Please rotate your phone

This site is made for portrait mode on mobile. Turn your phone upright to continue.

Trekking Permit

Dzongri Trek Permit — KCA Permit & ILP Guide for Kanchenjunga National Park, West Sikkim

Dzongri Trek is Sikkim's most popular high-altitude trek, offering close views of Kanchenjunga. It requires two permits: a West Sikkim ILP and a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) permit.

Indian & Foreign13,200 ftWest SikkimLicensed Guide Required

What Permits are Needed for Dzongri Trek?

Dzongri Trek starts from Yuksom in West Sikkim and passes through Kanchenjunga National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two permits are mandatory:

  • West Sikkim ILP — Inner Line Permit for West Sikkim district (Indians) or RAP (foreigners)
  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) Permit — issued by the Forest Department at Yuksom, payable at the trailhead

Both permits are in addition to a mandatory licensed trekking guide and a porter/mule team — regulations under the national park prohibit independent trekking without a guide.

Who Needs the Permit?

Indian Nationals

West Sikkim ILP (through operator or Yuksom check post) + KCA permit at Yuksom trailhead. Licensed guide mandatory.

Foreign Nationals

RAP (Restricted Area Permit) + KCA permit at Yuksom. Must be in groups of 2+ with a licensed guide. Apply RAP through registered agent before arrival.

Documents Required

  • Valid government photo ID (Indian) or Passport + visa (Foreign)
  • Two passport-size photographs
  • Trek booking confirmation with registered operator
  • Proof of travel insurance (strongly recommended for foreigners)

Permit Costs

PermitIndianForeign
West Sikkim ILP / RAP~₹100~₹2,000 (RAP)
KCA Permit (National Park)~₹200/day~₹600/day
Guide fee (mandatory)₹700–1,000/day (negotiated with operator)

Trek Route & Duration

D1
Yuksom → Sachen (9,000 ft)

5–6 hours, through dense forest. Permits checked at Yuksom before departure.

D2
Sachen → Dzongri (13,200 ft)

6–7 hours. Steep ascent through rhododendron forests. Night at Dzongri.

D3
Dzongri Top viewpoint + acclimatisation day

Pre-dawn hike to Dzongri Top (14,278 ft) for Kanchenjunga sunrise. Rest day for acclimatisation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Permit Guides

Singalila Ridge Trek PermitAll Sikkim PermitsNE India Permits Hub