Ladakh Inner Line Permit
In order to visit certain parts of Ladakh, tourists need Inner Line Permit from the DC Office in Leh (Protected Area Permit in case of foreigners). This is due to the fact that these areas are located along the cease fire line with Pakistan and China and have heavy military presence.
Getting a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreigners is quite a straight forward affair, since Indian Government requires them to go through a travel agent to apply for permit in a group of two or more. This essentially means that you need to pay a travel agent or your guest house the required permit fee along with their commissions and a photocopy of your passport and they will take care of all the paper work and get you the permit at the end of the day. Even if you are traveling alone, you need not worry, they will group you together with others in order to get the permit. Once you have the permit, you can travel on your own, just make sure you carry 3-4 photo copies of the permit per sector, as you need to submit them en route.
Visitors from Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and Burma need to apply for Protected Area Permit at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi. While those on a diplomatic or official visa, need to apply for the same via the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi.
For those applying directly, you need to fill two inner line permit application forms, which are available at the photo copy shop behind the DC Office and also at most guest houses. You will need to write the name of all the individuals applying for permit, their father/guardian names, address, dates for which you require the permit and places you intend to visit eg. Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Marsimik La, Merak, Chushul, Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe and Hanle etc. and along with the permit application form, you need to attach photo copy of a government issued ID card eg. driving license for all the individuals applying for permit.
Permit fee for Indians is Rs. 400 per person as environment tax + Rs. 20 per person per day as wild life protection fee + Rs. 100 Red Cross Donation.
Places in Ladakh which require Inner Line or Protected area Permit:
Nubra Valley, up to Panamik on the North-East and Turtuk, Pachathang and Tyakshi Villages on the North-West side
Pangong Tso Lake, up to Merak Village
Marsimik La.
Tso Moriri Lake, up to Mahe Bridge and Korzok Village. One can alternatively get permit till Loma Bend in Nyoma District, if you are planning to visit there.
Dah and Hanu Villages.
Permit for the following routes are issued by the Leh and Kargil DC Office:
Kargil – Khangral – Shaker – Chiktan – Leh
Dah – Garkone – Darchik – Batalik- Slimo – Kargil
If you are visiting off beat routes/places eg. Chushul, Hanle etc., then please leave a comment below with the places you intend to visit and I will reply with the list of places you will need to mention on your application form. Also in case you have any other queries, feel free to leave a comment below.
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Hello,
I wish to ride towards Chushul – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar & back to Leh.Could you please let me know the names of places I need to mention on the permit and the number of days taking consideration my camping hobby 🙂
I’m in Leh now (arrived here via Srinagar road on 5April’13) and today took a week’s permit for Nubra & Pangong(recce). Wish to do the Hanle – Tso Moriri route later this month, could you also let me know the availability of fuel in these remote areas even black-marketed… I’m riding an Enfield and am carrying spare 8Ltrs petrol.
Thanking you in anticipation 🙂
Sushil, you will need to mention the following places in your permit application; Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Chushul, Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, Hanle and Tso Moriri.
If you are planning to camp en route and take it easy, then anywhere from 6-8 days would be good with a night stop each at Pangong, Chushul/Tsaga, Hanle, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar and Chumathang. Permit availability for the Chushul sector is a bit of on and off thing since last year, so your luck will play a part here (do let us know if you manage to get the permit).
You will need enough fuel for around 650-660km and although there are no petrol pumps en route, you should be able to find fuel in black at Durbuk, Tangste, Lukung, Hanle, Nyoma and Chumathang. Having said that, in off season mostly ATF is sold there, which is terrible for the engine life, so you may wish to carry fuel with you, instead of buying en route.
Dear Yogesh,
Thanks a ton for the quick and informative reply 🙂
I hope to be able to carry 12Ltrs of petrol in the saddle-bag… metal carriers drastically reduce the power to weight ratio in the power hungry inclines here, so I prefer saddle-bags… today I purchased 4 cold-drink(2Ltrs each) bottles from the scrap-dealer behind Tourist Receptn Office, Leh… will get more.
Tomorrow am leaving for Nubra, I’ll apply for the Chushul-Hanle sector by 18thApril and would certainly let you know the outcome.
Thanks again 🙂
All the best Sushil and have fun.
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Hello Yogesh,
Leh administration is suffering from Chushul-phobia…
today i personally met the ADC/ADM (Ma’m Dolma) and DC (Sardarji IAS) of Leh regarding permit for Chushul-Hanle sector. The two top brass of Leh were dumbstruck upon hearing Chushul!
