Quote:
Originally Posted by hvkumar  It has been like this for decades I think. I did not get permission to go in 1994 when I drove to Mangan in my bike. Tried meeting the District Magistrate for permission (he is the authority, not the army). Do you think Sikkhim has some funny rules that cut off several areas from outsiders in the name of preserving some ethnic tribes like the Lepchas? Don't think it is an Inner Line Permit or Army problem. |
Most likely, the inaccessibility is more because the tour operators clout.
I was following another thread on xbhp
HOW! sikkim chapter with all the updated details of Sikkim. - xBhp
and these guys have a comment like this:
"""abount the permit issue... if u cant find any army contact, Sikkim Home Dept and Sikkim Police together can provide the permit... but that totally depends on your convincing skill... its tough but possible... keep one or two full day at Gangtok for convincing purpose...""""
and also later on
********
How to acquire permits in Sikkim?
Now this is million dollar question and the most disturbing one when you plan for Sikkim , specially North Sikkim. Since sikkim has borders with China ,it’s a highly sensitive area and entry is totally restricted. Sikkim police issues separate permits to enter both Nathula and North Sikkim respectively. But Sikkim police is very strict in issuing permits to people who want to explore Sikkim on their own private vehicles. Frankly speaking Sikkim police doesn’t like the idea of issuing permits to a group of bikers who want to go on their own, because if something happens to the bikers Sikkim police is not much interested to take their responsibility.
We approached Indian Army and could convince them about our plan for our whole trip. They were a little skeptical about the whole idea but agreed after requesting them. Once army was convinced getting the permits from police was child’s play. I would like to point out here that be sure about acquiring the permits before you venture for North Sikkim.
********
Would wait for the day as of now for going beyond Mangan [Gurudongmar and Yumthang] by self drive - as it looks like good contacts are inevitable.