Ladakh Travel Permits Guide – Areas & How to Get Them

A complete guide to understanding Protected Area and Restricted Area Permits for travellers in Ladakh

There’s something undeniably powerful about a trip to Ladakh. The land feels otherworldly — all vast plateaus, cobalt lakes, snowy peaks, and high passes. But there’s also something deeply internal about the experience. It slows you down. Makes you look harder. And leaves you with more questions than answers — including some very practical ones.

One of the most frequent (and important) questions travellers ask before heading to this remote region is:
“Do I need a permit to visit Ladakh?”
And the answer isn’t always simple — because while you don’t need a permit to visit Leh town, many of Ladakh’s most iconic destinations lie in protected or restricted areas, where special permissions are required.

This blog explains everything you need to know about Protected Area Permits (PAPs) and Inner Line Permits (ILPs) — who needs them, where they’re required, and how to get them — so you can plan your Ladakh trip with ease and confidence.

In This Blog

Why Permits Are Required in Ladakh

Ladakh sits along India’s sensitive international borders with China and Pakistan, and many areas are home to military outposts and tribal communities. For these reasons, certain zones are designated as Protected or Restricted Areas. Magnetic Hill Ladakh: The Mysterious Gravity-Defying Spot

Permits are required to:

Monitor and limit access to ecologically and politically sensitive areas
Protect border security and tribal regions
Control foreign and domestic tourism flow

But don’t worry — the process of getting permits has become far more streamlined in recent years, and most travellers can get them online or through a travel agent.

Who Needs Permits in Ladakh?

Indian Citizens (including NRIs)

Do not need permits to visit Leh, Kargil, or Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Do need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit areas near the borders or remote valleys like:
- Pangong Lake
- Tso Moriri
- Hanle
- Turtuk
- Chushul
- Umling La Pass

Foreign Nationals

Do not need a permit to stay in Leh or visit Kargil
Do need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for most remote regions
Must travel in groups of at least two (a rule that’s loosely enforced but still technically in place)
Must be accompanied by a registered travel agency

Note: Citizens of Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Myanmar need special permissions through the Ministry of Home Affairs, and cannot apply for PAPs like other foreign tourists. How Does the Altitude Affect the Ladakh’s Weather?

What Is an Inner Line Permit (ILP)?

The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Indian citizens visiting protected areas near India’s borders.

It’s a legal travel document issued by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) or the Leh District Magistrate’s office, and is often checked at military checkposts along the way.

Applies to: Indian nationals
Issued by: Ladakh UT Administration
Validity: Up to 3 weeks
Where it’s checked: Entry points like South Pullu (Khardung La), Lukung (Pangong), Chumathang (Tso Moriri), and Hanle. Ladakh Trip Planning: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

What Is a Protected Area Permit (PAP)?

The Protected Area Permit (PAP) applies to foreign nationals, and is mandatory for entry into border or tribal areas in Ladakh.

Applies to: Foreign citizens (including OCI card holders)
Issued by: Home Department, Union Territory of Ladakh
Validity: 7 days (can be extended)
Requirement: Must travel in a group of two or more with a registered travel agency

Suggested Itineraries for Ladakh tour Packages

Where Are Permits Required in Ladakh?

Areas That Require ILP or PAP (for both Indian and foreign tourists)

Region	Permit Required	Notes
Pangong Tso	ILP / PAP	Most routes from Leh require permit
Nubra Valley (via Khardung La)	ILP / PAP	Widely visited; permits checked at North Pullu
Turtuk & Thang (near Pakistan border)	ILP / PAP	Additional permission noted on ILP
Tso Moriri & Korzok	ILP / PAP	Route via Chumathang or Mahe bridge
Hanle & Nyoma	ILP / PAP	Often restricted to Indians only during certain months
Chushul – Tsaga – Loma – Mahe route	ILP / PAP	One of the most sensitive sectors; needs special clearance
Umling La Pass	ILP (Indians only)	Highest motorable road in the world – permit strictly required
Batalik Sector	ILP / PAP	Between Kargil and Dah-Hanu, foreign nationals not always allowed

Areas That Don’t Require Permits

Leh town
Shey, Thiksey, Hemis monasteries
Kargil, Lamayuru
Zanskar Valley (as of now)

Still, it’s always good to check local rules before traveling, as restrictions can shift due to military activity or weather-related closures. Apricot Blossom Festival Ladakh 2025

How to Apply for a Permit

Option 1: Online Application (for Indian Citizens)

You can apply for your Inner Line Permit (ILP) through the official Ladakh administration website:

Website: https://www.lahdclehpermit.in

Steps:

Register with your details
Choose your desired route(s) and dates
Upload your ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Driving Licence, Passport)
Pay online (around ₹400 + ₹20 per day as environmental fee)
Download and print your permit copy

Carry at least 3–4 physical copies of your ILP — you’ll need to submit them at checkposts.

Option 2: Through a Travel Agent (Recommended for Foreigners)

Foreign travellers must apply via a registered local travel agent who will secure the PAP on their behalf.

They will:

Handle paperwork and group formation
Provide a guide or driver
Submit your application to the DC’s office in Leh

Cost: Varies by agency; typically included in tour packages

Timeline: Apply at least 2–3 days in advance to allow for processing time

Things to Keep in Mind

Permits are per person and per route.
Children under 12 years generally do not need permits, but check locally
Carry ID and permits at all times, especially when crossing military checkpoints
Weather, landslides, or border tensions may cause sudden route closures — stay updated through local contacts
No photography near army posts or sensitive zones Sarchu Travel Guide – Best Time, Attractions How to Reach

What About Indian Nationals Visiting Border Villages?

Villages like Hanle, Demchok, and Umling La fall under special border zones. Even Indian citizens may be denied access without additional permits, particularly during sensitive times of year.

If you’re planning to venture into lesser-known areas, it’s wise to:

Speak with a local agent or tour operator
Apply well in advance
Keep your itinerary flexible

Do Ladakh Permits Expire?

Yes. Permits are date-specific and valid for a fixed number of days (usually 7–21 days).

Final Thoughts: Let the Paperwork Empower Your Adventure

Permits may sound like a barrier — but in practice, they’re simply a formality that grants access to some of the most incredible landscapes on the planet. They’re a way to travel responsibly and respectfully through regions that are as politically sensitive as they are ecologically fragile.

If you plan ahead, work with a reliable local guide, and keep your route flexible, permits won’t get in the way — they’ll give you the green light to explore Ladakh with confidence.

And when you’re standing on the shores of Pangong Lake or looking out over the vast lunar plains of Tso Moriri, you’ll know it was all worth it.

Expand Your Knowledge With:

Ladakh Travel Permits: Areas Requiring Permits & How to Get Them

Why Permits Are Required in Ladakh