Sikkim Travel Info & Visa
1. Airport Check-In
Always arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure time to facilitate check-in.
2. Passport
An international passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival into India is required. For non-Singapore citizens residing in Singapore, please bring along your green card, work permit, student pass or exit permit (National Service man) etc. Malaysians entering Singapore with restricted passport must depart Singapore with the same travel document.
3. Visa
Indian Visa is required for Singaporeans and other Nationalities. Each tourist visa is valid up for 6 months (from date of issue) and is non-extendable. Visa application requires 2 passport size photos, application form (available from visa office) and SGD60 visa fee.
The Sikkim Entry Permit can be applied at Rangpo Checkpoint – the gateway to Sikkim. It requires 2 passport size photos and a copy of your valid passport.
4. Vaccination
Vaccination is recommended prior to the trip. You can consult your family doctor or visit the nearest clinic in your neighbourhood for consultation at least a month before your trip if you confirm your trip early. There is also a travel clinic at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
5. Currency
Indian rupees are used in Sikkim. The exchange rate is estimated at SGD1 = Rs33, subject to fluctuation. We advise you to change your Indian rupees in Singapore. Currency exchange can be done in the city area Gangtok with USD. There are only a handful of money changers there.
6. Prohibited Goods
No carrying of foods, agricultural products, plants, pets or animals, narcotics, arms and ammunition, pornographic objects and religious articles. Medical subscription and unknown goods need to be declared at the customs.
7. Electricity
The power supply is 220volts in the big cities. Normal outlets are for plugs with 2 rounded prongs. We suggest that you bring along a multi-purposed plug available in all electrical shops. Do note that blackout can be common in the city and outskirts. Do bring along a torch light for emergency case.
8. Climate
Best Season: March – May & October – Mid December.
Monsoon: Jun – Aug
Winter: Dec – Feb
9. Clothing
For touring and sightseeing, lightweight comfortable casual clothing is recommended. Do keep in handy a hat, sunblock lotion and sunglasses. Warm clothing or a light jacket for night is recommended. Bring a pair of flat, comfortable walking shoes. For trekkers, a packing list guideline will be sent to you.
10. Hotel Facilities
Generally air-conditioner, television, in-room movie channel & sometimes free coffee/tea making facility are available in the hotel rooms (4 star standard). All beverages consumed from the mini bar is at personal expense. Most hotels in the city have internet facilities in their business centre which are chargeable.
11. Hot Shower
Hot shower is available in majority of the hotels in the city and outskirts. However, it is possible that hot water may not be available at times due to temporary electricity supply cut-off. Hence, do not panick and do approach your guide if you need help. If the water is too cold for shower, it is advisable to do a simple clean-up instead using wet towel.
12. Communications
Internet cafes are common in the cities and are reasonably cheap. Local calls, long-distance calls and facsimile services can be made in the tele-communication shops in Gangtok. Should you wish to make calls from your mobile, you should note that roaming service is costly in Sikkim, including sms. The reception at some places in the rural areas out of Gangtok may be poor.
13. Shopping
Bargaining is customary at small shops and markets, the art of which is to start at half the asking prices and going up till a compromise is reached.
14. Tipping & Porterage
Tipping is a common practice while you are on a tour. It is always a good gesture and customary to tip the coach driver and the local guides. Guideline for tipping is SGD4 per passenger per day for leisure tours. For trekkers, the guideline for tipping is SGD8 per trekker per day subject to the quality of service rendered. Please note this is just a guideline.It is entirely up to each individual to decide how much they want to tip as experiences may vary.
15. Food & Beverage
Any changes in diet can have an effect but a few simple precautions should prevent any problems stemming from food or drinks. Tap water is NOT drinkable in Sikkim. It is safe to drink only mineral water from sealed bottle or from the boiled water supplied in your room. Sikkimese are essentially rice-eaters. Beef eating is common amongst the Bhutias. Various cuisine such as Nepali, Indian, Chinese, Western, Italian and continental are available in the city. Sikkimese and Indian food are common in the outskirts while traveling from one location to another.
1) Momo: Stuffed meat or vegetable dumpling.
2) Gya Thuk or Thukpa: is a noodle based soup with vegetables or meat.
3) Ningro with Churpi: An alpine fiddle-head fern and its tendrils when sauted with Churpi (a form of cheese).
4) Gundruk: Dried leaves of mustard oil plant cooked along with onions and tomatos.
5) Phagshapa: Strip of pork fat stewed with radishes and dried chillies.
6) Sael Roti: Deep fried dough normally eaten with potato curry or non-vegetarian dish.
16. Language
Hindi is the official language, with English as the working language of the government; Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia and Limbu are also spoken. All members of the tourist industry and many businessmen do speak English and other native language.
Disclaimer:
The above info serves only as a guideline and is subject to changes. Divine International Explore & Treks will not be held responsible for misinformation or omission intentionally or otherwise. All information are subjected to changes without prior notice. For more information, please check out travel literature or websites.
