Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best season to visit Sikkim?

The best time to visit Sikkim is during March, April, May till June and September, October, November and till December.

Do I need special Permits to visit Sikkim?

In addition to Indian Visa one need to apply for Sikkim Inner Line Permit (ILP) in order to visit Sikkim. This 15 days permit can be obtained free of charge from the Indian Consulate in your country while applying for your Indian Visa, however some fo the European countries do charge some fees for the Sikkim ILP. You can also acquire ILPs at Rangpo and Mellin check post at the time of your entry to Sikkim for free of cost.

The State Government is authorized to extend the same twice by a further period of 30 days (15 days each). The extension of the permit can be obtained from FRO at Gangtok and office of Superintendent of Police of the North, West and South Districts.

One can also obtain the Sikkim Inner Line Permits at following places in India

• All Indian Mission Abroad.
• Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Lok Nayak Bhawan , New Delhi.
• All Foreigners Registration Officers.
• Immigration Officers at Airports at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi.
• Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, Pradhan Nagar, SNT Complex, Siliguri, West Bengal.
• Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim. Panchasheel Marg. Sikkim House, New Delhi .
• Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim 4/1Middleton Street, Kolkata.
• Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, Sikkim Tourism Office, Rangpo, East Sikkim.
• Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, Melli, Near Melli Police Check Post, South Sikkim.
• Residence Commissioner, Government of Sikkim, Sikkim House, New Delhi.
• Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling, West Bengal.
• Deputy Secretary/ Under Secretary, Home Department, Government of West Bengal,Kolkata.

For Indian Nationals - No inner line permits or such formalities are needed to enter Sikkim but one should always carry with him, any indian identification documents, like either Voter ID card, Pan Card, Passport etc. This identification documents are most for the one planning to do trekking in any part of Sikkim himalayas.

Where and what type of food is served during the trek?

During the trek our Experience cook will serve you varities of Food comprising of Local, Tibiten, Continental, European and Chinese dishes in alternative manner. Local food such as Dal Bhat (rice and lentils) along with vegetables and momos (vegetable dumplings), noodles etc. Good breakfast compromising of cornflakes, porridge, toast, eggs, sausegaes, mashed potaoes etc. will be served. Our cook and staffs are well trained in European, Chinese and Continental style of food, so we know well what to serve you during the trek. We will also ask you for your likes and special need before the trek and will try all our best to arrage it if it within our reach. You will be served varieties of delicious food every day during the treks and tours.

How difficult are the treks?

The difficulty of our treks depends on where you want to trek and how long you want to go. The shorter treks tend to be easier while the longer ones require some physical fitness. Be prepared for some steep trails leading to amazing views. The pace at which you hike is up to you. We have honest, friendly and dependable staffs and pack animals to assist you in the best possible manner. In Himalayan region you should always keep in mind - A difficult, hard and long trails always leads to BEAUTIFUL destination!

How safe is the food?

Food safety is always a big concern when visiting a foreign country. This is why we do our best to choose the hotels/lodges and restaurants with clean and sanitary kitchens. On our treks, we provide a experince and hygenic cook to prepare safe and tasty meals with our own set of cookery as well as hygienic cleaning facilities. The food we serve on camping trips is completely safe. we assure you of a healthy and satisfying food all the time. Our cooks and supporting staffs are well trained, so there is no need to worry for the safety and hygenic foods.

Where do we get water during the trip?

Your staff will provide you with all the water you need during your trek. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem. During the trek, we will proide you with ample proper boiled drinking water. One need to bring along a proper steel water bottle for the trek and tours.

Is the water safe to drink?

Your staff will be in charge of all your water and other needs while in trek and tours. They will make sure all water is boiled and treated with iodine. Iodine is 100% effective in killing the bacteria in water. You are advise to bring along your sorts of purifying waters if you are in some sorts of doubt.

What happens if there is an emergency?

