In what will definitely be called a disappointing move for a lot of tourists; the DC office Leh has stopped issuing permits for people from Bangladesh, Burma, China, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Apart from these nationals, permits will also not be issued to journalists, diplomats and people of official business. All these travelers will not have to get their protected area permits issued directly from Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi. Below is a picture of the notice pasted on a a board in DC office Leh; reading no permits for Bangladeshi tourists in Ladakh; and for people from 4 other countries.
What this necessarily means that as a tourist from either of these countries, you can travel on Manali Leh highway; Srinagar Leh highway and to Leh city. But you cannot go any further towards places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Batalik stretch. Zanskar valley however will remain to be an exemption and you will be free to travel here. This decision will be applicable for both Ladakh and Spiti Valley; and you cannot travel to either of these places without first getting the permit from home ministry, Delhi.
No Permits for Bangladeshi Tourists In Ladakh
This decision I believe will disappoint the Bangladeshi tourists the most. As a matter of fact, Bangladeshi nationals were not issued permits from DC office Leh in the past as well. Even back then, tourists were required to get their PAP from Home Ministry only. However, after the recent boost in tourism in Ladakh, this changed and DC office Leh started to issue PAP. The decision however has once again been rolled back.
I am not sure why this rule was implemented but it was done around the same time when Chushul route and Hanle were taken off limits for Indian citizens as well. Rising security concerns in Ladakh after increased Chinese incursions; and tourists crossing over irresponsibly to areas they are not supposed to go in; could be the reason behind. I do however hope that it will change in future but until then, visiting Ladakh and Spiti will remain to be a hassle for Bangladeshi citizens. If you have any further questions; please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum; and I will be glad to answer.
16 comments
Last year I applied to the Home Ministry to get the permission as a Bangladeshi to visit restricted area in Ladakh. But they reply me that I can get this permission from the Airport in Leh. It was so unclear to me that 1. I want to go by road (bike trip); 2. Notification said to get permission from New Delhi.
Therefore, as a Bangladeshi tourist suffering of mismatched information. Like if u go to High Commission they will say that u can get Permit from Delhi and if u apply in Delhi they will say u will get it from airport. Now I do not know about the reply of airport authority as I didn’t attempt.
It has to be taken from Delhi only, not available anywhere in Ladakh.
Thank You so much for your reply. I applied for the permission in New Delhi maintaing all the procedure but what they replied is exactly “restricted protected areas service will be granted from concerned airport” . Really very much confusing.
I agree
Hello,I am from Bangladesh, i need one info.that is If Bangladeshi want to go only Leh city except restricted area of Ladakh so they need also permission or not? i am little bit confused about this thing.Please help me out because i already purchased my air ticket so urgently i need the info.
Thanks!
i am a Bangladeshi .To get permission to visit leh i have gone Indian visa center , Dhaka .But they told me , they only provide permission for sikim.They even don’t receive application and told if I want to go leh ladak i have to take permission from Delhi.In the meantime i have contact with one of travel agency name BHARAT booking .they ensured me they can arrange permission for me if i take their package . should i rely them or not? please help
Hi Sanjay,
I am from Bangladesh also and have faced the same issue like you have. What’s the update of your Protected area permission.
Will be glad if you give response to my query.
I want to go Nubra Valley from Bangladesh. Which kinds of documents to need PAP from Delhi ?
Please read this
https://vargiskhan.com/log/obtaining-ladakh-protected-area-permit/
How bangladeshi people can get prmt for pamgong nubra and other place of ladakh?
Does MHA providing PAP for Bangladesh nationals at all? What is the best way to get it done? Travel agent or hotel agent?
It is tough to get it this year and you will have to go a travel agent to get this done.
How can we take permission to visit ladekh from bangladesh?
Permission is not being issued to Bangladeshi citizens this year. Best plan for next year.
You help me a lot to visit Ladakh last September. Thank you again. I have plan to Spiti valley this September. It is sad as a Bangladeshi I can’t do it
Hello Mahfuza – You may be able to visit Spiti actually. The rules are not so stringent for Spiti as they are for Ladakh.