How to Get Adi Kailash Yatra Permit (Step-by-Step)—Complete Guide
The official Pithoragarh District ILP portal is where you can obtain the Adi Kailash Yatra permit (Inner Line Permit, ILP) online. Make an account, enter your travel information, upload a passport-size photo, a government photo ID, a medical fitness certificate, and the necessary affidavit, pay the fee, and then download and print the authorized permit. Beyond Chiyalekh/Dharchula (toward Gunji Kuti Jyolingkong), ILP is required and is monitored at several army and police locations. Usually, approvals take 24 to 48 hours, bring two or three printed copies with you.
What permit do you need, and who issues it?
Adi Kailash (along with Om Parvat) is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, a delicate border area. An Inner Line Permit (ILP), issued by the District Administration, Pithoragarh, is necessary in order to travel past Chiyalekh/Dharchula towards Gunji, Kuti, and Jyolingkong. The official ILP portal is where applications are submitted.
Related Read: Why Adi Kailash Yatra with Travel Sifar Is the Best Choice
Good to know: You will need to present your ILP at several checkpoints along the way; have extra printouts on hand.
Step-by-step application (online)
- Register & log in on the Pithoragarh ILP portal. Create your profile and enter travel dates, route, and emergency contacts.
- Download & complete required formats
- Medical Fitness Certificate (signed by a registered medical practitioner).
- Affidavit (self-undertaking to follow rules and travel at own risk).
Upload the signed scans.
- Upload documents
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID)
- Passport-size photograph
- Any additional documents if prompted (foreign nationals may need extra clearances).
- Pay the fee online and save the receipt (you may be asked to show it at checks).
- Verification & approval
- Typical processing window: ~24–48 hours (can vary with load).
- Track status in your dashboard using the application number.
- Download, print & carry at least 2–3 copies of your ILP to present at checkpoints.
Can I apply offline?
Yes, historically, the SDM Office in Dharchula has also issued permits. The streamlined, suggested method is to use the district’s single-window online portal. Bring the same paperwork to the SDM office if you are already in Dharchula and the portal is down.
Related Read: Adi Kailash Weather Guide: Best Time to Visit & What to Pack
Required documents (at a glance):
| Item | Why it’s needed | Tips |
| Government photo ID | Identity & citizenship verification | Carry the same ID during travel. |
| Passport-size photo | Permit print & records | Keep 3–4 extra photos. |
| Medical Fitness Certificate | High-altitude fitness proof | Use the official format from the portal. |
| Affidavit (undertaking) | Compliance & risk acknowledgement | Use the portal’s format; sign & upload. |
| Police verification (sometimes asked by operators) | Background check for sensitive belt | Some packages require it—check your operator’s checklist. |
Some tour operators also ask for a fitness certificate and affidavit on stamp paper even if you’ve uploaded them online. If you’re booking a package (KMVN or private), confirm their exact paperwork list.
Related Read: Health & Safety Tips for Adi Kailash Trek
Fees, validity & checkpoints:
- Fee: The portal collects a nominal processing fee online (the amount appears during checkout). Keep the digital receipt with you.
- Checks: Expect multiple army/police checkpoints where your ILP is verified; hence, multiple printouts.
- Season window: ILPs typically open with the road season (summer–autumn). Check the portal’s Alerts/Road Status/Weather before you travel.
Timeline & pro tips
- When to apply: Even though approvals often take ~24–48 hours, apply 7–10 days in advance of reaching Dharchula to account for weekends, weather, or surge demand.
- Itinerary alignment: Book stays in Dharchula/Gunji/Jyolingkong first; the district advisory specifically asks you to ensure accommodation before coming.
- Connectivity & spares: The network can be patchy; keep offline copies (phone + printouts) of ILP, IDs, and medical papers.
- Foreign nationals/OCI: Frontier belts have additional restrictions; confirm eligibility and extra permits well in advance with the district administration or a reputed operator.
Route context (why the ILP matters)
The Adi Kailash circuit (Dharchula → Gunji/Nabi–Nabidhang → Jolingkong/Parvati Kund with Om Parvat viewing) sits near the Indo-Tibetan frontier. ILP enables controlled, safe movement in this sensitive zone while ensuring emergency coordination and visitor management. Multiple checks ensure your party is tracked and safe across the route.
Sample application checklist:
- Account created on ILP portal
- Travel dates & group list finalized
- Medical Fitness Certificate (portal format) signed & scanned
- Affidavit (portal format) signed & scanned
- Govt photo ID and passport photo uploaded
- Fee paid; receipt saved
- Permit downloaded & printed (3 copies)
- Hotel bookings confirmed (Dharchula and onward)
- Operator (if any) paperwork cross-checked (e.g., police verification)
FAQ’s
1) Is ILP required if I only stay in Dharchula?
No, ILP is mandatory beyond Chiyalekh/Dharchula towards Gunji, Kuti, and Jyolingkong. If you’re only in the base town, ILP isn’t required.
2) How long does approval take?
The portal indicates ~24–48 hours post-submission, but apply earlier to buffer for demand or weather disruptions.
3) Do I need separate permits for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat?
No—this is usually the same ILP covering the corridor; you’ll present it at checkpoints along the route. Always check your permit’s “area covered” and validity.
4) Are foreigners allowed?
Foreign nationals/OCIs may face additional restrictions in frontier areas. Confirm current rules directly with the district administration or use a licensed operator who can arrange any additional clearances required.
5) What if the portal is down or I’m already in Dharchula?
Visit the SDM Office, Dharchula, with the same documents; many travelers still complete formalities offline when needed.
6) What else should I carry on the route?
Extra permit printouts, ID originals, medical certificate, affidavit, fee receipt, and your hotel contact details. These speed up checks and help in emergencies.
Also Read: Explore OM Parvat- An Unreal Sacred Mountain of Uttarakhand
Bottom line
For a smooth Adi Kailash Yatra, apply online on the Pithoragarh ILP portal, upload the medical certificate and affidavit in the official formats, pay the fee, and carry multiple printouts. The ILP is compulsory beyond Chiyalekh/Dharchula, and proactive prep (stays booked, documents ready, status checked) saves hours at checkpoints and keeps your journey compliant and stress-free.
Neeraj is a travel and hospitality professional with over seven years of experience in the tourism industry. He holds a Master’s degree in Tourism Management and has collaborated with renowned travel companies and hotel brands such as Taj Hotels, Marriott, MakeMyTrip, and Thomas Cook & Now with Travel Sifar. His expertise lies in creating in-depth destination guides, spiritual and Himalayan travel content, and practical itineraries that help travelers make confident choices.
Having worked across both corporate travel and hospitality consulting, he combines academic knowledge with hands-on industry experience. His writing is trusted by readers for its accuracy, authenticity, and real-world insights.
Passionate about sustainable tourism, he focuses on highlighting local cultures, responsible travel practices, and meaningful experiences. Beyond writing, he enjoys trekking in the Himalayas, exploring heritage sites, and engaging with communities to bring unique travel stories to life.