Sardarji denied having or exercising any discretionary powers regarding issuing of permits to Indian citizens for Chushul sector. He says to have totally stopped issuing tourist permit for Chushul sector. However he agreed for my permit to Hanle & its Astrophysics centre 🙂
permit issued to me for the whole of Changthang except chushul; 12days.
Dear Yogesh,
I plan to go to Ladakh, India in the coming August. I would like to visit three places which need Inner Line Permit. There are
Nubra Valley; Turtuk; Pachathang and Tyakshi Villages ;
Pangong Lake; Marsimik La
Tso Moriri Lake; Chumathang Gompa, Chumathang; Mache Bridge and Korzok Village; Nyoma District and Loma Bend
I take off on Aug/9 and will arrive in Delhi on Aug/10 at 1:25. Can you teach me which way is more suitable for me to apply the Permit: Apply this in Taiwan through mail either apply in Delhi in person when I am there. More, are all these places should I mention? I will stay in Leh for two weeks or more. Well, I did not know how to reach these places but I could try any transportation for me to get there.(except motobike, haha) Can you give me some tips and know-how.
Thank you for your reading.
Sincerely,
Paria
Paria, you will need permit for Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Pachathang, Tyakshi, Pangong Tso, Marsimik La, Tso Moriri, Mahe, Nyoma and Loma. Keeping in mind the current tension around the LAC, you might not be issued permit for Marsimik La, Nyoma and Loma or you might not be allowed to visit these places, despite having the permit. Similarly there have been reports that security forces aren’t fully aware that Pachathang and Tyakshi Villages have been opened up for tourists and at times stop those who have the permit.
You will need to get the permit made through a travel agent or guest house in Leh, so you can easily do that, after arriving in Leh. Only those holding Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and Burma passport holders need to apply for permit at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi.
For foreigners, permit is issued for a maximum of one week, so if you need to spend more time at these places, you will need to reapply for the permit.
Shared taxis are easily available in Leh for most places, though if you wish to visit Marsimik La, Nyoma and Loma, then you will need to hire a dedicated one. Buses are also available; however their frequency is quite less and hence aren’t that much viable for travelers. You can find their schedule here, http://www.bcmtouring.com/forum/buses-taxis-india-f38/2013-time-table-bus-services-leh-ladakh-t53859/
After arriving Leh, make sure you aren’t overexerting yourself and only move to Nubra Valley, if you are feeling well and acclimatized to the altitude of Leh.
There are many cafes in Leh where travelers put up flyers, looking for partners to travel with, so if intend to travel in a shared taxi, it is the best way to go.
Try and spend at least one night at Pangong Tso and drive up to Merak Village (foreigners are allowed to go till Merak) for better views of Pangong Tso, even though the drive is off road and slow.
Rest, have fun and just go with the flow and let me know if you need any more info 🙂
Namaste.
I am a 55 year old male Dutchmen, I will arrive in Srinagar on the 19th of September 2013.
Please advise me about my options to obtain permission to join this group of Indian national on a 12 day road trip:
Day 1: Delhi-Srinagar – Kargil (21st Sept)
Day 2: Kargil – Leh
Day 3: Leh Local
Day 4: Leh to Nubra (Hunder or Turtuk still open)
Day 5: Open (to Pangon Tso may be from Wari La)
Day 6: Open (to Chumathang via Kaksang La if permits allow)
Day 7: Open (to Hanle if permits allow)
Day 8: Open (will be at Tso Moriri though not sure from where)
Day 9: Tso Moriri – Jispa
Day 10: Jispa – Losar
Day 11: Losar – Chandratal – Manali
Day 12: Manali – Delhi (2nd Oct)
https://www.facebook.com/events/246428522152706/302027876592770/?notif_t=event_mall_comment
Rene, you won’t be issued permit for Hanle, since foreigners aren’t allowed to visit it and even Indians are some time turned back, even after having permit.
For rest of the places, any travel agent or guest house in Leh would be able to arrange permit for you. Make sure permit specifically states Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.
Hi I found it very informative this website. I am planning to go to Pangong Tso lake on 21st of February. can you tell me how should I travel from delhi? can I take the inner ladakh inner line permit after coming to leh? will the climate be good for the trip? where should I stay?
Upul, only way to reach Leh at the moment is through air. Both land routes are closed.
After reaching Leh, you can go pretty much everywhere, though be ready to face temperatures as low as -25 degree celsius.
Inner line permit are issued by the DC Office in Leh and you can stay at Shanti Guest House in Leh, review of it can be here http://ladakhexpert.com/shanti-guest-house-leh-review/.
