Permits & frequently asked questions

Yes. North Sikkim (Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang, Gurudongmar) and parts of East Sikkim (Nathula, Zuluk) fall in a protected border zone and need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP). We arrange these for every traveller on the trip — you don't apply yourself.

Indian travellers: a government photo ID — Voter ID, Passport or Driving Licence (note: Aadhaar and PAN are not valid for Sikkim permits) — plus two passport-size photos per person. Children under 18: birth certificate, passport or school ID with two photos. Foreign nationals: passport, visa and photos — some zones (like Gurudongmar) have additional restrictions for foreign passport holders, so tell us your nationality when you book and we'll confirm.

As early as possible, and at the latest a couple of days before departure — permits are issued the day before travel. Each booking page has a documents checklist so you can see exactly what's still needed.

Shared transport in the SUV, your stay in valley lodges, meals as listed on the tour, all permits and the driver. Anything optional (like the extra Zero Point stretch) is called out on the tour page.

Personal expenses, entry tickets or ropeways not listed, anything ordered off-menu, and travel to Gangtok (your trip starts and ends there). Each tour page lists inclusions and exclusions in full.

Yes — that's the whole idea. You share the SUV with a small group heading the same way, which is what makes high-Himalaya travel affordable. Prefer a private vehicle? Some tours offer a private option; ask us and we'll quote it.

Open any tour, pick a departure date, choose your travellers and reserve. Your seats are held while you confirm, and you'll get a booking with a QR code to show at boarding.

Most tours take a small advance to confirm your seat, with the balance due before or on the day of departure — the exact split is shown on each tour's payment terms. We'll add online payment soon; for now our team confirms payment with you directly.

Shared departures are fixed dates that run — once you're confirmed, you're on the trip. In the rare case a date is closed for weather or road conditions, we'll do our best to move you to the next available departure; note that force-majeure disruptions aren't refundable under our terms.

March–May for rhododendrons and the Valley of Flowers; September–mid-December for clear skies and mountain views. Gurudongmar and high passes can close briefly after heavy snow — we watch conditions and keep you posted.

Gurudongmar Lake sits around 17,800 ft. Most travellers are fine, but go easy, hydrate, and tell us in advance about heart or breathing conditions so the driver can plan stops.

All shared departures begin and end in Gangtok. Reach Gangtok a day early if you can — mountain roads and permit timings leave little slack on departure morning.

Yes, though cancellation charges apply: a minimum of ₹5,000 per person, 80% of the trip cost if you cancel 5–10 days before departure, and 100% for same-day cancellations or no-shows. Disruptions from weather, landslides or other force-majeure events aren't refundable. Approved refunds are processed within 30 business days. See our Cancellation policy for full details, or message us and we'll help.