If you are a foreign national planning a trip to Ladakh, the one thing you need to sort out before anything else is the Protected Area Permit (PAP). Without it, you will not be allowed to visit most of the popular destinations in Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Khardung La, and Hanle. The good news is that the process has become much simpler over the years, and you can now apply for your Ladakh permit online through the official LAHDC portal.
I have been writing about Ladakh permits for over a decade now, and I get dozens of questions from foreign travelers every season. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Protected Area Permit for foreigners in 2026, including the application process, fees, required documents, which areas need permits, and the restrictions that apply to certain nationalities. Keep in mind that the rules change frequently, so I will update this article as new information comes in.
Last Updated: February 2026. The online permit system at lahdclehpermit.in is operational. Environment fee remains Rs 400 per person. Foreigners can apply through a registered travel agent in Leh or via the online portal. Hanle and Chusul routes are open under Zone 13, subject to army clearance.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Is the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in Ladakh?
The Protected Area Permit is essentially the same document as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) that Indian citizens need. When issued to foreign nationals, NRIs with PIO or OCI cards, the permit is called the Protected Area Permit. Some areas also fall under the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) category, but for practical purposes, the application process is the same for tourists.
The Indian government requires this permit because many areas in Ladakh are close to the international borders with China and Pakistan. The permit system helps authorities keep track of tourists visiting these sensitive zones. Without a valid PAP, you will be turned back at military checkpoints that are set up on all routes leading to protected areas.
Which Areas in Ladakh Require a Protected Area Permit?
Not all of Ladakh requires a permit. You can freely travel in and around Leh town, the Srinagar to Leh Highway, the Manali to Leh Highway, and the Zanskar Valley without any permit. However, the most popular tourist destinations do require one. Here is a zone-wise breakdown of the areas that need a Protected Area Permit.
| Zone | Areas Covered | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Zone | Khardung La Pass, Nubra Valley, Shyok | Diskit Monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Turtuk Village |
| Eastern Zone | Chang La Pass, Tangtse, Pangong Tso | Pangong Lake, Man and Merak Villages |
| South-Eastern Zone | Chumathang, Tsaga La, Tso Moriri | Tso Moriri Lake, Korzok Village, Tso Kar |
| Western Zone | Dah-Hanu Valley, Batalik | Aryan Villages, Darchik, Batalik War Memorial |
| Zone 13 (Hanle-Chusul) | Hanle, Chusul, Loma Bend | Hanle Observatory, Umlingla Road (restricted), Rezang La Memorial |
Important note about Umlingla Pass: As of 2026, Umlingla Pass (the world’s highest motorable road at 19,024 ft) is not open for civilian travel. No permit is available for Umlingla, and the army restricts access. This may change in the future, but as of now, do not plan for it.
How to Apply for the Protected Area Permit as a Foreigner?
There are two ways to get your Protected Area Permit. You can either apply through a registered travel agent in Leh, or you can use the official online portal. Here is a step-by-step overview of both methods.
Method 1: Through a Registered Travel Agent in Leh
This is the most common method and the one I recommend for first-time visitors. A registered travel agent in Leh will handle the entire process for you. Here is what you need to do:
- Find a registered travel agent in Leh. Your hotel or guesthouse can usually recommend one. You can also ask in the DwD community forums for recommendations.
- Provide the agent with photocopies of your passport (photo page and Indian visa page), two passport-sized photographs, and your travel itinerary.
- The agent will submit your application at the DC (Deputy Commissioner) Office in Leh. The permit is usually processed within a few hours to one working day.
- The agent charges a processing fee of approximately Rs 150 to Rs 300 on top of the government fees.
- Once the permit is ready, collect it from the agent. Make 8 to 10 photocopies because you need to submit a copy at every military checkpoint along your route.
Method 2: Online Application via LAHDC Portal
The Leh Hill Development Council has launched an official online portal at lahdclehpermit.in where both Indians and foreigners can apply for permits. The process involves registering on the portal, filling in your travel details, uploading required documents, and paying the fees online. This has made the process much easier, especially during peak season when the DC Office can get crowded.
However, keep in mind that the online system sometimes has technical issues, and the payment gateway may not always work smoothly with international cards. If you face problems, falling back to a travel agent in Leh is your best option.
What Is the Group Requirement for Foreign Tourists?
One of the most common questions I get from foreign travelers is about the group requirement. As per the rules, a foreigner must be in a group of two or more persons to apply for a Protected Area Permit. This means a solo foreign traveler cannot technically get a PAP on their own.
But here is the practical reality. Registered travel agents in Leh routinely club solo foreign travelers together on paper to meet the group requirement. You do not actually need to travel with the other person after getting the permit. So if you are a solo traveler, do not worry. Just tell your travel agent and they will arrange it. This is standard practice and completely legal.
How Much Does the Protected Area Permit Cost?
The fees for the Protected Area Permit have a few components. Here is the breakdown as of 2026.
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Environment/Ecology Fee | Rs 400 | One-time, per person |
| Red Cross Fund Donation | Rs 50 | One-time, per person |
| Agent Processing Fee | Rs 150 to Rs 300 | If applying through agent |
| Total | Rs 600 to Rs 750 | Per person, approximate |
These fees are quite reasonable. The environment fee was introduced to fund ecological conservation in Ladakh, which I think is a very good initiative. In case you are applying online, the processing fee may be waived, but you will still pay the government fees.
How Long Is the Protected Area Permit Valid?
For foreign nationals, the Protected Area Permit is valid for a maximum of 15 days. You specify your travel dates at the time of application, and the permit covers only those dates. If you want to extend your stay beyond 15 days, you will need to re-apply for a fresh permit at the DC Office in Leh.
For reference, Indian citizens get their Inner Line Permit for up to 3 weeks. The shorter validity for foreigners is a government policy related to security protocols in border areas.
What Documents Do You Need for the PAP Application?
The documentation requirements are straightforward. Here is what you need to keep ready.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- Indian visa page (tourist visa, e-visa, or OCI/PIO card)
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Travel itinerary with dates and places you plan to visit
- Hotel booking confirmation in Leh (sometimes asked, not always mandatory)
I always recommend carrying physical photocopies of all these documents. Leh has photocopy shops near the main market and the DC Office area, but it is better to come prepared. Also, carry 8 to 10 extra photocopies of the permit itself because every checkpoint will ask for one.
Which Nationalities Have Special Restrictions?
Not all foreign nationals can apply for the PAP through the DC Office in Leh or the online portal. Citizens of certain countries have additional restrictions due to security considerations. Here is the current list as per the official Leh District Administration website.
Nationalities That Must Apply Through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), New Delhi
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
- China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan)
- Bangladesh
- Myanmar
- Sri Lanka
- Foreign nationals of Pakistani origin
Permits Issued by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Holders of diplomatic passports
- UN passport holders
- International organization passport holders
- Official passport or visa holders
- Journalist passport or visa holders
If you hold a passport from any of the countries listed above, you cannot apply for the permit in Leh. You must get clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi before your trip. This process takes significantly longer, sometimes weeks, so plan well in advance. You can check the latest guidelines on the official MHA website.
For all other nationalities (US, UK, EU countries, Australia, Japan, Korea, etc.), the process is straightforward through the DC Office in Leh or the online portal.
Can Foreigners Visit Hanle and the Chusul Route?
This is something that has changed significantly in recent years. Before 2019, Hanle and the Chusul route were completely off-limits for foreign tourists. The Indian government opened these areas in 2019, and since March 2022, you can apply for permits to Hanle by selecting Zone 13 on the permit application.
However, there is an important caveat. Permits for Hanle, Chusul, and the Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri direct route via Tsaga La are always subject to the current security and political situation along the India-China border. Sometimes the army does not allow tourists on these routes regardless of what your permit says. This is not something you can predict in advance, so be prepared for the possibility that your Hanle plans may not work out.
My advice: apply for Zone 13 along with your other zones, and treat Hanle as a bonus destination. If it works out, great. If not, Ladakh has plenty of other incredible places to explore.
Where You Do Not Need a Permit in Ladakh
It is equally important to know which areas are freely accessible without any permit. As a foreign tourist, you can travel to the following places without a PAP.
- Leh town and all local sightseeing around Leh (Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Hall of Fame, etc.)
- Srinagar to Leh Highway, including Kargil, Lamayuru, and Mulbekh
- Manali to Leh Highway, including Sarchu, Jispa, and Keylong
- Zanskar Valley, including Padum, Rangdum, and Phugtal Monastery
- Sham Valley, including Likir, Alchi, and Basgo
So even without a permit, you can have a very fulfilling trip. But honestly, most foreign travelers do want to see Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley, so the permit is practically a must.
How to Plan Your Permit Around Your Ladakh Itinerary?
The best approach is to arrive in Leh, spend the first day acclimatizing (Leh is at 11,520 ft, so this is important for your health), and apply for the permit on Day 1 or Day 2. If you are using a travel agent, give them your passport copies the evening you arrive, and the permit should be ready by the next morning.
Here is a practical tip. Apply for all zones at once, even if you are not 100% sure you will visit all of them. The fee is the same whether you apply for one zone or all zones. This gives you flexibility to change your itinerary on the go.
