Sikkim In Line Permit

I am in Gangtok right now. My experience with getting an In Line Permit ..... I decided to apply in Darjeeling, and got a 15 day permit for the area I plan to visit (not north). The process was bureaucratic - get the paperwork at the permit office, and then take it to the District Court for ratification. I had no problem as a solo traveler. Then, when I got to Rangpo, I stopped in the permit office, and the official had no problem rewriting my permit for30 days. Now, I won’t need to stop back in at Gangtok to get my 15 day permit extended. I did all this without the need for assistance by a travel agency.

Thanks, everyone for your comments.

@cycle70 @yogayur - Restarting this thread. Need some info on getting permits for a non-Indian friend, hope you can help. Two of us (both Indians) and a non-Indian friend are planning to visit Sikkim. I understand the process of getting a permit to enter the state is easy enough. However, how about access to the restricted/protected areas such as Tsomgo Lake and Yumthang valley? Did you happen to visit those and if so, were you able to get the permit as a solo traveller? The website says foreign tourists have to be in groups of 2 or more. Any help would be deeply appreciated. Thanks!

I have little to add to my last entry, #10. I applied and received my Line Permit in Rangpo, and did not attempt to enter the restricted area of Northern Sikkim alone. I did, however, enter Khangchendzonga National Park in a group, leaving from Yuksom for a 4-day trek, and required an entry permit. This was obtained for me by this the trekking company, and I didn't ask what it was for and why I needed it.

I found that Vistet helpful in answering detailed questions - see entries above in this thread. You might try to contact him.

Continuing the topic of permits I am more interested about the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), as I want to go to Goecha La trek in group of two people, but without agency.
Can I go to Tourism & Civil Aviation Department in Gantok by myself and do the permit??

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