Bawray Banjaray In Ladakh

PERMITS FOR LADAKH – A COMPLETE GUIDE

In 2014, requirements of an ILP to visit protected areas of Ladakh was waived off for Indian citizens. After that, there was no need for a permit to visit any place in Ladakh region. But in April 2017, the Government and the Local authorities made it compulsory all over again for both domestic and international tourists travelling to any of the protected areas of Ladakh.

Getting Inner Line permit for Ladakh can be a daunting task sometimes, due to rush of tourists or if you happen to be there on any public holiday. However, there is a web portal by Leh DC from which one can request for Leh Ladakh Permit.

Let us take you through what these permits are, why does one need them and how can you easily get one! Here is what we will be discussing in the paragraphs below: 

KNOW ABOUT OUR EXPEDITION TO LADAKH

What are the ILP and PAP Permits for Ladakh

Inner Line Permits or generally known as ILPs are government-approved documents that allow tourists to travel to areas which are very close to International border(s) or are under-protected area tag. ILP is for Indian nationals only. Foreigners wishing to travel to areas following under this category, need a Protected Area Permit, also known as PAP. These permits are mandatory for hassle-free travel in Ladakh Region.

Who needs Ladakh Permit

Anyone who is not a permanent residence of Ladakh and wishes to travel beyond the city of Leh needs ILP or PAP. Anyone below the age of 12 is not required to get an ILP. Traveling on Leh Manali highway and Leh Srinagar Highway does not require any permits. Even local sightseeing in Leh does not require permits.

Requirements for Ladakh Permit

Indians need a valid ID Proof – both in the original and a photocopy of it. After filling the application form and attaching the photocopies of ID Cards, they are good to get permits. Non-Indian, which includes NRI and IOC too, need to travel in at least a group of 4. They need to travel with a registered tour agent. Valid passport and visa along with passport size photographs are a must to get ILPs/PAPs for Ladakh.
People from Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar can get these permits only from the Ministry of Home Affairs of Govt. Of India in New Delhi.

Which places in Ladakh need permits

  • Khalsi, Domkhar, Skurbuchan, Hanu, Baima, Dha in Khalsi Sub-Division. Khardong, Khalsar, Trith up to Warsi and Yarma Gonbo, Disket, Hunder, Turtuk, Pachathang, Tyakshi in Nubra Sub-Division.
  • Upshi, TsomoRiRi/Korzok in Nyoma Sub-Division.
  • Upshi, Dipling, Puga, TsomoRiRi/Korzok in Nyoma Sub-Division.
  • Kharu, Changla, Durbuk, Tangtse, Lukhung, Spangmik, Man-merag(Pangong Lake) in Nyoma Sub-Division.
  • Upshi, Chumathang, Mahe, Loma Bend in Nyoma Division.
  • Leh-Kharu-Changla-Durbuk-Tangtse-Lukung-Spangmik-Man Merak (Pangong) upto Chushul and Loma Bend.
  • Tangtse-Kargyam-Sato, Barma, Chushul.

Which places do not need permits

Any place on Leh Manali Highway and Leh Srinagar highway does not require any permits. Like Pang, Debring, Tanglang La, Rumtse, Leh town, and places nearby Leh, Stok, Markha valley (Permit needed for foreigners ), Nimmo, Sangam, Magnetic Hills, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, Alchi, Lamayuru, Zanskar, Suru, Kargil.

How to get permits in Leh

GET TO KNOW SPITI BEYOND ITS MOUNTAINS AND LANDSCAPES

Depending upon how one is travelling to Ladakh, one can choose any of these ways to get Leh Ladakh Permit easily. 

  • The easiest way to get Leh Permit is via a travel agent. Give photocopies of IDs and permit fee along with minimal charges, one can save all the hassle of going to DC office.
  • Go to Leh DC office, get the application form from any of the shops near Leh DC office. Fill the form with all the details and attach a copy of the ID of every person. Be sure to put every place in form you want to visit. Especially if going towards Hanle and Chusul. After paying fee one is good to go.
  • The third option is to download and print the application form from Leh DC website, fill it with all the correct information, attach a copy of IDs. Go to Leh DC office and get it stamped after paying the fee.

For Non-Indians it has to be done through a registered travel agent. All it takes is providing the guide/travel operator with a copy of passport and visa with originals and he/they will be able to get things done for you.

Note: The office does not function on Sundays and public holidays like any other government office.

How to get the permits for Ladakh online?

Website to book online permits for Ladakh
The Online Website for Issuing Permits Online

The landing page of http://lahdclehpermit.in/ has a button “issue” at the bottom of the page. Choose Domestic clients from the menu which appears after clicking “issue” button. Clicking on Domestic clients will take you to a new page where the required information like Aadhar Number, full address and date of travel is filled in the form. Click on “Directly” in Issue Permit section. A calendar will appear in the field “Date of arrival”. Check the details before submitting because it is not possible to revise once the details are submitted. Click “Submit” and “OK” on the pop-up menu.

Various options to choose from for getting permits

Onto the next page, one needs to provide the details about the places to be visited. At the bottom of the page, there is an option to choose arrival and departure dates. Click “Print” and they you are required to present the printed permit at Leh DC office upon your arrival and pay the fee.

How much does the permit for Ladakh cost?

A single permit per day costs INR 420 out of which INR 300 is a one time charge for environment fee, INR 20 per day per person for the permit and INR 100 for the Red Cross Fund. The students can get a permit for INR 20 (one time only) on producing their Student ID cards along with the other documents.
Note: Take about 8 to 10 photocopies of the permit.

That’s all the information you need for getting permits for your much-awaited Ladakh Trip. let us know of any other queries you have about the permits for Ladakh.

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