Sikkim's Ramman Checkpoint Now Open to Foreign Tourists

Foreign tourists used to travel forever and a day when they planned a trip to Sikkim since inner line permits were issued only at the checkpoints in Melli and Rangpo (Indian tourists don&rsquot have to apply for one).

Now, Sikkim will be more easily accessible to foreign tourists.&nbspFrom March 1, the Ramman checkpoint will re-open after a decade. 

In order to expand the growth of rural, religious and adventure tourism in the state, chief secretary SC Gupta announced the opening of the Ramman checkpoint to tourists from across the world who have been pleading for an entry through Budang in West Sikkim.

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Foreign tourists will now find a Sikkim visit much easier (and more affordable) while enjoying a trip to Darjeeling as well.

Sikkim welcomes more than 1,50,000 foreign travellers each year, but the checkpost had been shut down for a decade due to tourists entering without an official permit.

The checkpoint is located near the Darjeeling border and Jorethang Town, so foreign tourists will do a shorter 90 minute drive through Darjeeling in North Bengal via Tukvar and Singla.

While visiting Darjeeling, foreign tourists can now visit both South and West Sikkim easily. They can indulge in adventure sports at Dzongri and Goechala in the south and pilgrim spots like Buddha Park and Char Dham in the west.