Question 1

What is the best time to visit Sikkim?

Accepted Answer

Sikkim is beautiful year-round, but the two peak seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November). Spring brings rhododendron blooms and clear mountain views, including Kangchenjunga. Autumn offers the clearest skies and best trekking conditions. Monsoon (June–September) brings lush greenery but also landslide risk on high-altitude routes. Winter (December–February) sees snow at higher elevations and is ideal for those who want a quieter, more atmospheric trip.

Question 2

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for peak season travel (April–May and October–November) when accommodation and vehicles fill up quickly. Permits for special areas like North Sikkim and Nathu La require advance preparation. Last-minute bookings (under 2 weeks) are possible but may involve reduced accommodation choices and route options.

Question 3

Can I customise my itinerary?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — customisation is what we do. Every We Care Holidays trip is designed from scratch based on your travel dates, group composition, budget, physical fitness and interests. There are no fixed departures or group packages. Whether you want a 4-day tea estate escape in Darjeeling or a 14-day North Sikkim and Nepal circuit, we will build it around you. Changes can be made right up to departure.

Question 4

How long should I plan for a Sikkim trip?

Accepted Answer

For a satisfying first visit to Sikkim, we recommend a minimum of 7 days. A 10–12 day trip allows you to cover both Gangtok and its surroundings, North Sikkim (Lachen/Lachung), and West Sikkim (Pelling/Yuksom). If you want to combine Darjeeling, add 3–4 days. A Sikkim–Nepal circuit typically requires 14–16 days. We can design itineraries for 4-day weekend trips through to 21-day comprehensive journeys.

Question 5

Do you offer group tours?

Accepted Answer

We specialise in private tours only — we do not run fixed-departure group tours with strangers. If you are travelling as a family, a group of friends, or a corporate team, we treat your group as a private booking with a dedicated vehicle, guide and itinerary. The minimum group size for a private tour is 1 person; there is no maximum. For groups of 12 or more, please contact us for customised pricing.

Question 6

Can I extend my trip to Nepal or Northeast India?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we regularly plan multi-region circuits. The most popular extension is Sikkim–Darjeeling–Nepal, travelling from Gangtok to Darjeeling by road and then connecting to Kathmandu by flight. We also plan extensions to Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and the Dooars. Each region requires separate permit arrangements, which we handle end to end.

Question 7

What is the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Sikkim?

Accepted Answer

The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is mandatory for all Indian and foreign nationals visiting Sikkim. Indian nationals obtain it free of charge; it can be arranged on arrival at the Rangpo or Melli check-post, but we recommend arranging it in advance for a smoother journey. The RAP is valid for 15–30 days and covers entry into the main areas of Sikkim including Gangtok, East Sikkim, South Sikkim and parts of West Sikkim.

Question 8

Do foreign nationals need extra permits for Sikkim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) in addition to the RAP for most of Sikkim. The PAP must be arranged before arrival and requires submitting your passport and India visa copy. Additional Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required for specific restricted zones including North Sikkim (Gurudongmar, Lachen, Lachung), Nathu La Pass and the areas around the China border. We manage all permit applications on behalf of our clients.

Question 9

How long does it take to process permits?

Accepted Answer

Standard RAP and PAP processing takes 2–5 working days with the correct documents. Inner Line Permits for North Sikkim typically take 3–7 working days and are submitted to the District Collector's office in Gangtok. Nathu La permits require a separate application and are not granted to foreign nationals of certain nationalities. We recommend providing all documents at least 2 weeks before departure to ensure smooth processing.

Question 10

Can you arrange all permits on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

Yes — permit handling is one of our core services. All you need to do is share scanned copies of your identity documents (Aadhaar/Voter ID for Indian nationals; passport and India visa for foreigners) along with your trip dates and group details. We submit all applications, follow up with the relevant authorities, and deliver the permits to you either digitally or at your hotel on arrival.

Question 11

Is the Nathu La Pass permit separate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Nathu La Pass permit (at 14,140 ft, on the India–China border) is issued separately by the Defence Ministry through the District Collector's office. It is only available to Indian nationals and is not granted to foreign passport holders. The permit is required in addition to the standard RAP and is issued for specific visiting days (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday only). We arrange this permit for eligible Indian travellers as part of East Sikkim itineraries.

