For travelling to Leh, tourists do not require any permit. However, registration is needed for all foreigners and international tourists, especially those travelling by road. Registration can be done at Drass, Rumtse and Sarchu. Those travelling by air should get their registration done at the airport.

Tourists are required to obtain a Protect Area Permit for visiting restricted areas including Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Pangong Tso Lake, Dhahanu and Nubra Valley. One can obtain these permits through registered travel agencies. While travelling, it’s advisable to multiple copies of valid ID and permits as these are required to be submitted at the checking points.

Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness is common when you travel to Ladakh. It’s caused by exposure to lower percentage of oxygen at high latitudes. As a general rule, rest for a day or two after every climb of 2,000ft of climb above 8000ft. This will give your body plenty of time for acclimatization. You should avoid smoking and consuming alcohol. One should carry medicines for basic medical conditions like fever, stomach ache, headache and others.

If you have plans to visit some interior areas like Turtuk, Panamik, Khaltse, Pangong, Changthang, Hunder, TsoKar and TsoMoriri etc. in Ladakh City even Indian residents need to obtain innerline permits.

Overseas travelers (with the exception of residents of Burma, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan) need to obtain Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit the above places. In case of foreigners, the permit is issued only for a group with four or more foreign tourists. For foreign tourists, it is also mandatory to go through a registered travel agent in order to obtain the Permit.

Avoid using plastic bags: Both locals and tourists have a responsibility towards maintaining the environment hence, do not litter around the place. Plastics are officially banned in Ladakh and hence it is better to avoid using polythene bags

Carry proper documents: Always carry all your travel documents, permits, licenses, identity cards etc. There are lots of passes like Changla Pass, Zojila Pass, Fatula Pass and Khardungla Pass where they have a huge military presence. Make sure to make copies of all the documents and IDs and keep them safely in your bag since you may never know when you will need them

Bikers need to carry their proper documents during the trip, as they have to present their documents at the check posts while entering highland passes such as Zojila Pass, Changla Pass, Khardungla Pass and Fatula Pass. The documents should consist of a permit, driving license, vehicle registration and bike insurance documents.