Inner Line Permits in India

Inner Line Permits are imaginary lines drawn on the map and run almost parallel to the International border of India. Only those visitors are permitted in these areas who have inner line permits. Even Indians need to take special permission for visiting these restricted areas. Rules regarding these permits keep on changing.
There are a number of authorities from where you can acquire these inner line permits. The list of those authorities who can issue these permits is as follows:
>>Indian Missions situated abroad
>>Foreign Registration Offices
>>Ministry of Home affairs
>>Immigration officers at the airport of New Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta and Mumbai
>>Deputy Commissioner of the particular state you are visiting.
>>Some Government officers including Chief Tourism officer, Chief Secretary or Resident Commissioner of the state you are visiting.

For acquiring the permit you would have to fill an application including the details of your passport, visa, time period for visit along with 2 passport size photographs. It can be issued to minimum of four and maximum of fourteen visitors at a time.
Fees for the permit is nominal. It is valid for fifteen days and one can get it renewed at the Foreigner's Registration Office situated in every state.
In India following are the regions for which you need an inner line permit to visit. In Indian Himalayas the list of restricted zones is given below:
Sikkim:
Special rules are applicable here in Sikkim and north east areas of Sikkim falls in the restricted category.
Kumaon:
Central Kumaon is open till Milam Glacier and Milam Village. For Darma Valley of Eastern Kumaon foreigners are required to have a valid permit but Indians are allowed without any delay.
Garhwal:
Areas around Badrinath and Kamet are still closed for foreigners.
Kinnaur:
Kinnaur is divided in two parts by the river Satluj. Areas lying in its north and west have been opened recently. Now one can freely travel on motor able Hindustan Tibet Road. Eastern valley is partially open.
Spiti:
While visiting western Spiti you need to be in group of at least four and inner line permit is essential Between Jangi and Sumdo situated on Hindustan Tibet Road.
Kullu and Lahual
Entirely open for Trekking and climbing.
Kashmir:
Because of political conditions very few routes are open.
Zanskar:
No restrictions.
Ladakh:
In Ladakh areas like Pangong lake are only open for tourists having permits.
Eastern Karakoram:
Tourists are required to have a permit to visit Nubra valley upto Sasoma. Having a group of 4 or more than four is necessary. Areas of Rimo and Siachen Glacier are highly restricted and foreign tourists are not allowed until they are in joint expedition with Indians.