Namaste.
We will be going to Leh in this coming July and one of my teammate is a Taiwan passport holder. I would like to seek double confirmation here either Taiwanese can get ILP or not at DC Office situated in Leh? Our journey covers Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri as well as Pangon Tso.
Any successful cases were reported?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Yogesh Boss,
I am planning for early Oct’14 trip to Leh-Ladakh. I intend to travel Pangong to Tso Moriri route directly.
Looking at current situation can you advise which route should be asked for permit:-
1) Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Chushul, Tsaga La, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, Sumdo, NamaShang La and Tso Moriri.
2) Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Chushul, Satatho La, Kaksangla, Hor La, Mahe, Sumdo, NamaShang La, Tso Moriri
Regards
Indranil
Hello Indranil,
You will need permit for Pangong Tso, Man, Merak, Chushul, Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, Hanle and Tso Moriri, irrespective of the route you take. Since route 2 is under construction there aren’t any check posts en route and road extremely bad as well.
Hi Yogesh,
I am travelling to ladakh in june this year and was wondering whether you have any latest information about visiting hanle and tsomoriri directly from pangong.We are taking are own car,4×4,from delhi to srinagar and leh and coming back to delhi via manali.
Please guide us on time taken and distance from pangong to hanle and from hanle to tsomoriri.
Hi
I know Taiwanese can’t have the permit for Pangong Tso. How about other places?My passport is issued by Repubic of China(Taiwan)，not People of Republic of China(China).
sir
i wanna know ..what is the best time to go..ladhak by bike..?
we r 2 person forthis we take 1 or 2 bike? and BRO given permit to 2load in a bike ? if any one join us then call -8536951950 …. its a drm.. LET’S GO FRNDZ GODS OWN LAND..
dead like a LION
OR
live like a RAT………..
Namaste! Julley!
Dear Yogesh,
Is it possible for foreigners to obtain a permit for visiting Lukung-Urango-Phobrang area near Pangong Tso? Can we make a trek to Ku-Lungpa/Ororotse area, starting from Urango? Do I understand correctly that the only checkpost in that area is in Phobrang village?
Your answer will be much appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Vlad
Hallo Yogesh,
I am from Germany und will arrive in Dehli soon on 31.08.2014. From there I like to go by Bus to Shimla an following Day by Bus to Wangtu (Spiti-Region)from there I like to walk via Kiber to Tso Moriri and continue by foot to Rumtse about be 50-100 km from Leh.
I have no Idea for which places I need a Inner Line Permit and how long this will be valid because I need about 3-4 Weeks for the Trekingtour.
I walking ALONE – is this for the stuff on a DC-Office ok so they will prnt the Permit whitout Problems???
-ore if i have to fear, that they will refuse to print an Permit so my Tourplan will geting borken? For this case is there chance to get a permit by contact a travel agentur, that arrange the permit?
I stay about 1-2 nights in Shimla. Get I there the permit for the wholy trek of 3-4 Weeks that goes outside the Spiti-Region until Ladak ?
Here the markant Places of the Trekk.
1. Startingpoint: WANGTU (Spiti-Region, about 30 KM bevore Rekong Peo)walking
to PIN-Bhaba-PASS (Wang Khango) ore eventually Tairkhango Pass continue
via Paldar / MUD /Chidang continue to
2. LIMGTI to Sichiling / Dhankar/ Komik/KAJA to KIBER,continue to
3. PARANG LA,Norbu Sumdo / Kyangdam -TSOMORIRI- / Korzok, continue to
4. Yaning Nyau La / Kostse La/Kyamayuri La/ TSO KAR/ Shingbuk La/Kyamri LA
to RUMTSE -Finish Trekking for get a lift to Leh,
Only there ar enough time
5. Trekking from Leh to Hundar – Nubra Valey for 1 Week
a) My Question -need I for the whole Trekkingtour (Nr. 1-4) an Inerline Permit or only for some parts of them????
b)Can I get a Innerline Permit for about 4 Weeks because its a verly long Way from Spiti to Leh.
c)Is this right that I get the Inerline Permit in Shimla ore also in Kaja?
d)Inner Line Permit an alone- is this for getting a permit a Problem?
e) what I have to pay for the Inerline Permit
f)In Kaja is there realy a petrol station, to fill up my Petrol Cooker
g) Is the starting Trekk from Wangtu to Pin Barpa Pass difficult to find or easy to follow?
So I hope you can give me som answers of my Questions.
Thank in advance a lot for your efforts.
