How do I get an Inner Line Permit in Leh, Ladakh?

Inner Line Permit: access to Ladakh’s border areas

How do I get it?

The best way to obtain a permit is through a travel agency, rental agency or hotel. They usually charge a commission of 200 rupees on top of the price of the permit. Send a copy of your passport and the day the permit starts, and you’ll have it ready when you arrive. Or do it when you arrive in Leh – it’ll be ready in a day, just long enough for you to acclimatize!

Please note that the DC offices authorized to issue permits are closed on Sundays and open between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on all other days.

It is also possible to obtain a permit online (lahdclehpermit.in). However, the site isn’t very reliable and you’ll still have to go to the Leh offices (DC Office) to have your documents stamped and signed.

The permit is valid for a maximum of 14 days (multiple entry). It is important to make photocopies, as you will need to leave one at each military post.

How much does the license cost?

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

You’ll need :

• 20 rupees/day for PAP
• 100 rupees/day for Red Cross Donation
• 400 rupees for ILP
• 200 rupees for agency commission
  

For example, if you need a 5-day permit for two people, the total cost will be 1200 rupees [800 for the environmental tax + 200 for the donation to the Red Cross + 200 (20 x 2 x 5) for the wildlife protection tax].

For Indians, the PAP is not required.

Map of restricted areas in Ladakh (Inner Line Permit)

Below is the map of restricted areas in Ladakh for 2019/2020. To visit the Nubra, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri regions, a permit is required. Certain restricted areas are off-limits to foreigners: only Indians with an Inner Line Permit can enter them, as in the town of Hanle, for example.

Please note that there have been many changes in 2025, and you can find the updates here.

CAUTION: UPDATE 2025

New zones opened to travelers in 2023! The above map is therefore out of date. Please take a look at the Explore Ladakh guide updates.

INDIAN VISA: duration and price in 2025

E-Visa India

As of September 1, 2019, the price of the E-Visa has changed, as has the duration of its validity. This is good news, as visa prices have come down significantly (a 1-year e-visa used to cost 80 USD).

• 30-day tourist E-visa (April to June) costs 10 USD (approx. €9.00)

• 30-day tourist E-visa (July to March): 25 USD (approx. €23.00)

• 1-year tourist E-visa: USD 40 (approx. €37.00)

• 5-year tourist E-visa: 80 USD (approx. €73.00)

30-day visas must be applied for no more than 30 days in advance, and e-visa for 1 year or more between 120 days and 4 days before your arrival date.

Regular Indian visa (mandatory by land)

If you are arriving in India by land, you must apply for a regular visa directly from an Indian embassy (in your home country or en route). The visa is valid for 6 months (1 year or 5 years under certain conditions), with multiple entries and a maximum stay of 90 days per entry. Visas valid for 6 months or 1 year cost around €105 (including fees). It takes between 6 and 10 days to obtain.