Good news for travelers! No need special permission to go to protected areas in Ladakh!

The Union Territory of Ladakh has lifted the terms of its Inner Line Permit to attract more domestic tourists. Indian tourists no longer need special permits to enter here. An Inner Line Permit is prior permission to visit protected areas along the China-Pakistan border.

In a notification issued yesterday, the Ladakh UT Home Department completely removed the requirement for ILP to visit notified protected areas for Indian citizens, including domestic tourists and local residents. However, foreigners wishing to visit these protected areas still need to apply for a permit (protected area permit). Meanwhile, the validity of the permit for foreign tourists has now been extended from seven days to 15 days.

In order to obtain a permit, Indian citizens had to submit a valid form of identification as proof. Foreigners can obtain a permit with a valid Visa or OCI card with their passport.

Earlier, it was mandatory for Indian tourists to apply for an ILP from the district administration. It was to travel to the Notified Protected Areas in Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Somoriri Lake, and Aryan villages.

The protected areas are close to the Line of Control (LAC) with Pakistan and the Line of Control (LAC) with China. There are several check posts on the roads leading to these areas.

Avoiding the ILP system will encourage more tourists to visit Ladakh. Moreover, the new decisions are expected to boost UT’s economy.