Question 12

What is the nearest airport to Sikkim?

Accepted Answer

Bagdogra Airport (IXB) near Siliguri, West Bengal, is the main gateway for Sikkim. It has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. From Bagdogra, Gangtok is approximately 3.5–4.5 hours by road (about 125 km). Pakyong Airport (PYG) in East Sikkim is the closest airport to Gangtok (about 30 minutes) but has limited and weather-dependent connectivity. We arrange private vehicle transfers from both airports.

Question 13

Is Sikkim safe to travel?

Accepted Answer

Sikkim is consistently rated one of the safest states in India for travel. It has low crime rates, friendly locals and a well-maintained road infrastructure for a Himalayan region. Solo travellers, including solo women travellers, regularly visit Sikkim without issues. The main considerations are weather-related: mountain roads can be affected by landslides during monsoon (July–August), and high-altitude routes above 12,000 ft require acclimatisation. Our team monitors road conditions in real time during trips.

Question 14

What currency is used and are there ATMs in Sikkim?

Accepted Answer

Indian Rupee (INR) is the currency used throughout Sikkim. ATMs are available in Gangtok, Namchi, Ravangla, Pelling and Jorethang. However, North Sikkim (Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar area) has no ATMs, and smaller guesthouses in remote areas accept cash only. We strongly recommend carrying sufficient cash before heading into remote areas. Major hotels in Gangtok accept cards and UPI.

Question 15

Should I be concerned about altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

Many highlights of Sikkim are at high altitude — Gurudongmar Lake sits at 17,000 ft and the Dzongri trek reaches 13,000+ ft. Altitude sickness (AMS) is a real concern for visitors who ascend too quickly. We design all high-altitude itineraries with proper acclimatisation days built in. We recommend arriving in Gangtok (5,500 ft) at least one day before going higher. Diamox (acetazolamide) can be taken preventively on medical advice. Please disclose any heart, respiratory or blood pressure conditions to us before booking.

Question 16

What should I pack for Sikkim?

Accepted Answer

Packing depends on your route and season, but essentials include: warm layers (temperatures drop sharply after sunset even in summer), a good rain jacket (rain is possible year-round at altitude), comfortable walking shoes with ankle support, sun protection (high UV at altitude), a basic first aid kit with altitude medicine, and documents for permit checkpoints. We send a detailed packing list tailored to your specific itinerary after booking confirmation.

Question 17

Are guides included in your packages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All our tour packages include a local guide who accompanies you for the full duration of the trip. Our guides are trained naturalists, cultural interpreters and permit specialists — not just drivers who point at things. For treks, a licensed trek guide is included. For city and monastery visits, your guide will provide deep contextual knowledge of Buddhist art, history and local customs. Guide language options: English, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali.

Question 18

What is typically included in a We Care Holidays package?

Accepted Answer

A standard tour package includes: all accommodation (handpicked guesthouses and hotels), private vehicle with experienced driver, dedicated English-speaking guide, all permit applications and fees, airport/railway transfers, and a daily revised itinerary based on weather and road conditions. Not included (unless specified): flights to Bagdogra/NJP, personal expenses, tips, alcoholic beverages, adventure activities with separate operators, and travel insurance.

Question 19

Do you have a local emergency contact available during my trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every traveller receives a local emergency contact number before departure — a We Care Holidays team member based in the region you are visiting. This number is available 24/7 for the duration of your trip. In addition, your guide carries a first aid kit and has emergency protocols for medical situations, vehicle breakdowns and route changes. We also register your itinerary with local authorities for high-altitude trips.

Question 20

How do I contact you during my trip if I need help?

Accepted Answer

During your trip you will have: (1) your guide's direct phone number, (2) our Gangtok office number, and (3) a WhatsApp emergency contact. Most areas of Sikkim (including remote districts) now have mobile connectivity, though signal can be intermittent at very high altitudes. We recommend downloading our contact details offline before departure. If connectivity fails, your guide will always have means to contact our team.

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