What is an Inner Line Permit?
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document issued and stamped by the Indian authorities. This document is compulsory to visit Restricted Areas. Permits are delivered by the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh, they are valid for a maximum period of 15 days for foreigners and for a maximum period of 3 weeks for Indian citizens (you can specify the dates when the validity period starts and ends). There is no limit on the number of times you enter a Restricted Area. The Inner Line Permit is called Protected Area Permit when delivered to foreigners (but it is the same).
What are the Restricted Areas?
The Restricted Areas are located near the Line of Control (border with Pakistan) and the Line of Actual Control (border with China). There are several check posts on the roads leading to these areas.
You need an Inner Line Permit to visit the following places:
- Khardung La Pass, Nubra Valley and Shayok
- Chang La Pass, Tangtse and Pangong Lake
- Chumathang, Tsaga La and Tso Moriri Lake
- Dha-Hanu Valley and Batalik
You do not need an Inner Line Permit to travel along the Leh-Manali Road and the Leh-Srinagar Road, but the contribution to the Ecology Contribution Fund is required.
How to obtain an Inner Line Permit?
It is very easy to obtain an Inner Line Permit when you are in Leh:
- Allow one working day for your application to be processed; in general, it takes only a few hours or less.
- The permit office is open Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays too in spring & summer.
- Indian citizens need to provide a valid identity proof (driving license, passport, election card, aadhar card, pan card).
- Foreigners need to provide a valid passport with visa or OCI card.
- Check the latest rules with the DC office.
How much does it cost?
The cost breakdown of an Inner Line Permit is as follows:
- Environment fee: ₹ 400
- Red Cross donation: ₹ 50
- Total cost: ₹ 450/person
There is also a small processing fee of ₹ 150 unless you go to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office by yourself to get the permit stamped.
Special cases
- Visitors from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will not be able to obtain a permit from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh. They will have to apply for an Inner Line Permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi.
- Foreigners holding a diplomatic passport and members of the United Nations will have to apply for an Inner Line Permit from the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
Ecology Contribution Fund
Since August 2022, all tourists (domestic and foreigners) are requested to contribute to the Ecology Contribution Fund through the permit system that has been reinstated, irrespective of whether they are travelling to Restricted Areas or not. The contribution will be checked at the Phyang check post and at the Kharu check post (at the junction towards Pangong lake, a few kilometres before Chemrey).
Finally, you can apply for a single permit when you reach Leh. The permit will be valid to travel everywhere in Ladakh and the contribution to the Ecology Contribution Fund will be included.
FAQ: Inner Line Permit (ILP) in 2025
1. Do I need a permit to travel in Ladakh in 2025?
Yes, unless you plan to stay only in Leh town and its immediate surroundings, you will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit most regions in Ladakh. Popular destinations like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, and Hanle require this permit.
2. Is it complicated to get an Inner Line Permit for Ladakh?
Not at all! Obtaining an ILP in Ladakh is a simple and quick process. Once in Leh, you can receive your permit within a few hours. All you need is valid identification. Indian citizens must present any government-issued ID such as a driving license, passport, election card, Aadhaar card, or PAN card. Foreign nationals need to provide a valid passport with a visa or an OCI card. You can obtain a single permit covering all restricted areas in Ladakh for your entire group.
3. Is it expensive to get a permit?
No, getting an ILP is quite affordable. The fee is ₹ 450 per person. Additionally, there is a small processing fee of ₹ 150, unless you choose to visit the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh personally to get your permit stamped.
4. How long is the validity of a permit?
The ILP is valid for a maximum of 15 days for foreign tourists and up to 3 weeks for Indian citizens. You can specify the start and end dates when applying. If you need a longer stay, extensions are easily available in Leh.
5. Can I apply for a permit during the weekend in Leh?
Yes, the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh remains open on Saturdays and Sundays during the spring and summer seasons, making it convenient for travelers to obtain their permits.
6. Do I need a permit for Nubra Valley?
Yes, Nubra Valley is a restricted area, and an Inner Line Permit is mandatory for visiting this region.
7. Do I need a permit for Pangong Lake?
Yes, you need an Inner Line Permit to visit Pangong Lake as it falls within a restricted zone.
8. Do I need a permit for Hanle and Tso Moriri Lake?
Yes, both Hanle and Tso Moriri Lake are located in restricted areas, and you must obtain an Inner Line Permit to access these remote regions.
9. Do I need a permit for Hemis Monastery?
No, you do not need an ILP to visit Hemis Monastery or nearby villages and monasteries along the Leh-Hemis route, including Shey, Thiksey, Stok, and Stakna.
10. Do I need a permit for Alchi and Lamayuru Monasteries?
While the Indus Valley region leading to Alchi and Lamayuru (Sham Valley) is not a restricted area, since August 2022, all tourists, both domestic and international, are required to contribute to the Ecology Contribution Fund. This system applies to all travelers, even if they are not visiting restricted zones. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a copy of your permit to show proof of your contribution to the Ecology Fund.
11. Do I need a permit for Zanskar?
No special permit is required for Zanskar as it is not a restricted area. However, similar to other regions like Sham Valley, travelers must contribute to the Ecology Contribution Fund introduced in August 2022. Carrying a copy of your permit ensures you can confirm this contribution during your journey.
