An inner line permit for the Leh-Ladakh region is no longer mandatory for Indian tourists to explore the famous attractions. The rule came into effect in 2021. Therefore, the formerly restricted regions like Hanu Villages, Dah, Merak Man, Pangong Tso, Nyoma, Tso Moriri, Khardung La, Loma Bend, Digger La, Tyakshi Tangyar (for trekking), and Nubra Valley (till Panamik) will now be accessible by the tourists. Indian tourists/nationals need to show their valid Photo ID as nationality proof at the Army/ITBP check-posts. Identity proofs like Aadhar Card, Driving License, PAN Card, and Indian Passport would work for you.
Nevertheless, the rules for foreign tourists have not been changed. All foreign tourists are required to apply for Protected Area Permits (PAP) in a group of at least two or more with the assistance of a registered travel agent in Leh. After getting PAP only, foreigners are allowed to visit the restricted areas in Ladakh, including Dah and Hanu villages, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Nubra Valley.
Essential Points to Remember Before Leaving for Ladakh
- There are certain areas in Ladakh where even Indian nationals need to apply for a Ladakh Inner Line Permit. Such regions are Chumur, Hanle, Batalick sectors, Tsaga, after Loma bend, Chushul, and Marsimil La.
- Acclimatization is not only necessary, but it is required too..
- It is recommended that tourists should not visit Tso Moriri on the way from Manali to Leh. Although an inner line permit for Leh Ladakh is not necessary, acclimatizing before visiting this lake is extremely important. The lake is at an altitude of 4500 m, and the air is very thin..
Please note that obtaining an inner line permit for Ladakh for specific areas is obligatory. The reason is that Ladakh shares its border with Tibet, so the areas are sensitive. If you are traveling by air, you can register at the airport. Ladakh Permit for Protected Areas is obtainable at the office of the Deputy Commissioner at Leh.
How to get an inner line permit for Ladakh?
In order to obtain and get your permit approved, you need to fill out an application form that is available at the DC Office. The office of DC of Leh is open between 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM. The application submission is done after 03:00 PM. The application form can also be downloaded from the internet.
Fee For Ladakh Permit
Each person is required to Pay INR 20 per day along with INR 10 for Red Cross Society. The catch is that you can also avail a discount from the clerk present if the fee collection office is absent. A full-time Leh Ladakh permit is available at INR 230 only for a student. You are just required to attach a photocopy of your ID along with the permit. As and when you get the permit, you are now free to explore this lovely place. No permits are needed on the Srinagar-Leh highway or Manali-Leh highway to visit the local attractions near Leh.
Documents Required To Get Permit For Leh Ladakh
You must carry attested copies of valid nationality proofs such as Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, PAN card, and Adhar card. Getting permits for foreign tourists in a group becomes easy when you fill all the required details in the application form and attach the attested photocopies of the ID proofs belonging to all members of the groups.
Most of the hotels in Leh offer the option of getting an inner line permit to their guests. Just furnish attested photocopies of your ID roofs through the mail. In about 3 hours, you will get the approval. The approval process takes place first in the morning and then in the evening. Nevertheless, try to submit your proofs early to get approval in the first half when the touristy rush is less
Details to be filled in the Application Form for Foreign Nationals
The following details are needed to be given in the application, be it for an individual or a group:
- Name (every person in the group)
- Name of Parent/Guardian (every person in the group)
- Complete Permanent Address
- Name of the places you are visiting
- Specific dates for which you need the permit
Mentioning the name and address of the hotel you are staying in is optional.
This application form requires a list of all the main attractions/towns/villages you will visit during your Ladakh trip. For instance, if you mention Nubra Valley, places like Sumer, Panamik, Diskit, and Hunder get mentioned automatically. But, if you are also visiting Turtuk, it needs to be mentioned separately. So please take note that forgetting or not mentioning any of the destinations or attractions may lead to the rejection of your application.
An application letter directing it to the Deputy Commissioner of Leh is also required when applying for an Inner line permit in Ladakh. In this letter, mention the dates of your tour and the places you wish to travel to. Remember that the dates and places you mention in the application form and the letter must be the same.
Make two or three copies of the complete set, including the Request letter, the application form, and the group members’ photo IDs. After preparing all the sets separately, submit them to the DC’s office along with the original documents. INR 10 per person also needs to be given as a deposit fee for the required permits.
After you deposit the fee, the clerk will ask you to get the document signed by the ADC. Nevertheless, he himself keeps the documents in the room ADC. This takes from 1 to 3 hours. Then, as your documents get an approval stamp, visit the nearest Photostat shop to make a few copies of the approved papers, which will later be submitted at all the check posts you will be crossing.
The Inner Line permits for foreign tourists are now effective for 15 days. However, you can visit a particular duration as many times as you want during the stipulated duration. Do carry several passport-size photographs, as the need for it can come up at any point in time. Only Indian nationals can get a Leh Ladakh permit to visit the Changthang region, as foreigners are not allowed there. This is the complete process:
For Domestic Tourists
You should submit all the following documents a day before your tour to Ladakh so that the inner line permit can be processed:
- A copy of your valid Identity Proof
- A nominal fee is charged with respect to the Travelling Area
For International Tourists
- It is recommended that you provide all the below-mentioned documents at least a day before the day of your tour so that the procedure for the permit takes place:
- A copy of your valid Passport and Visa
A nominal fee is charged with respect to the Travelling Area.