Guido
Any Local buses & their timing and frequency for leh ladakh sight seeing
Rohan you can find bus timetable in Ladakh at the following link http://www.bcmtouring.com/forum/buses-taxis-india-f38/2014-time-table-bus-services-leh-ladakh-t59074/. However these are local buses and wouldn’t stop en route for sightseeing. For sightseeing you have to get a seat in shared taxi.
A big Hi from Bangladesh
It’s Ripan.
it’s the first time I’m planning to visit the Kashmir, leh part.
Crazy Riders, a bike team invites me to join with them in the following route on their backup jeep.
Day 1 Delhi – Chintpurni via Chandigarh – 445 KMs.
Day 2 Chintpurni – Udhampur via Jammu – 250 KMs.
Day 3 Udhampur – Srinagar via Patni Top & Jawahar Tunnel – 230 KMs.
Day 4 Srinagar – Kargil via Sonmarg, Zozila Pass & Drass – 220 KMs.
Day 5 Kargil – Leh via Lamayuru, Namik La, Fatu La – 230 KMs.
Day 6 Leh – Leh via ILP arrangement and Local site seeing – 0 KMs.
Day 7 Leh – Leh via Hunder – 320 KMs.
Day 8 Leh – Pangong via Karu, Shakti, Changla Pass & Tangste – 160 KMs.
Day 9 Pangong – Upshi via Karu,Shakti, Changla Ps & Tangtse-140 KMs.
Day 10 Upshi – Tso Moriri via Chumathang, Sumdo & Korzok – 175 KMs
Day 11 Tso Moriri – Sarchu via Korzok, Sumdo, Tso Kar – 200 KMs.
Day 12 Sarchu – Manali via Zingzing Bar, Gataloops, Rohtang Pass – 225 KMs.
Day 13 Manali – Chandigarh via Sunder Nagar – 310 KMs.
Day 14 Chandigarh – Delhi via Ambala – 250 KMs.
Day 15 Buffer Day
——————————————————————–
Total km = 3155 Kms.
2 issues:
# Pls advice which spots I require the PAP as a Bangladeshi? &
# whether it is suitable for me as I’m not a hard core traveller & not a biker [it’s jeep here though]. All the participants are bike rider here
Unless I have to plan for travel with a team who plan a bit more relaxed journey
-Ripan, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Hi
It’s Ripan from Bangladesh.
Can anyone pls tell me wich route I can use & which places I can visit on the way to srinagar-Leh-Manali tour [2 weeks]
PLS Note: I clearly know that I cant visit Pangong, Tso moriri, Nubra etc. places as I’m a Bangladeshi.
I just want to know that the surrounding places of Leh & Kargil whom I can visit TAKING PERMIT [for Bangladeshis] from Leh and Kargil DC Office?
Hi, ur information is very useful for planning the trip. We are.planning the trip in Jul. We have 2 >65 yrs citizens and a 3 yrs old child with us, and they don’t have any higher altitude experience and also no.breathing problem till now. Do they have to undergo fitness test while appplying for the ILP? Our primarily planned route is as follows
Day 1 Fly from New Delhi to Leh by morning flight and rest in Leh for acclimatization and complete permits related work.
Day 2 Acclimatize in Leh and visit Lamayuru, Pathar saheb and back to Leh.
Day 3 Leh to Diskit. Stay at Diskit, visit Hunder if reach well before sunset.
Day 4 Visit Turtuk, then start return back to Le. On the way back visit Sumur, spend some time there and start heading back to Leh.
Day 5 Rest in Leh.
Day 6 Leh to Pangong, then to Hanle if permitted. Stay in Hanle.
Day 7 Hanle to Tso Moriri, and then to Leh same day.
Day 8 Rest in Leh/buffer day.
One more question is whether it will be ok to for elder citizens and small child to travel continuous from Leh – Pangong – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Leh on 2 days journey though will be taking overnight stay? Or we should avoid Hanle and should return from Pangong to Leh and next day take Leh to Tso Moriri route?
Thanks
Kavita
Hi there
I’m a UK national off to Ladakh in a week. Initially I wish to visit the villages of Domkhar, Skarbuchen and Achinithang as well as Lamayuru. I’d really like to know if it’s possible to visit the upper/northern part of Domkhar.
I may also visit Nubra valley afterwards and wondering if it’s permitted to visit the valleys leading south from the Shyok Valley (Hunder Dok etc).
Can you advise me on this please?
many thanks!
