The rule in Ladakh is now different for Indians and for foreigners.
- If you are an Indian traveller, you no longer need an inner line permit for the usual spots like Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Khardung La, or Turtuk. Instead you pay a small environment and wildlife fee and carry the receipt. - If you are a foreign traveller, you still need a Protected Area Permit, which WayToIndia arranges for you through the registered channel in Leh. Pay and apply only on the official Leh site, lahdclehpermit.in.
For Indian travellers
- You do not need an inner line permit for the popular areas now. You pay the Ladakh environment and wildlife fee instead, and carry the receipt on your trip.
- The same receipt covers Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Khardung La, Turtuk, Hanle, and the other inner line areas.
- Children under 12 and Ladakh residents do not pay.
- The receipt is valid for a set number of days, about 21 days, which easily covers a normal trip.
For foreign travellers
- You need a Protected Area Permit, which is a different document from the Indian fee.
- It is arranged through the registered channel in Leh, and WayToIndia arranges this for you, so you do not have to find your own agent.
- The old rule that foreigners must travel in a group of two or more has been relaxed for some areas, but not all, so check the current rule for your exact spots before you go. Some areas remain closed or tightly limited for foreigners.
- Certain nationalities face extra checks, so always confirm your own case in advance.
Which areas need this
The permit or fee covers the restricted and protected areas of Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar, Hanle, Khardung La, Turtuk, Dah and Hanu (the Aryan valley), and Nyoma and Loma. You click the area on the map and the page tells you the exact current position for your case.
How to get it, step by step
- Go to the official site lahdclehpermit.in.
- Indian travellers: fill in your details and your travel dates, pay the environment and wildlife fee online, and download the receipt.
- Foreign travellers: the Protected Area Permit is arranged for you by WayToIndia, which handles the paperwork through the registered channel in Leh.
- Carry a printout, because you will show it at the check posts on the way to each area. A digital copy alone may not be enough where there is no signal.
What it costs
For Indian travellers, the fee has these parts: - Environment fee: about 400 rupees per person, once for the season. - Wildlife fee: about 20 rupees per person for each day. - Red Cross contribution: about 50 rupees per person, once, and usually optional. - So without the optional Red Cross amount, a week long trip works out to about 540 rupees per person. With the 50 rupee Red Cross added, it is about 590 rupees per person. [Fees last checked 13 September 2026. Confirm the live amounts on the official site.]
For foreign travellers, the Protected Area Permit has its own daily fee, which WayToIndia includes when it arranges the permit for you. [Foreigner fee to confirm on the official site. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Documents you need
- Indian travellers: a government photo identity, such as Aadhaar, and your travel dates.
- Foreign travellers: your passport and visa, and the details WayToIndia asks for to arrange the permit.
- Carry a printout of the receipt or permit, plus your original identity.
Extra sensitive spots (important)
A few far points near the border need extra Army clearance on top of the usual fee or permit, and these are not always granted. Examples include Umling La, Marsimik La, Chumur, and Batalik. If your plan includes one of these, arrange the extra clearance well ahead through WayToIndia, and do not assume the normal receipt is enough. [Extra clearance rules change and are handled case by case. Confirm before you travel. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Common mistakes to avoid
- Indian travellers thinking they still need the old inner line permit. You now pay the fee and carry the receipt.
- Foreign travellers trying to pay the Indian fee. You need a Protected Area Permit, which WayToIndia arranges for you.
- Carrying only a phone copy. Carry a printout for the check posts.
- Assuming the normal receipt covers the extra sensitive border points. It does not.
- Paying on a look alike site. Only lahdclehpermit.in is official.
Questions people ask
Do Indians need a permit for Pangong or Nubra?
Not an inner line permit any more. You pay a small environment and wildlife fee and carry the receipt.
How much is the Ladakh fee for Indians?
About 540 to 590 rupees per person for a week, depending on whether you add the optional Red Cross amount. Confirm the live figure on the official site.
Do foreigners need a permit?
Yes, a Protected Area Permit, which WayToIndia arranges for you through the registered channel in Leh.
Must foreigners travel in a group?
The group rule has been relaxed for some areas but not all, so check your exact spots before you go.
Where do I pay or apply?
Indians pay only on the official site, lahdclehpermit.in. For foreigners, WayToIndia arranges the Protected Area Permit for you.