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Where To Get Permit For Adi Kailash Yatra

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where to get permit for adi kailash yatra

The Adi Kailash Yatra takes pilgrims into a sensitive border area in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. To regulate movement and ensure safety in this strategic zone, a special authorization known as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory. Obtaining this permit is a critical step before you can proceed beyond certain points on your journey to Adi Kailash.

All You Need to Know About Adi Kailash Permit

This guide will provide you with all the essential information on where, how, and with what documents you can secure your Adi Kailash Yatra permit.

What is an Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Why is it Needed?

An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow Indian citizens to travel into a protected or restricted area for a limited period. For the Adi Kailash Yatra, this permit is required because the route traverses areas close to the Indo-Tibet border. Its primary purposes are:

  • Security: To monitor and regulate the movement of individuals in strategically sensitive border regions.
  • Safety: To keep track of pilgrims for their safety, especially in remote and challenging terrains.
  • Environmental Preservation: To help manage the flow of tourists and pilgrims, protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Who Needs the Permit?

  • Indian Citizens: All Indian citizens planning to undertake the Adi Kailash Yatra must obtain an Inner Line Permit.
  • Foreign Nationals/NRIs: Currently, the Adi Kailash Yatra is primarily open to Indian citizens. Foreign nationals and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are generally not permitted to enter these restricted areas. If there are any exceptions or specific procedures for them, they would involve much more stringent permissions from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Where to Get the Permit: The Primary Issuing Authority

The primary and most common place to obtain the Inner Line Permit for the Adi Kailash Yatra is:

  • The Office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Dharchula, Pithoragarh District, Uttarakhand.

Dharchula serves as the crucial gateway town for the Adi Kailash Yatra. Pilgrims typically arrive in Dharchula, complete their permit formalities here, and then proceed into the Inner Line area.

Important Note: While there might be instances where other relevant local authorities in Uttarakhand could issue permits, the SDM office in Dharchula is the established and most reliable point for the Adi Kailash Yatra ILP. Some tour operators may also facilitate online application processing if available through designated government portals, but final issuance often involves physical presence or verification at Dharchula.

Documents Required for Adi Kailash ILP

To apply for your Inner Line Permit, you will need to furnish several essential documents. It’s advisable to carry both originals and multiple photocopies of each:

  1. Valid Government-Issued ID Proof:
    • Aadhaar Card
    • Voter ID Card
    • Passport
    • Driving License
    • (Carry the one you’ll be using as primary ID proof)
  2. Passport-sized Photographs: 2-3 recent colored passport-sized photographs.
  3. Medical Fitness Certificate: A certificate issued by a registered MBBS doctor, stating that you are medically fit to undertake a high-altitude journey. This is crucial for your safety.
  4. Police Verification Form/Affidavit:
    • A notarized affidavit on a ₹30 stamp paper, specifically for the Adi Kailash Yatra, may be required.
    • Alternatively, a Police Verification Form might be needed. If you have a passport, a photocopy of your passport can sometimes substitute for local police verification. If police verification is required, it can sometimes be done in your hometown, but ensure it’s not older than 15 days when submitting your ILP application.
  5. Application Form: A duly filled and signed Inner Line Permit application form. These are usually available at the SDM office or provided by tour operators.
  6. Itinerary Details: You may need to provide a brief itinerary of your planned travel within the restricted area, including dates, places to visit, and duration of stay.
  7. Emergency Contact Details: Information for your next of kin.
  8. COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate: While current requirements can change, carrying your complete COVID-19 vaccination certificate is a good practice.

The Permit Application Process (Typically in Dharchula)

The process to obtain the ILP generally involves the following steps:

  1. Reach Dharchula: Arrive in Dharchula, which is the last major town before the Inner Line.
  2. Medical Examination/Certificate: First, visit a Government Hospital in Dharchula to obtain your medical fitness certificate. Some medical examinations might be mandatory on-site.
  3. Police Verification (if not done in hometown): Visit the local police station in Dharchula with your ID proof and a photocopy of your application. They will verify your identity and provide a certificate or stamp.
  4. Affidavit (if required): Get the necessary affidavit notarized on stamp paper.
  5. Submit Application: Go to the SDM office in Dharchula. Submit your filled application form along with all the required documents (ID proofs, photos, medical certificate, police verification/affidavit).
  6. Verification and Approval: Officials will review all your details and documents. The processing time can vary, but generally, it might take part of a day or even a full day.
  7. Collection of ILP: Once approved, you will be issued your official Inner Line Permit.

Important Points to Keep in Mind:

  • Offline Process: Currently, the permit process for Adi Kailash is predominantly offline and requires physical presence in Dharchula. While some initial forms or bookings might be facilitated online by tour operators, the final permit issuance often involves an in-person step.
  • Buffer Days: It is highly advisable to factor in 1-2 buffer days in your itinerary specifically for permit processing in Dharchula. Delays can occur due to public holidays, weekends, or unforeseen administrative reasons. The SDM office is usually closed on National Holidays and Sundays.
  • Tour Operators: Many pilgrims choose to travel with organized tour operators. These operators often assist significantly with the permit process, guiding you through the steps or even handling much of the paperwork on your behalf, which can save considerable time and effort.
  • Permit Validity: The ILP will be valid for a specific duration (e.g., a certain number of days) for your stay within the restricted area. Ensure your travel dates align with its validity.
  • Carry Your Permit: You must carry your original ILP at all times during the Yatra. It will be checked multiple times at various Army and ITBP checkpoints along the route, especially beyond Dharchula.
  • Weather Conditions: Permits might not be issued during unfavorable weather conditions, particularly during the peak monsoon season, due to safety concerns. Always check the weather forecast before your departure from Dharchula.

Obtaining the Inner Line Permit is a non-negotiable step for your Adi Kailash Yatra. By being prepared with the correct documents and understanding the process, you can ensure a smoother and more compliant start to your spiritual journey.