I am Bangladeshi. Me and my friend interseted to visit Ladakh Leh city and only Pangong lake . Already i collected train ticket from Howrah to Jammu. But now i informed i need a special permit to go pangong lake. So how i collect my permit . If possible plz inform me the short way to collect permit. Regards Asif
no.
things became easy.
U can get it from local DC office at leh. U need to apply 1 days prior to your visit.
there are so many travel agents too who can manage it easily. costing 200/300 rs per person.
BUT APPLY AT LEAST 1 DAY PRIOR TO THE VISIT.
ripan, Bangladesh
I saw the PAP/RAP permir restriction. But here is not mention for Bangladeshi tourist. Home Affirs ministry mention that For Afganisthan, Pakisthan, China, Burma national tourist needs inner line permit from Home Affirs Ministry. So it dose mean Bangladeshi and other contries tourist can get inner line permit from Ladakh may be. I am really confused Plz inform me. Regards Asif
earlier (till august 2015) the permit for Bangladeshis was only issued from delhi MoHA.
but now things became easy.
U can get it from local DC office at leh.
ripan, Bangladesh
Hi Yogesh,
I am planning a trip to Leh in September-2015. My itinerary is mentioned below. Can you please guide me regardign the ILP. Do i need to apply for an ILP for visiting the places mentioned in the itinerary.
(17th September 2015) Overnight travel to Delhi from Dubai.
(18th September 2015) Day 01 Travel from Delhi to Leh via morning flight.
(18th September 2015) Day 01 Pickup from Leh airport and transferred to Hotel. Complete rest at Hotel for acclimatization After lunch Shanti Stupa, Market.
(19th September 2015) Day 02 Leh to Spituk Gonpa, Magnetic Hill, Pathar sahib Guruduwara, Hall of fame, see picturesque landscapes at Nimmu village, Visit Likir Monastery. Back to Hotel. After lunch Market for shopping. Overnight at hotel.
(20th September 2015) Day 03 Leh to Nubra valley (126 km) After Breakfast drive to Diskit Nubra via Khardungla pass (18,380 ft.) World highest motorable road. Hot lunch at Hotel. After lunch visit to famous sandune of Ladakh in Nubra and camel safari in sandune. Overnight at Hotel.
(21st September 2015) Day 04 Nubra valley to Leh (126 km ) After breakfast visit to Diskit Monastery and back to Leh by same route and lunch at Hotel at Leh. After lunch relax or shopping at Leh Market and overnight at Hotel at Leh.
(22nd September 2015) Day 05 Leh to Alchi Likir back to Leh over night at Hotel
(23rd September 2015) Day 06 Leh Pangong lake Leh (150km) after breakfast drive to Pangong lake 14500ft.above sea level, Changla pass 17350 ft. (3rd highest motorable road in the world ). Hot Lunch at camp and visit to view of lake. Overnight at camp in Pangong Lake.
(24th September 2015) Day 07 Pangong lake to Leh (150km) Via Hemis, Thiksey and Shey Monastery. overnight at Hotel in Leh
(25th September 2015) Day 08 Transfer to Leh airport on your flight time (early morning).
Hello Yogesh,
Visitors from Bangladesh need to apply for Protected Area Permit at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi.
Still this applicable for Bangladesh?
not needed.
u can get ot from local DC office at leh.
– Ripan, Bangladesh
no.
things became easy.
U can get it from local DC office at leh.
ripan, Bangladesh
Hello Yogesh.
I’m a foreign tourist planning to go by bicycle
1) first in a loop from Leh – Tso Kar – Debring – Sakti.
2) then from Debring up to the Hunder valley / Panamik etc, via Chang La / Shyok river (or Wari La if Shyok road is closed)
I have the following questions:
1) Are PAPs still only issued for 7 days duration?
2) Can I apply for two PAPs at the same time?
3) How far in advance can I apply for a PAP?
Basically I don’t want to come back to Leh for the second PAP.
I’d really appreciate any info. on this.
Thanks … Walter
Hey we are planning to go tso moriri from pangong lake via metal and chushul and next day we are planning to do hanle as well, but as far permits are concerned we have to take from two places one is from DC office and Other one is from itbp office. What are the chances of getting the permits this year, I also heard that last year no permits were given to normal people.. Is that also true?
Waiting for your reply
can it be possible to get inner line permit with a business visa.i have business visa from Bangladesh for 2 years.I will not be issued a tourist visa right now.What to do if they do not isue an inner line permit
I dont think so.
but u can still have a try.
ripan, Bangladesh
for online ILP application form, Marsimik la in not mentioned. Can you suggest how to apply for Marsimik la?