PAP required (Min 2 tourists with registered agency) | Voter ID / Passport + 2 Photos |
| Nathula Pass (Indo-China Border, 14,140 ft) | Special military permit (Wed–Sun only) | Restricted (Not Permitted) | Indian Voter ID / Passport + 2 Photos |
| North Sikkim (Lachung, Yumthang & Lachen) | PAP required (Processed by DMC) | Permitted up to Yumthang Valley (Gurudongmar restricted) | Valid ID + 4 Photos |
Voter ID Card or Indian Passport are the most widely accepted documents by checkpost military authorities. Aadhaar Card is accepted for Indian adults, but Voter ID/Passport is strongly preferred.
Children who do not possess a Voter ID must carry their Original Birth Certificate or Valid Indian Passport, accompanied by school ID cards and passport photos.