What is an Inner Line Permit (ILP)?
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is a travel authorization required for visiting certain restricted and border-sensitive areas of Ladakh. The permit helps authorities regulate travel near international borders and maintain visitor records.
Circuit To Visit
| S.No. | Circuit |
|---|---|
| 1. | Khalsi,Domkhar, Skurbuchan, Hanu, Baima, Dha in Khalsi Sub-Division. |
| 2. | Khardong, Khalsar, Trith upto Warsi and Yarma Gonbo, Disket, Hunder, Turtuk, Pachathang, Tyakshi in Nubra Sub-Division. |
| 3. | Upshi, TsomoRiRi/Korzok in Nyoma Sub-Division. |
| 4. | Upshi, Dipling, Puga, TsomoRiRi/Korzok in Nyoma Sub-Division. |
| 5. | Kharu, Changla, Durbuk, Tangtse, Lukhung. (Pangong Lake) |
| 6. | Upshi, Chumathang, Mahe, Loma Bend in Nyoma Division. |
| 7. | Leh-Kharu-Changla-Durbuk-Tangtse-Lukung. |
| 8. | Only Leh City |
| 9. | Leh-sangam(nimmu) |
| 10. | Leh-hemis |
| 11. | Rumbak |
| 12. | Khaltse-Dha-likir-alchi-Rizong |
| 13. | Route beyond man merag to chushul loma via tsaga la and hanle |
| 14. | Marsemikla |
| 15. | Sko Valley |
| 16. | Hanley |
| 17. | Shachukul – Shara |
| 18. | Tharuk – Zingral |
| 19. | Umlingla |
| 20. | Siachen Base Camp |
| 21. | Demchok |
| 22. | Sumoor , kyagar, panamik , charasa fort, Siachen base camp |
| 23. | Dungti, koyul, tsaga, demchok |
Popular Circuits Covered
| Circuit | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley | Sand dunes, monasteries |
| Leh → Chang La → Pangong Lake | Famous blue lake |
| Leh → Upshi → Tso Moriri | High-altitude lake |
| Leh → Dha-Hanu | Aryan villages |
Do You Need an ILP in Ladakh?
| Traveler Type | Permit Requirement |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizens | Registration and environmental fees may apply for restricted areas; current rules are managed through the official permit portal. |
| Foreign Nationals | Protected Area Permit (PAP) required for restricted areas. |
| OCI Card Holders | Follow foreign national permit requirements. |
Areas Requiring Permit
| Destination | Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Nubra Valley | Yes |
| Pangong Tso | Yes |
| Tso Moriri | Yes |
| Khardung La | Yes |
| Turtuk | Yes |
| Hanle | Yes |
| Dha-Hanu | Yes |
| Leh Town | No |
| Kargil Town | No |
Documents Required
Indian Citizens
- Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or other government-issued ID
- Travel itinerary
- Vehicle details (if self-driving)
Foreign Nationals
- Passport
- Valid Indian Visa
- Passport-size photographs (if required)
- Travel itinerary
Inner Line Permit (ILP) Fees (Approximate)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Environment Fee | ₹400 |
| Red Cross Contribution | ₹50 |
| Wildlife/Conservation Fee | Applicable per day |
| Processing Charges | Varies |
How to Apply
Online
Apply through the official Leh District Permit Portal:
Leh Permit Portal – 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
Offline
- Visit the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh.
- Submit ID proof and itinerary.
- Pay applicable fees.
- Collect permit copies for checkpoints.
What is the process to obtain the Inner Line Permit online?
To obtain the permit online mode, one has to visit the official website of LAHDC (Leh Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council) http://lahdclehpermit.in/. The whole process for obtaining the permit has been described below.
- Firstly, visit the Leh Permit and then click on the half-circle which appears at the bottom of the screen and reads “Issue”. Then a fly menu will appear on the screen, click on “Domestic Clients”.
- Fill in your details elaborately.
- Next, mention the year of your travel, your name, the state you reside in, and your gender. Click on the ID type on the drop-down menu, which is available at that time.
- Fill out the information of Aadhar Card, Driving License, Passport, or Voter ID number.
- Mention the complete address
- Under the section, “Issue Permit” field, select “Directly”.
- Click on the field mentioned “Date of Arrival”. Select the date of arrival in Leh town.
- After completely filling all the information, review the entire form once again as after submitting the form there are no changes in the information are allowed.
- Next, click the “Submit” button. A fly-out will appear on the screen, which means the permit has been successfully registered. Click “Ok”.
- After that, select the areas that you need an Inner Line Permit for.
