Mountaineering in Sikkim
Sikkim snuggled in the stretch of north eastern Himalayas is one of the best experience of the mountains. The beautiful state remains unrivaled when it comes to the thrilling experience of mountaineering. Mountaineering in Sikkim has been introduced very recently. The Government of Sikkim has opened some of its alpine peaks for climbing and other adventures. Mountaineering season in Sikkim starts from April to June, and September to November. Temperature are milder in spring but there can be more snow around. Mid April, June through last week of September, to first week of December, is considered the safest and the best time for mountain adventures in Sikkim. The breathtaking views form the magnificent heights. The trails through alpine meadows, rhododendron fields, scared lakes, bio-diversity and humming mountain brooks is enchanting. Adventure lovers have found their haven and nature lovers will be lost in the magnificence of the scenic beauty of mountains. There are many peak in the Sikkim Himalayas in which five peaks below 7000 Mtrs in North and West Sikkim are open for mountaineering expedition as per the state vide notification No.25/HOME/2006 dated 20/03/2006 issued by the Home Department, Government of Sikkim. The permits for the peaks are issued by the Home Department. The amount of royalties mentioned below has to be paid in Gangtok, Sikkim, after the Indian Mountaineering Foundation grants the permit in New Delhi. Expedition Royalties The following royalties are levied for foreign expedition teams: 1. US$350 per team of up to four members, 2. US$ 500 per team of up to eight members and 3. US$ 75 for every additional member. Insurance The following minimum insurance coverage is compulsory. 1. Expedition members: Rs. 3 lakhs per member 2. Camp crew: Rs. 1 lakh per person 3. Porters: Rs. 50,000/- per person 4. Animals: Rs. 20,000/- per animal If more peaks below 6000 Mtrs are opened in the near future, Sikkim will attract more mountaineers and tourist in the near future.
Frey Peak
How To Reach
Elevation
Location
Difficulty
Mt. Jupono
How To Reach
Elevation
Location
Difficulty
Mt. Brumkhangse
How To Reach
Elevation
Location
Difficulty
Mt. Thinchenkhan
How To Reach
Elevation
Location
Difficulty
Permits and Details for Mountaineering in Sikkim
I.As per the notification of the Government of Sikkim, Home Department, the above listed (atleast 6) peaks have been declared open for Alpine Expedition with effect from 17th September, 2005.
II. The permit for these Alpine Expeditions is issued by the Home Department. The royalty shall be paid under the Revenue Head of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department.
III. The following royalty shall be levied for the expedition
(a) For foreign expedition team: US $350 per team of up to four members, US $500 per team of up to eight members and US $75 for every additional member.
(b) For domestic expedition team: Rs. 15,000/- per team of up to eight members and Rs. 1,500/- for every additional member.
(c) For local expedition team: Rs. 3,000/- per team of up to eight members and Rs. 300/- for every additional member.
IV. The tour operator shall be responsible for rescue operation, if any. The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, however, shall render all legitimate assistance to the tour operators including coordination with different agencies.
V. The tour operator conducting expedition shall scrupulously adhere to the code of conduct for eco-tourism in Sikkim and abide by all the terms and conditions laid down by the State Government for conducting the expedition. The code of conduct and terms and conditions will be enclosed with the permit for Alpine Expedition. The violation of any of the conditions and code of conduct shall debar the tour operator from conducting further expedition/s.
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department will be responsible for ensuring that the trekking/expedition routes are kept litter free and conduct periodical cleaning operations, if necessary.
VI. The following minimum insurance coverage is compulsory. (a) Expedition members : Rs. 3 lakhs per member.
(b) Camp crews : Rs. 1 lakh per person.
(c) Porters : Rs. 50,000/- per person.
(d) Animals : Rs. 20,000/- per animal.
VII. A total of 10 expeditions (6 foreign and 4 domestic) shall be permitted per year. However, the State Government may permit expedition, if such situation arises.
To download the government notification for Alpine Expedition click on the link below.Click on a heading to view/ download this file.
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