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Sikkim is one of the most popular holiday destinations in northeast India for its beautiful glacial lakes, snow-clad mountains and more. With the recent easing of travel restriction in the state, many tourists are choosing this beautiful state for their post-COVID holiday plans. If you’re one of them, here is something that might help you out! We have curated all the safety measures, entry requirements and details you need to know about visiting Sikkim. Read ahead and plan away!
Entry To Sikkim
- Entry to Sikkim is now open for all domestic tourists. All interstate and intrastate restrictions on travel have been lifted with the newly issued Unlock guidelines by MHA.
- To enter Sikkim, you will need to obtain a travel card by the Tourism Department of Sikkim. You can apply for the same on their official website.
- Once you fill in all your details, you will be able to download your travel card which is to be presented at entry at Rangpo/Melli.
- Once inside Sikkim, you will have to update your travel card on a day-to-day basis on the official website of Sikkim Tourism Department.
- This travel card must be carried by you in Sikkim at all times as you may be asked to produce it for verification by designated Enforcement officers deputed at any time.
- It is recommended that you book health & safety compliant accommodations and avail transport and travel services from health & safety compliant tour operators.
- It is also recommended by the Sikkim Tourism Department that you carry a COVID-negative test result not older than 72 hours prior to entry in Sikkim. Although, this is not mandatory.
Staying In Sikkim
The Sikkim government has taken all the necessary steps to make sure all visitors and residents are safe. Various safety guidelines have been issued for public spaces, tourist attractions, hotels, etc. with enhanced hygiene protocols, social distancing SOPs, and more.
Reopened Hotels
The Sikkim government has issued modified SOPs for hotels and accommodations to comply with. A majority of reopened hotels are following the newly issued SOPs and guidelines to keep their guests safe from infections.
What Happens If You Show COVID Symptoms While Your Stay At Sikkim
If you experience any symptoms related to COVID-19 while your saty at Sikkim, make sure to inform your hotel or resort manager first of all and isolate yourself. Alternatively, you can also call 8016346710, 8016345478, 9635657914 or 9635659896 for further help or any queries.
Local Transport
Local transport in Sikkim has been resumed with various safety measures in place. It is mandatory for all passengers to wear face masks and adhere to social distancing when on local transport.
Safety Measures
- It is mandatory for all to wear face masks and adhere to social distancing in public spaces.
- Spitting in public areas in strictly prohibited in Sikkim.
- All tourists must update their travel card everyday when travelling in Sikkim. Failure to do so will result in a fine by the enforcement officer.
- Availing services from non-compliant accommodations, tour operators and service providers will also lead to a fine by the enforcement officer.
Experiences
Here are 5 things you can do to explore Sikkim in the “new normal”:
- Go Trekking:
Trekking is the best way to explore the magnificent mountains of the state. Some of the best treks in Sikkim are Goecha La, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, and Dzongri. Trekking in Sikkim has now resumed with various safety measures in place and is thus is a safe option for travellers.
- Cycle Down The Silk Route:
Explore the ancient Silk Route on pedals as you stay away from the crowd in nature and safe. This is surely one of the best things to do in Sikkim for the adventure-lovers.
- Paragliding:
Go paragliding in Sikkim to witness stunning 360-degree views of this beautiful state and its majestic mountains. Some of the most popular places in Sikkim to go paragliding are Pangthang, Bojoghari village, and Tashi View Point.
- Visit Tsomogo Lake:
Tsomogo lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sikkim. The Tsomogo lake is made of glacial water and serves beautiful views in all the seasons. It is a popular photo spot too for tourists visiting Sikkim. Make sure you’re wearing face masks and adhering to social distancing when visiting the lake.
- Witness Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and the second-highest lake in India. Visit the lake to witness some of the most beautiful views of the snow-clad mountains and blue waters in Sikkim. Ensure that you comply with all safety measures when visiting the lake to stay safe.
Packing List For Sikkim
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a big change in our everyday life with the introduction of masks, gloves and hand sanitizers as everyday essentials. When packing for a holiday in the new normal you must include the above and a lot of other things in your bag now. Here is a list of all the essential items to be packed in your bags:
N-95 masks: Keep yourself safe throughout the trip with N-95 masks. Make sure you carry at least 3 of these to be able to change and wear alternatively.
Gloves: Keep a pack of disposable gloves (used for medical examinations) with you to keep your hands from getting contaminated. When used, dispose of them carefully and responsibly.
Hand sanitizer: Always keep a hand sanitizer with you, in case you’re not able to wash your hands frequently. This will help you get rid of any germs and viruses on your hands and avoid infections.
First-aid Kit: In case, you catch a fever or show other symptoms and are tested negative for COVID, you would need regular medicines to treat yourself. Keep the essential medicines with you in a first aid kit to avoid any hassles in a foreign country.
Extra clothes & a bag: Just to minimize the risk of infection even further, you can keep an extra pair of clothes that you can wear while travelling on flights or at the airport. Keep this pair of clothes packed in a ziplock bag after use, if it’s not possible to wash them.
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