Mountain Tours and Travels prides itself on being prepared for any emergency situation. Our guides are trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that occur during a trek. But if a serious emergency occurs, then outside help is needed. Every client should have their own insurance before coming to Sikkim and other himalayan region. If an emergency occurs, mountain Tours and Travels will initially cover the cost of an evacuation until your insurance company can deliver payment. We will advise you to bring along small first aid kits for first hand safety.

Is there a doctor on the trek?

We can't guarantee a doctor on every trekking area, but we do try to encourage suitably experienced medical personnel to join our high altitude treks by offering a discount in return for looking after the medical needs of a group. In addition to trek doctors, our group leaders and guides are trained in first aid. We encourage bigger groups to approach doctors in there groups.

Could you tell me how much money do I need?

This is bit difficult to explain to you without knowing your proper holiday plan. But you can make it easy by explaining us about your interest- that you like to do tour, trekking, rafting, wildlife safari, shopping etc. or with explaining about the categories of hotel that you're going to accommodate and nature of tour you're going to do, and total days for Sikkim and other himalayan region. Like wise we will tell you how much amount approximately you need to carry!

What sort of experience do your guides have?

Mountain Tours and Travels has professional, dependable and experienced guides, who are well trained. All of our guides have spent years exploring the mountains and countryside of Sikkim and other himalayan region. All our guides speak English and have a great knowledge of the various trekking routes and region. Our Guides will have the pleasure of guiding you in the most beautiful trails in the Himalayas, which will enhance your holiday experience and make it a real success.

What to bring on a trek?

Good, Reliable and Flexible attitude! Already used trekking boots or to use them before the trek if it’s a new pair, sun glasses, sunscreen lotion, insect repellents, personal medicines*, water bottles-refillable*, caps, walking sticks*, gloves, toilet paper rolls, heavy woolens for the night as temperatures in the mountains can be very rude in the night fall below minus 5-10 degrees, windcheaters, waterproof camera bags, rain coat, thermal wear, good sleeping bags with inners*, inflatable mattresses, sufficient camera rolls, battery backups, small back pack for personal carry, medical and cancellation insurance and lots of Energy- You will require lots of it...

How difficult is the trek?

We can absolutely assure you that you do not have to be young, very experienced, or super fit to enjoy most of our treks. Previous walking experience, though is useful, however not essential. The great majority of our treks could be undertaken by anyone who is in good health, enjoys outdoor life, and is reasonably fit. Make sure to hit a gym at least months before the trek so that your body get well warmed up and get used to long walking during the trek. Long distance Hiking in the Hills or long stair walking exercixes are good for Preparation.

What we do every day in trekking?

A trek day begins around 4 -5 a.m. with a mug of coffee or tea served through your tent flap. Hot water is provided for washing and shaving, followed by breakfast. Water is provided for your water containers. We strike camp and begin walking in the pleasant cool of the morning before stopping for lunch at the half way or reach the camp before Lunch. The break in between the Trek offers an opportunity to write in your diary, read and relax. The full meal typically includes fresh fruit, tinned meat, cheese, rice, rotis, cooked vegetables, and tea or coffee. We usually reach our campsite by 3-4 p.m. and have tea and biscuits shortly afterwards. There is time to rest or explore before our evening meal at 6-7 pm. This is the social event of the day. It begins with an appetizer and soup, followed by the main course and dessert with tea or coffee. The variety and quality of our "camp" food will delight you. Guests keep threatening to take our cooks home with them!

Why should I travel with Mountain Tours, Treks and Travels?

There are many reasons. We in a nutshell, we go out of our way to make sure your experience is a positive one, there will be no negative impact on the region we are visiting: after all, we live here. And our safety record is unsurpassed.
We provide the most modern equipment, specially designed for trekking & climbing and vegetarian, non-vegetarian cuisine, travel arrangements and reliable, friendly and experienced staff. We respect and follow our clients' suggestions and ideas for planning their special trips. All our trekking staffs are insured and are well trained, mannered and honest.
Testimonials and Trip Advisor Reviews of some of our satisfied guests can be viewed in our website, which will give you a glimpse of our service quality.