Sikkim, a land nestled amidst the mighty Himalayas, has a rich history steeped in tradition and culture. Founded by the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century, this beautiful land was later used as a crucial trade route to Tibet by the British Empire. Sikkim was ruled by the Chogyal Dynasty, who established it as a center of culture and religion.

Sikkim became India’s 22nd state in 1975, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. Today, it’s a stunning destination known for its vibrant culture and warm people. A must-visit for Himalayan wonders.

Sikkim is a state known for its diverse communities, cultures, religions, and customs. The people of Sikkim consist of three main ethnic groups – Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepali, and are known for their warm, friendly, and simple nature. The Sikkimese people have a natural gaiety that is infectious, and they have a good mechanism for living in harmony. Sikkim truly is a state where people from different backgrounds coexist in peace and unity.

Foreign visitors must possess a valid passport and Indian visa before their Sikkim visit. They must obtain an Inner Line Permit from the Sikkim Tourism Office in New Delhi or Kolkata. These permits come with a duration of 30 days which can be extended further to the period of 30 days from the Foreign Regional Registration Officer at Gangtok.

Foreigners interested in visiting the protected areas of North Sikkim need to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) that is issued by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim. However, Indian citizens do not require a permit to enter the restricted areas of Sikkim.