If you are planning a standard Ladakh itinerary, you will typically need permits for the Northern Zone (Nubra Valley via Khardung La), the Eastern Zone (Pangong Tso via Chang La), and the South-Eastern Zone (Tso Moriri). If you have extra time, add Zone 13 for Hanle.
For foreigners flying into Leh, check out this Ladakh itinerary by air which I have specifically written keeping permit logistics in mind.
Practical Tips for Foreign Travelers Getting the PAP
Based on my experience interacting with hundreds of foreign travelers over the years, here are some practical tips that will save you time and hassle.
- Carry physical photocopies. You will need to submit a photocopy of your permit at every checkpoint. Carry at least 10 copies. Digital copies on your phone are not accepted.
- Apply early in the season. June, July, and August are peak months in Ladakh. The DC Office gets extremely busy. Arriving in May or September means faster processing.
- Use a reputable travel agent. Ask your hotel or check our list of verified taxi drivers and agents for recommendations. Some agents also arrange taxis and can bundle the permit with your transportation.
- Keep the permit on you at all times. Do not leave it in your hotel. Army checkpoints can appear on any road at any time.
- Know your zone numbers. When you fill the application, you need to select the zones you want to visit. Make sure you select all the zones you might need.
- Budget your time. Acclimatization in Leh takes at least one full day. Use this day to get your permit sorted.
- Check the MHA list before you travel. If your nationality is on the restricted list, you need weeks of advance planning. Do not show up in Leh and expect to sort it out.
What About Indian Citizens? Do They Need the Same Permit?
Indian citizens need the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the Environment Development Fee (EDF), not the Protected Area Permit. The process for Indians is simpler and can be done entirely online at lahdclehpermit.in. I have written a detailed step-by-step guide on how to get Ladakh Inner Line Permits online which covers the entire process for Indian tourists.
The key difference is that Indians do not need the group requirement, can apply directly without an agent, and the process is fully digital. The EDF for Indians is Rs 400 per person plus Rs 20 per day plus Rs 10 per day for the Red Cross fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a solo foreigner get the Protected Area Permit in Ladakh?
Technically, the rule requires a group of two or more foreigners. But in practice, travel agents in Leh routinely club solo travelers together on paper. You do not need to actually travel with the other person. Just ask your travel agent to arrange this, and it will be sorted within hours.
How long does it take to get the PAP in Leh?
If you apply through a travel agent, the permit is usually ready within a few hours to one working day. During peak season (July and August), it may take slightly longer due to the volume of applications. The online process also takes about one working day for approval.
Can I extend the Protected Area Permit beyond 15 days?
Yes, you can. If you want to stay longer than 15 days in the protected areas, you need to re-apply for a fresh permit at the DC Office in Leh. The extension process is similar to the original application. Plan your itinerary so that you are back in Leh before the permit expires, and then apply for the extension.
Is Pangong Lake open for foreigners?
Yes, Pangong Tso is open for foreigners with a valid Protected Area Permit. You need to apply for the Eastern Zone on your permit application. The areas around Man and Merak villages near Pangong have also been opened for foreign tourists.
Can foreigners visit Tso Moriri Lake?
Yes, Tso Moriri is accessible to foreigners with the Protected Area Permit for the South-Eastern Zone. The route via Chumathang is the standard way to reach Tso Moriri. The direct route from Pangong to Tso Moriri via Chusul is also technically available under Zone 13, but subject to army clearance.
Do I need a permit for Zanskar Valley as a foreigner?
No, Zanskar Valley does not require any permit for foreign nationals. You can freely travel to Padum, Rangdum, Phugtal Monastery, and other places in Zanskar without a Protected Area Permit. Zanskar is accessed via Kargil, and the entire route is permit-free.
Can NRIs and OCI card holders get the PAP?
Yes, NRIs with OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) or PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cards need the Protected Area Permit, just like other foreign nationals. The application process is the same. You will need your foreign passport along with the OCI/PIO card.
What happens if I travel to a restricted area without the PAP?
You will be stopped at the checkpoint and turned back. The army and ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) man these checkpoints, and they are strict about permit verification. In some cases, traveling without a permit can lead to legal trouble. It is simply not worth the risk.
Related Reading
- How to Get Ladakh Inner Line Permits Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Best Leh Ladakh Itinerary 2026 (12-14 Day Road Trip Plan)
- How to Calculate the Cost of a Ladakh Trip
- Preparing for Your Ladakh Trip (FAQs)
- Solo Trip to Ladakh (Top 10 Tips)
I hope this guide clears up all your questions about the Protected Area Permit for foreigners in Ladakh. If you still have doubts, feel free to ask in the comments below or post your query in the DwD Community. I or someone from the community will get back to you. If you found this helpful, do share it with fellow travelers who are planning a Ladakh trip. It might save them a lot of confusion 🙂
