Status of Ladakh routes and Permits: How to get the Inner Line Permit in Leh?

Restricted Area Map and updates from the book “Explore Ladakh”

This page gathers all the information you need to know about the Inner Line Permit for access to the border areas of Ladakh as well as the state of the off-road routes proposed in the book Explore Ladakh. Many thanks to our readers and contributors who allow us to update this page.

If you are planning a motorcycle, 4×4 or bicycle trip to Ladakh, our book “Explore Ladakh” on the 12 most beautiful off-road routes will surely please you!
All you need to know about renting a motorbike in Ladakh: Royal Enfield motorbike rental in Leh
More information on Ladakh and the budget to be planned on our dedicated article HERE

Update 11/01/2022: Due to the Covid-19 epidemic, a one-week quarantine is imposed on travellers in order to reduce the spread of the virus.
it is only possible to enter India by plane.
Update February 2022 : the 7-day quarantine will disappear on 14 February.
Update March 2022 : all “tourist” e-visas: 120 days, 365 days and 5 years are restored.

Inner Line Permit: the permit to access the border restricted areas of Ladakh

How do you get it?

The best way to obtain the permit is through a travel agency, rental agency or hotel. They usually take a commission of 110 rupees (1.40 €/person) in addition to the price of the permit. Send a copy of your passport and the day the permit starts and you will have it ready when you arrive. Or do it when you arrive in Leh, it will be ready in one day, just enough time to acclimatize!

Please note that the DC Office for these permits is closed on Sundays and open between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm every other day.

It is also possible to get the permit on the internet (lahdclehpermit.in). However, the site is not very reliable and you will still have to go to the Leh (DC Office) to get your documents stamped and signed.

The permit is valid for a maximum of 7 days (multiple entry). It is important to make photocopies as you will need to leave one at each military post.

How much does the permit cost?

For foreigners, the Inner line Permit (ILP) must be accompanied by the Protected Area Permit (PAP).

The cost of this permit is 100 rupees (Rs. 100 = EUR 1.30):

20 rupees/day for PAP
400 rupees for ILP (7 days)
110 rupees for the agency commission

For Indians, the PAP is not requested and the duration of the ILP is 15 days. Many sources suggest that the duration of the permit will be extended to 15 days for foreigners as well. We will keep you informed on this page of a possible change.

Map of border areas accessible with the Inner Line Permit in Ladakh

Below is a map of the restricted areas in Ladakh for the 2019/2020 season. These zones have not changed since 2017 but can be modified at any time by the government of Ladakh. To visit the Nubra, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri regions, a permit is required. Some restricted areas are forbidden to foreigners: only Indians with an Inner Line Permit can access them, this is the case of the city of Hanle for example. The world’s highest passable pass Umling La (5887m) is in an area forbidden to locals and foreigners.

Ladakh carte zones permis ILP reglementée

INDIAN VISA: duration and prices in 2020

E-Visa India

Since 1 September 2019, the price of the E-Visa has changed as well as the duration of its validity. This is good news because the prices of visas have dropped significantly (the 1-year e-visa used to cost 80 USD).

30-day tourist E-visa (April to June) costs 10 USD (about 9,00€)
30-day tourist E-visa (July to March): 25 USD (about 23,00€)
1 year tourist E-visa: 40 USD (about 37,00€)
5-year tourist E-visa: 80 USD (about 73,00€)

Visas of 30 days must be applied for a maximum of 30 days in advance and e-visa of 1 year or more must be applied for between 120 days and 4 days before your date of arrival.

Regular Indian Visa (mandatory by land)

If you arrive by land in India, you must apply for a regular visa directly at an Indian Embassy (in your home country or on the road). The visa is valid for 6 months (1 year or 5 years under certain conditions), with multiple entries, for a maximum duration of 90 days per entry. Count about 105 € (with fees) for visas valid for 6 months or 1 year. It takes between 6 and 10 days to obtain it.