- At the bottom of the screen, select your date of arrival in Leh as well as the date of departure.
- Select the apply button for Permit
- A new fly-out will pop up on the screen informing you that the circuit has been assigned successfully. Click OK.
- A new pop-up that reads “Inserted Successfully” will appear on the screen. Click OK.
- After this, the next page will appear which will contain the details of your permit. The page will mention your name, ID number, state of residence, and different fee-related structures.
- Afterward, take a printout of the form and visit the DC Office, Leh to get the permit stamped in person.
Important Notice
LAHDC Leh and District Administration Leh have clarified that the existing fee structure applicable to tourists visiting Leh would continue to remain in effect as earlier. The fee includes the environmental fee (green fee), Red Cross Fund and wildlife fee. For the convenience of tourists, District Administration Leh has revamped the existing portal. The fee can be paid online from the portal Leh District Tourists Management System (https://www.lahdclehpermit.in/ ) and they don’t need to visit the DC office or any other Govt. office physically.
All our Domestic tourists are hereby informed that there will be no further need of verifying the payment contribution slip at DM office.
Tourists can visit the areas directly after online payment and the payment slip in form of pdf or hardcopy (whichever convenient) will be checked only at respective check posts.
It is mandatory to show your leh arrival boarding pass along with the permit.
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
- Carry at least 3–4 physical copies of your ILP — you’ll need to submit them at checkposts.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) Ladakh – FAQ
1. What is an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Ladakh?
An Inner Line Permit is a travel authorization required to visit certain restricted and border areas in Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, Hanle, and Turtuk.
2. Is an ILP required to visit Leh town?
No. Visitors can explore Leh town and nearby attractions without an ILP.
3. Who needs an ILP for Ladakh?
Indian citizens visiting restricted areas must complete the required permit process. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) instead of an ILP.
4. Can I apply for a Ladakh ILP online?
Yes. Permits can be applied for through the official Ladakh permit portal before arriving in Leh.
5. What documents are required for an ILP?
Indian travelers need a valid government-issued photo ID such as an Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence.
6. How much does a Ladakh ILP cost?
The total cost usually includes an environmental fee, Red Cross contribution, and other applicable charges. Fees may change periodically.
7. How long is the permit valid?
Validity depends on the itinerary and destinations selected during the application process.
8. Do I need separate permits for Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley?
No. Multiple destinations can usually be included in a single permit application.
9. Is a permit required for Pangong Lake?
Yes. Pangong Lake is located in a restricted area and requires a valid permit.
10. Is a permit required for Tso Moriri?
Yes. Visitors must obtain a permit before traveling to Tso Moriri.
11. Is a permit required for Hanle?
Yes. Hanle is a restricted border region and requires a permit.
12. Is a permit required for Turtuk?
Yes. Turtuk is located near the India-Pakistan border and requires a permit.
13. Can I get the permit after reaching Leh?
Yes. Travelers can obtain permits through authorized agents or the concerned office in Leh.
14. Do children need a permit?
Yes. Children traveling to restricted areas should also be included in the permit application.
15. How many copies of the permit should I carry?
Carry at least 5–6 printed copies, as they may be required at multiple security checkpoints.
16. Can I visit Ladakh without pre-booking a permit?
Yes, but obtaining the permit in advance can save time and help avoid delays.
17. Do foreign tourists need an ILP?
No. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) instead of an ILP.
18. Can I modify my permit after it is issued?
In most cases, itinerary changes require a new or updated permit. Check with local authorities for current procedures.
19. Is an ILP required for Khardung La Pass?
Yes, when traveling beyond Leh toward Nubra Valley and other restricted regions.
20. What happens if I travel without a valid permit?
You may be denied entry at checkpoints and asked to return to Leh to obtain the necessary permit.
21. Can I use a digital copy of the permit?
It is recommended to carry both digital and printed copies, though printed copies are often required at checkpoints.
22. Is there any age restriction for obtaining a permit?
No. Travelers of all ages can obtain permits, provided they are included in the application.
23. Do bikers and self-drive travelers need an ILP?
Yes. Permit requirements apply regardless of the mode of transport.
24. How early should I apply for the permit?
Apply at least a few days before your planned visit to restricted areas, especially during peak tourist seasons.
25. Which are the most popular destinations covered under the permit?
The permit commonly covers Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, Hanle, Turtuk, Khardung La, and Dha-Hanu.
26. Do Ladakh Permits Expire?
Yes. Permits are date-specific and valid for a fixed number of days (usually 7–21 days).
