How to Get a Spiti Valley Permit in Reckong Peo
Getting your Spiti Valley permit in Reckong Peo is necessary only if you’re a foreign national. This guide covers everything you need to know about the permit process.
Do Indians Need a Permit for Spiti Valley?
No. Indian citizens don’t need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Spiti Valley anymore. You can travel freely throughout the region with just your ID proof.
This rule changed a few years ago. Earlier, even Indians needed permits, but the government removed this requirement to boost tourism.
For Indian travelers: Just carry a valid photo ID like Aadhaar card, voter ID, or driving license. You might need to show it at police checkpoints, but no permit is required.
For foreign nationals: You still need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter and travel in Spiti Valley. The process is explained below.
Why Get Your Permit in Reckong Peo? (For Foreign Nationals)
Reckong Peo sits at the entry point to Spiti Valley when you’re coming from Shimla via the Kinnaur route. It’s the last major town before entering restricted areas. If you’re taking the Shimla-Kinnaur-Spiti route, getting your permit here saves time. You won’t need to backtrack or wait at border checkpoints. The office is less crowded than Shimla, so processing is usually faster. You can also get permits in Shimla or Kaza. But if you’re already in Reckong Peo, this is your best option.Where is the Permit Office in Reckong Peo?
The permit office is at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office in Reckong Peo.
Address: SDM Office, Reckong Peo, Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh – 172107
The office is near the main market area. Ask any local for “SDM office” and they’ll point you in the right direction. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the bus stand.
Look for a government building with a board that says “Sub-Divisional Magistrate Office.” You can’t miss it.
Office Timings and Days
The office opens Monday to Friday. Working Hours:- Morning: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Saturdays and Sundays
- Public holidays
- Gazetted holidays
Documents Required (For Foreign Nationals Only)
For Foreign Nationals:
- Original passport
- Valid Indian visa
- 4 passport-size photos
- 2 photocopies of passport (main page and visa page)
If you’re traveling in a group, each person needs their own set of documents. The office can issue one permit for up to 4 people, but everyone must be present with their documents.
Note for Indian citizens traveling with foreign friends: You don’t need a permit, but your foreign companions do. You can accompany them to the office and be listed on their permit as a group member.
Step-by-Step Application Process (For Foreign Nationals)
Here’s how to get your permit:
Step 1: Go to the SDM office and ask for the Inner Line Permit form. The form is free.
Step 2: Fill out the form with correct details. Write clearly. Include your travel dates, route, and places you plan to visit in Spiti.
Step 3: Attach your photos to the form. Use glue or staples available at the office.
Step 4: Submit the form at the designated counter along with your original passport and photocopies.
Step 5: Pay the permit fee in cash. Some offices now accept UPI, but don’t rely on it. Carry enough cash.
Step 6: Wait for processing. If you arrive early, you might get your permit within 1-2 hours. During busy times, it can take 3-4 hours.
Step 7: Collect your signed and stamped permit from the counter.
Check all details on the permit before leaving the office. Make sure names, dates, and destinations are correct.
Fees and Processing Time
For Foreign Nationals: ₹50-100 per person (approximately)
Fees can change slightly, so carry extra cash just in case.
Processing Time:
- Normal: 2-4 hours
- During peak season: 4-6 hours
- If you arrive before 10:30 AM: Same day guaranteed
The permit is valid for 7 days from the date of issue. You can extend it at the Kaza SDM office if needed.
What Your Permit Covers
The Reckong Peo permit allows foreign nationals to travel through these areas:
- Nako
- Tabo
- Dhankar
- Kaza
- Key Monastery
- Kibber
- Langza
- Komic
- Hikkim
- Chicham
- Pin Valley (up to permitted zones)
The permit covers most tourist spots in Spiti Valley. You don’t need separate permits for each village.
Restricted Areas: Some border areas near Tibet and China remain off-limits even with a permit. Don’t try to visit restricted military zones.
The permit doesn’t cover areas beyond Kaza toward Ladakh. If you’re continuing to Manali via Kunzum Pass, your permit remains valid.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Office is closed when you arrive
Check the calendar before planning your visit. If it’s a holiday, you’ll need to wait or get your permit in Kaza. Some foreign travelers get their permits in Shimla before starting the trip to avoid this issue.
Problem 2: You forgot to bring photocopies
There are photocopy shops near the SDM office. They charge ₹2-5 per page. Some shops also take passport photos if you forgot yours.
Problem 3: You’re traveling solo but the form asks for 4 people
You can still apply for a single-person permit. Just fill in your details and leave the other sections blank. The office will issue a permit for one person.
Problem 4: Your group has more than 4 people
The office can issue multiple permits. Split your group into sets of 4 or fewer and apply separately. Everyone still needs to be present.
Problem 5: You’re an Indian traveling with foreign friends
You don’t need a permit, but your foreign friends do. Accompany them to the office. You can be listed on their permit as part of the group, which helps at checkpoints.
What to Do Next
Once you have your permit (foreign nationals):
Make copies: Get 3-4 photocopies of your permit. You’ll need to show it at multiple checkpoints.
Keep it safe: Store the original in a waterproof pouch. Spiti weather can be unpredictable.
Checkpoints where you’ll show it:
- Jangi (entering Spiti from Kinnaur)
Sumdo - Kaza police station (sometimes)
- Any police checkpoint along the route
For Indian travelers: Keep your ID proof handy. Police might ask to see it at checkpoints, though it’s rare.
If you lose your permit, go to the nearest police station and get a written complaint. Then visit the SDM office in Kaza for a duplicate. This takes time, so be careful with the original.
Quick Tips
For foreign nationals:
Arrive early: Reach the office by 10:00 AM to avoid crowds and get same-day processing.
Carry extra photos: Bring 5-6 passport photos even if the requirement is 4. You might need extras for duplicates or group permits.
Have cash ready: ATMs in Reckong Peo can run out of cash during peak season. Withdraw money the night before.
Keep photocopies: Make copies of your passport and visa before going to the office. This saves time.
Ask questions: The office staff are helpful. If you’re confused about any detail, ask them directly.
Check your permit: Read through the entire permit before leaving. Mistakes happen, and it’s easier to fix them immediately than later.
Plan buffer time: Don’t schedule your onward trip on the same day. Give yourself at least one day in Reckong Peo to account for delays.
For Indian nationals:
Carry valid ID: Keep your Aadhaar card, voter ID, or any government photo ID with you throughout the trip.
Help foreign friends: If you’re traveling with foreigners, help them with the permit process. Your presence can make things easier at checkpoints.
Foreign nationals need to get their Spiti permit in Reckong Peo if they’re taking the Kinnaur route. The process is simple once you have all documents ready. Indian citizens can skip this step and head straight to Spiti with just their ID proof. The office staff are used to tourists and will guide you if you’re unsure about anything.
