Ladakh is a union territory in the Kashmir region of India. Formerly falling in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh was administered a union territory on 31st October 2019. Extending from the Siachen Glacier to the main Great Himalayas, Ladakh is a land like no other. Dominated by dramatic landscapes, Ladakh is known as the world's coldest desert.

Stunning Gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries), fluttering prayer flags, whitewashed stupas, Ladakh is a riot of intricate murals and red-robed monks. With a culture similar to the Tibetans, the people of Ladakh are friendly and welcoming to tourists.
Ladakh is divided into two districts: district Leh and district Kargil. The former district has a famous town, "Leh", and is a great tourist attraction because of its beautiful monasteries nearby, Shanti Stupa, cafes and Leh Bazaar defining the place's culture.
Ladakh is an adventure playground for rafting and high-altitude trekking. Note that Leh Ladakh is inaccessible by road outside the summer months. The route passes close altogether from around October to May, and the only way to reach is by air. Chadar trek on frozen Zanskar river takes place in January to the end of February.

Leh Ladakh generally remains closed for more than 6 months from November to April or Mid-May due to heavy snowfall on the mountain passes.
Inner Line Permits are no longer required to travel the inner line areas of Ladakh from August 2021 for Indian Nationals.

However, those visiting Ladakh will still have to pay a green fee or environment fee of INR 400, a daily fee of INR 20 per person for wildlife protection, and a one-time fee of INR 100 towards the Red Cross Fund. This fee can be paid online or through your hotel or travel agent.
Permits for International Tourists

Travellers from countries other than India will still need to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This permit has to be applied to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh, with the required fees. Foreigners need to be in a group of two or more to apply for the Protected Area Permit (PAP) and it can be applied through a registered travel agent in Leh or through the official website of the Leh administration LAHDC.
Government authorities launched a web portal http://lahdclehpermit.in/ on June 1, 2017, making it easier for travellers to obtain a permit. Also, a photocopy of a valid passport with a visa or OCI card is required to get this permit if you are an international tourist.
Foreign visitors from certain countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, are not eligible to obtain a permit from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Leh. They need to apply for an Inner Line Permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. However, foreigners with a diplomatic passport or who are members of the United Nations need to apply for an Inner Line Permit from the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi