Ladakh Inner Line Permit Guide: Who Needs It and How to Apply

Several of Ladakh's most beautiful places lie close to international borders, so visitors need permission to enter them. The process is straightforward once you know the basics.

Which Areas Need a Permit?

Domestic tourists need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for protected areas including:

• Nubra Valley (Diskit, Hunder, Turtuk)
• Khardung La and the route beyond
• Pangong Tso
• Tso Moriri and Tso Kar
• Hanle and Umling La region
• Dha–Hanu and parts of the Indus valley near the LoC

Leh town, the monasteries along the Indus (Thiksey, Hemis, Shey) and Lamayuru generally do not need a permit. Rules can change – check the official portal before you travel.

How to Apply

1. Online: apply on the Leh district administration's permit portal, linked from the Leh district website. Fill in traveller details, select the areas and dates, and pay the fees online.
2. Print several copies of the permit – checkpoints often collect a copy.
3. Through an agent or your tour operator: most packages include the permit, saving you the effort.

Documents

• Government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence)
• Vehicle details if you are self-driving
• The names of all travellers in the group

Fees

The permit includes an environment fee and a small Red Cross/wildlife fee, charged per person. The amount is modest and paid online.

Foreign Nationals

Foreign tourists need a Protected Area Permit (PAP), which must be applied for through a registered travel agent, usually for a group of two or more. Some areas have additional restrictions.

Tips

• Apply after you have fixed your itinerary; dates matter.
• Carry original ID along with permit copies.
• Checkpoints close at night; plan to cross them in daylight.
• Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.

Tours with Permits Included

All our Ladakh packages handle permits for you. Browse the Ladakh destination page or these trips:

• Great Lakes of Ladakh Expedition – Manali to Srinagar, 8 Nights / 9 Days
• Ladakh with Turtuk & Tso Moriri – 7 Nights / 8 Days
• Ladakh to Umling La – Leh, Nubra, Pangong & Hanle, 7 Nights / 8 Days
• Leh Ladakh with Nubra & Pangong – 5 Nights / 6 Days
• Manali–Leh–Umling La Expedition – 9 Nights / 10 Days

Related reading: Pangong Lake guide · Umling La and Hanle guide · Leh Ladakh trip cost

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indians need a permit for Ladakh?

Not for Leh town, but yes for protected areas such as Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri.

How long is the Ladakh permit valid?

Typically for the dates and areas you select, often up to around two weeks. Check the portal for current rules.

Can I get the permit after reaching Leh?

Yes, online or through an agent in Leh, usually within the same day.

Do children need a permit?

Yes, every traveller should be listed on the permit.