The official step-by-step guide to obtaining your Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Protected Area Permit (PAP) for Pangong, Nubra, Tso Moriri, and Hanle.
Updated for 2026Official Portal: lahdclehpermit.inApplies to: Pangong, Nubra, ChangthangValidity: Up to 15 DaysOnline & Offline Available
An official travel checkpoint in Ladakh, where Inner Line Permits are verified before travelers enter restricted border sectors.Quick Orientation
Official Website
lahdclehpermit.in (LAHDC Leh Portal)
Required For
Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri, Hanle, Turtuk, Dah-Hanu
Permit Type
Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indians; Protected Area Permit (PAP) for Foreigners
Standard Validity
Up to 15 Days (Renewable in Leh)
Total Government Fees
Approx. ₹550 to ₹650 per person (includes Green Fee & Wildlife Fee)
Chapter I — Permit Fundamentals
Why Permits Are Mandatory in Ladakh
Because the Union Territory of Ladakh shares highly sensitive, contested international borders with Pakistan (along the Line of Control) and China / Tibet (along the Line of Actual Control), the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) enforce strict travel regulations.
While Indian citizens and foreign travelers can visit Leh town, the Indus Valley monasteries (Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Spituk, Alchi, Likir), and travel along the open national highways (NH1 and NH3) without any permits, **an official permit is strictly mandatory to enter protected border sectors**—including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Hanle, Turtuk, and Dah-Hanu.
Chapter II — Step-by-Step Online Application
How to Apply on lahdclehpermit.in
Obtaining your Inner Line Permit is a straightforward, digitized process that can be completed online before you arrive in Leh:
Step 1: Visit the official LAHDC portal at **`lahdclehpermit.in`**. Step 2: Select 'Domestic' (for Indian citizens) or 'International' (for foreign passport holders). Step 3: Fill in your personal details (Full Name, State, Contact, and a valid Government Photo ID such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport). Step 4: Select your travel circuits. Tick all intended circuits: *Nubra Valley (Diskit, Hunder, Panamik, Turtuk)*, *Pangong Tso (Spangmik, Man, Merak)*, *Changthang (Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Hanle, Nyoma)*, and *Dah-Hanu*. Step 5: Pay the statutory fees online via UPI or credit/debit card. Step 6: Download and print the generated permit document. **Print at least 8 to 10 physical paper copies** to deposit at military and police checkposts.
Chapter III — Fee Breakdown & Checkpoints
Statutory Costs and Major Registration Checkposts
The total government permit fee is composed of three mandatory statutory components:
1. **Environment / Green Fee:** ₹400 per person (one-time fee). 2. **Wildlife Protection Fee:** ₹20 per person per day. 3. **Red Cross Society Donation:** ₹50 per person (one-time). For a typical 7-day tour, the total cost comes to approximately **₹590 per person**.
As you travel across Ladakh, your permits will be inspected and physical copies collected at several major checkpoints: **South Pullu & North Pullu** (Khardung La route to Nubra), **Zingral & Tangtse** (Chang La route to Pangong), **Agham** (direct Nubra-Pangong route), **Bogdang** (Turtuk route), **Mahe Bridge** (Tso Moriri & Hanle route), and **Chushul** (border route).
Logistics & Practical Advice
Essential Preparation, Routes & Rules
Critical Information for Travelers
Offline Processing: If you cannot apply online, you can visit the TIC (Tourist Information Centre) office near the DC Office in Leh, or have any registered travel agent in Leh process it for a nominal service fee of ₹100–₹150.
Paper Copies are Mandatory: Digital copies on smartphones are NOT accepted at military checkpoints. Always carry multiple physical paper printouts.
Foreign Nationals: Foreign tourists receive a Protected Area Permit (PAP). By regulation, PAPs must technically be issued to groups of at least two persons through registered travel agencies.
Restricted Sectors: Certain sensitive forward border areas (such as Demchok, Chumar, and the final summit road of Umling La) are currently restricted to Indian citizens only.
What website do I use to apply for Ladakh permits?
The official portal is **lahdclehpermit.in**, operated by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh.
How much does an Inner Line Permit cost for Ladakh?
The government fees total approximately ₹550 to ₹650 per person for a standard one-week itinerary, including the Environment Green Fee (₹400), Wildlife Fee (₹20/day), and Red Cross donation (₹50).
Do I need a permit if I only stay in Leh town?
No. Leh town, local monasteries (Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Spituk), and the national highways to Srinagar and Manali do not require any permits.
Can solo foreign travelers visit Pangong and Nubra?
Technically, regulations require a minimum of two foreign nationals to issue a Protected Area Permit (PAP). However, travel agencies in Leh routinely pool solo travelers into permit groups without requiring them to travel together physically.
How many photocopies of the permit should I carry?
Carry at least 8 to 10 physical paper copies of your permit and ID. Each military checkpoint retains one paper copy upon entry.
