Ladakh has established specific guidelines for operating homestays and B&Bs to ensure safety, compliance with local laws, and comfort for guests. The regulations cover registration, safety measures, tax obligations, and other legal requirements.
REFER THIS LINK FOR DETAILED REGULATIONS: Ladakh Homestay Guidelines.
Registration Process
Qualifying eligibility:
- The homestay must be located outside the municipal limit of Leh and Kargil, and within the village boundaries.
- Already operational homestays and new homestays started/expanded during the operative policy period.
- Minimum one room accommodation, subject to a maximum of six rooms with winter friendly flush toilet & bathroom facility.
- Winter friendly flush toilet and bathroom for bathing purpose is a mandatory requirement in the homestay.
- Preference to homestays with traditional Ladakhi architecture.
- The homestay owner should be a resident of Ladakh and have the land registered in his/her name.
- The building owner and his family shall be the resident of the same village and preferably reside in the same premise.
- The property should not be under dispute.
- One trained family member shall be always available for guests.
- The surrounding areas should be hygienic and safe for tourists.
- The homestay shall preferably be located at a potential tourist area.
- The property must only be listed as a 'Homestay' or 'Bed & Breakfast (B&B)' on the Online Travel Portals.
- Homestay area to be fully protected from the presence of stray/ feral dogs.
HOW TO APPLY:
- The Department of Tourism, Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh will invite applications from the residents of Ladakh through the office of Assistant Director (Tourism), Leh and Kargil. The eligible applicant can apply in the given format (Annexure 1) for availing incentives and benefits under the Ladakh Homestay Policy 2023 to the respective authority [i.e. Assistant Director (Tourism), Leh and Kargil]. Until the facility for submission of application is made online, eligible applicants should submit the application and supporting documents in physical format/hardcopy.
Documents Required:
- Proof of identity and address of the owner (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.).
- Ownership documents or rental agreement for the property.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local authorities.
- Safety compliance certificates (fire safety, building stability, etc.).
- Layout plan of the property.
- Proof of permanent residency in Ladakh.
Application Submission:
- Submit the application form along with the required documents to the local municipal office or tourism department office.
- The application form can be found on the Tourism Department of Ladakh website.
Safety and Compliance
Fire Safety:
- Install functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Ensure the availability of fire extinguishers.
- Clearly marked fire escape routes and maps should be posted.
Health and Hygiene:
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness.
- Provide clean drinking water and hygienic facilities.
- Ensure proper ventilation and temperature control.
Guest Registration
- Maintain a register for guest check-ins and check-outs, including passport details for foreign tourists.
- For foreign guests, submit details using the C-Form within 24 hours of their arrival through the FRRO portal.
Tax Obligations
Goods and Services Tax (GST):
- Applicable on the accommodation charge, with rates varying based on the average nightly rate.
- Hosts must remit GST collected from guests to tax authorities if their annual turnover exceeds the threshold of INR 20 lakhs.
- More details can be found on the CBIC website.
Income Tax:
- Provide your PAN to Airbnb or any other listing platform to ensure the correct withholding tax rate.
- Airbnb deducts 1% of the gross earnings for tax purposes.
Permissions and Neighborhood Considerations
Building and Neighborhood:
- Ensure compliance with building rules and inform neighbors about your hosting activities to avoid conflicts.
- Relay building rules regarding common areas, noise, parking, and pets to guests.
House Rules:
- Clearly outline house rules for guests, including policies on smoking, noise, parties, and pets.
Contact Information
Tourism Department of Ladakh:
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO):
By following these guidelines, homestay and B&B operators in Ladakh can ensure they are compliant with local laws and provide a safe, comfortable experience for their guests. Detailed regulations and the application process can be found in the official Ladakh Homestay Guidelines.
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