The mere mention of the Himalayan gem, Ladakh pops up images of the Tibetan prayer flags, mighty Himalayan ranges, azure blue waters, the bright skies and the warm-hearted people. The calming and adventurous feel of this wonder tops the list for swashbucklers. So if you’re too planning a Ladakh trip this year, there are a few must-know things to know before you head here.
The coveted city of Ladakh shares borders with China and Pakistan, thus some of its touristic spots are sensitive for which you need special permits. The two common permits are – the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Restricted Area Permit or Protected Area Permit (RAP/ PAP). You can easily obtain these online to save your time post arrival in Ladakh. Here is a quick guide on how to apply ILP and PAP/RAP.
How to apply for ILP online for your upcoming Ladakh trip?
The Inner Line Permit or ILP is a special travel document needed for tourists who wish to visit the areas located close to the Line of Control (LOC) and Line of Actual Control on a Ladakh trip. You can get this permit by following some easy steps online or offline.
Note: You would require an ILP if you plan to visit the following areas on Ladakh trip: Khardung La Pass, Hunder, Panamik, Warshi, Durbuk, Tangtse, Spangmik Pangong Lake, Tsa Moriri Lake, Shyok, Chang La, Nubra Valley, Batalik, Chumathang, and Wari La Route.
Apply for ILP online:
- Visit https://www.lahdclehpermit.in/
- Register yourself under as domestic (for Indian citizens) or overseas (for foreign citizens) traveller.
- Fill in all the details (name, contact, state, valid ID type, visa type, and boarding pass etc.)
- In the Issue Permit section, select the ‘Directly’ option.
- Review your arrival dates and the information entered.
- Read the self-declaration document carefully and select ‘Accept’.
- Click on the ‘Register’ icon.
- A new page opens. You will now select the places you plan to visit as per your Ladakh trip itinerary. You can also select all the places. This won’t affect the cost of permit.
- Read the self-declaration document carefully and select ‘Accept’.
- You will now be navigated to a page mentioning the full permit details and the estimated cost. Go through the details and click on ‘Pay Now’.
- Once the payment is done, you can download the receipt copy.
- You can also visit the homepage and click on ‘Print Permit’.
Note:
- Copy Paste or note down the reference ID, needed for taking a printout.
- Download a copy of the Permit and keep it handy.
- All tourists (domestic or foreign) shall contribute to the Ecology Contribution Fund even if you aren’t visiting the restricted areas that require a permit.
- If you apply for the ILP, the Ecology Contribution Fund fee will be included.
- Tourists from China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan can apply an ILP from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi.
Cost of Inner Line Permit:
Here’s a breakdown of an ILP for a Ladakh trip in India.
- Red Cross Donation: INR 100
- Wildlife Protection Fee: INR 20 Per Day
- Environment Fee: INR 400
Things You Must Carry on a Ladakh Holiday in India
If a visit to Ladakh is on your cards, it is always a good idea to curate a list of essentials so that you are fully prepped. A journey to this cold desert known for rugged landscapes demands the right clothing, basic medications, and many more important stuff. As exciting as Ladakh Holiday in India sounds, a trip to this popular place needs curation and attention. To save your time, here’s a go-to checklist to prep you up better and avoid the last-minute chaos.
- Carry all the important documents: Passport, ID Proof, copies of Itinerary, Flight ticket, Hotel Booking and medical insurance.
- Necessary medications: A pack of Glucose, Diamox, cold, fever and headache relieving tablets.
- Pack a high SPF sunscreen
- Set of Toiletries: pack lots of tissue paper as it’s pretty expensive there.
- Keep eatables like chocolates or nuts handy, a pack of disposables, and mineral water.
- Carry extra batteries, memory cards, phone chargers and power banks.
- Keep enough cash handy as there are no ATMs after on the route after Manali or Srinagar.
- Get a BSNL/MTNL Postpaid connection as they offer the best coverage there.
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