Getting Permits (Inner Line Permits) in Leh

Year 2014:
Few rules have been changed in Ladakh, please find below changed rules on permits and motorcycling rentals:
1) Motorcycling Rental:

 

 

2) Permits: Indian citizens can use govt. authorized phot ids to several restricted areas without need of permit like to Nubra valley and Pangong lake. But do check this point once in Leh for confirmation. :)


I often come across people who ask me the process of getting Inner Line Permit from Leh for traveling to Nubra valley, Pangong lake, Tso Moriri and other areas in Ladakh.
Though the guest house owners and travel agency guys in Leh can get one for you but they charge 100-200 Rupees extra for a permit. Besides, for me, it is really easy to go to DC office and get a permit for myself. This post is intended for those who want to secure an Inner Line Permit for themselves by their own.

> What is Inner Line Permit in Ladakh and why is it needed?
Inner line permit is a document which is required by each traveler to go to certain places in Ladakh bordering China, it is a written permission letter by District Commissioner (Leh) Office for travelers to visit certain restricted places for travelers.

Inner line permit can be procured from DC Office, Leh, opposite to Polo Grounds. Below is the step wise description of how one can get it easily.

1) Go to photostat shop just on the road ahead of DC office. Ask the guy there that you need forms for getting yourself permits. He will give you a few forms that you can fill there itself with his help. You need to clearly mention the places you intend to visit like Nubra Valley, Pangong lake, Tso Moriri etc. and your name, address and father's name in one form for all your group.

2) Go to DC office, on left side there is a room. Just at the first counter give the filled form, duly signed by you, to the guy. He will go through it and if there is some change that needs to be done, he will tell you.

3) After he approves, he will forward it to next counter and you will be asked 120 Rupees per person as fee for permit. You will give them the fee.

4) After collecting fee, the person will forward your form to next counter and you will be asked for Rs 20 as Wildlife Protection fee, which you will give.

5) Then the form is forwarded to last counter (all counters in row), and the person will call you by your name and collect Rs 200 as environment protection fee which you will give. This Rs 200 is introduced from year 2013 onward.

6) You will get the permit, signed and stamped by DC office - Leh. After getting this permit you go back to photostat guy and get 8-10 copies of this permit and keep all copies with you. When you visit any place and you are asked by army/ITBP/police for your permit, you give them a copy there for their records.


This is a simple process, involving 350 Rupees to get an Inner Line Permit for an Indian citizen.
For foreigners, an extra form with photostat copy of passport is required in addition to above steps.

I hope you get the process and find this useful. If you still have any doubts in the process, do ask.

Cheers and enjoy your trip.