Reference

Permits & entry rules

Pulled straight from the plans and places that need them — not a substitute for checking current rules before you travel.

• Inner Line Permit (ILP)

  Required for Indian citizens entering protected border areas (parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the northeast). Apply online or at the nearest checkpoint before you arrive — carry a physical or downloaded copy.

  Needed for: Manali - Spiti - Manali Loop

  Checkpoints: Chandratal, Kaza

• Forest / National Park entry permit

  Required to enter a national park or protected forest area. Usually bought at the entry checkpoint on the day, with a cap on daily visitors during peak season.

  Needed for: Valley of Flowers Trek

  Checkpoints: Ghangaria, Govindghat, Valley of Flowers