Pickup from Bagdogra Airport or Siliguri is available only between 05:00 AM to 07:00 PM due to safety concerns related to traveling on hilly terrain after dark. If you plan to arrive later than 7 PM, it is important to notify Thrillophilia beforehand to allow proper rearrangement of your itinerary, which may include a stay in Siliguri for the first night. A government-approved photo ID is mandatory at the time of booking and also upon arrival, to secure necessary permits. Please note that PAN cards and driving licenses are not accepted as valid address proofs for this purpose.
There is no official hotel rating authority in the region, so hotel standards may not match those in larger cities. Rooms offered are of standard category unless a request for upgraded rooms is made in advance. For triple-sharing accommodations, an extra mattress will be arranged. Due to infrastructure constraints in the North-East, rooms tend to have basic facilities focused on essential comfort.
Travelers below the age of 4 years and senior citizens are discouraged from visiting Gurudongmar Lake due to the extreme altitude and low oxygen levels. Additionally, permits for infants below the age of 2 years are not issued by North Sikkim tourism authorities, which means travel to North Sikkim with an infant will not be possible. In the North-East, vehicle services operate on a point-to-point basis, not on full-day disposal. Any deviations from the scheduled itinerary may incur additional charges unless caused by unavoidable factors such as weather, roadblocks, or government restrictions. Consult your tour provider before making any changes to avoid unexpected costs.
Charges for Nathu La Pass are not included in the base package due to its restricted nature. Permits are limited, only granted between Wednesday and Sunday, and can be cancelled at any time for weather or security reasons. These permits are not guaranteed in advance and must be paid for on the spot based on prevailing conditions. Adding Nathu La Pass to your tour may cost between INR 4000 and INR 9000 per vehicle, depending on the season and demand.
Optional destinations such as Mt. Katao, Kalapathar, Chopta Valley, and Zero Point in North Sikkim are also available at additional charges ranging from INR 4000 to INR 9000 per vehicle per spot. Visiting these areas also requires special permits, and their availability is subject to government restrictions.
Thrillophilia does not recommend booking Sumo or Bolero vehicles because they are not allowed in many central market areas of Sikkim. If you still choose such vehicles, you will be dropped off or picked up at the nearest permissible location. From there, you may have to walk or hire a local union cab at your own expense to reach your hotel or meeting point. During peak seasons, transfers may be delayed due to heavy traffic, roadblocks, weather conditions, political or social unrest, VVIP movements, or transport rule enforcement. Travelers are advised to remain patient and flexible.
Due to energy limitations in the region, the state government restricts the use of electric room heaters. Many hotels may not provide heaters at all, and in cases where they do, the heaters are often available on a chargeable basis and subject to availability.