How Much Does Langtang Trek Cost?

When it comes to trekking in Nepal, the trekking cost is a significant concern for every traveler and trekking enthusiast. The Langtang region is located 19 miles north of Kathmandu. Being so close to Kathmandu, the Langtang trek cost is significantly cheaper than other treks in Nepal.

Langtang Vally Trek takes you through beautiful cultural villages, fantastic jungle trails, lush green valleys, and finally, to the lap of the Himalayas.

Before going for the trek, trekkers should first estimate the cost required for the trek. Having a proper budget allocation helps you to trek without any hassles.

An average Langtang Trek cost usually ranges from US $500 to $1000, depending on various factors. The total cost of the Langtang trek varies depending on the services you choose.

Understanding the cost of the trek is a crucial part of the trekking plans. Besides that, you should also know about the best time for the Langtang trek, the weather to expect, and the trekking permits required.

Langtang Trek Cost Breakdown

Here is the detailed breakdown of the cost of each factor that will make up the total Langtang trek cost:

1. Permit Cost for Langtang Trek

You will require two trekking permits for the Langtang trek. Every trekker must have these trekking permits to trek in the Langtang region.

There are several checkpoints along the trail where you have to show your trekking permits. If you fail to show the permits, you will have to issue the permit at the checkpoint with a charged fine.

The two required Langtang Trek permits are:

TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System)

TIMS card is a compulsion for trekking in Nepal. It is a paper card that holds information about the trekkers and their trekking destination. The cost of the TIMS card depends upon whether you are trekking solo or in groups and the country you come from.

Cost for TIMS per person:

• SAARC Countries: NPR 600; approximately US $6
• Other Countries: NPR 2000; approximately US $20

Cost of TIMS for Group:

• SAARC Countries: NPR 300; approximately US $3
• Other Countries: NPR 1000; approximately US $10

Langtang National Park Entry Permit

As the Langtang trek trail lies in the Langtang National Park, you will require an entry permit to enter its premises.

Cost of Langtang National Park Entry permits per person

• SAARC Countries: NPR 1500 is approximately US $14
• Other Countries: NPR 3,000 is approximately US $28

You can get these trekking permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. You can also get it from the trailhead, but it will cost you more. To apply for the trekking permits, you will require a copy of your passport and a passport-sized photograph.

2. Cost Associated with Langtang Trek Duration

The Langtang Trek cost highly depends on the total duration of the trek. On average, the Langtang trek takes from 8 to 11 days. Depending upon your budget and time convenience, you can decide how long to trek. A long itinerary means the cost of the overall trek increases.

Each extra day will add up to the total Langtang Trekking cost: meals, accommodations, drinks, etc.

Generally, the duration of the trek depends on what you choose to do and what you want to skip.

There are many side treks that you can add to your itinerary. Some of the famous side trips are majestic Gosaikunda and charming Helambu. Here are some itineraries, including the side trips:

• Langtang Helambu trek
• Langtang Gosaikunda Trekking
• Helambu Trek
• 11 Days Langtang Valley Trek

If you are short on time to do an 11-day Langtang trek, you can cut the trip down to 7 days. For more details, please check “Langtang Valley Trek 7 Days.”

3. Accommodation Cost

Kathmandu is the place where your journey to the Langtang region begins. If you stay in Kathmandu, you can find basic lodges in a 5-star hotel. The cost of accommodation has a wide range. It can cost you from the US $5 to $250 for a single night.

Once you get on the trekking trail, you will be staying in teahouses and local lodges for the entire trek. While in the lower region, you will find a wide variety of accommodations. Still, in the higher regions, the accommodation is pretty basic with a basic room but comfortable and cozy.

Most teahouses offer accommodation free of cost if you have the food from the same teahouse. Generally, the accommodation cost for the Langtang trek ranges from US $2 to $5 for a night.

However, the teahouse can charge you more if you don’t have the food there and sometimes may not give you accommodation.

During peak season, the accommodation cost can be the US $12 to $15. In addition to that, pre-booking is a must. Failing to do that, you may have to share the rooms with other trekkers.

4. Food and Drinks Cost

Most of the teahouse along the way serves food for the travelers. The food they serve is healthy and hygienic. You can also get a wide variety of drinks in these teahouses.

The cost of the food depends on the altitude. The higher you trek, the higher the price will be. This is mainly due to the lack of transportation.

Meals

You can get a wide variety of food in most teahouses, including typical Nepali food and Asian and Continental foods. Both veg and non-veg choices are available in most tea houses.

But I recommend you have Dal Bhat ( a meal of steamed rice, lentils, and stir-fried seasonal vegetables), a Nepali staple food. It is healthy and filling, and you can also ask for a refill.

As mentioned earlier, the cost of the food gets more expensive as you trek higher. In the lower regions, a healthy, hot meal will cost around US $2 to $3 per plate, while in the higher regions, it can cost around US $4 to $5 for the same meal.

Thus, you can bring snacks, such as chocolate or granola bars, and energy drinks to cut your total Langtang trek cost.

Drinks

Like the meal, you can choose from a wide range of drinks, including milk tea, black tea, ginger tea, coffee, and bottled water. Yet, the price increases with the altitude gain. Bottled water will cost you $0.25-$2 in lower regions and around the US $3 to $5 in higher altitudes.

So, having a purifying tablet or gel can be a great way to reduce the cost. You can quickly fill the water from natural sources and purify them with purifying tabs or gel. Also, keeping yourself hydrated is very important while trekking. So, drink enough water and always keep yourself hydrated.

5. Langtang Trek Cost of Transportation

Syabrubesi is the starting point of the Langtang trek. It is about 122 km from Kathmandu, which usually takes 8 to 9 hours to reach. To get to Syabrubesi, you can travel via different transportation mediums such as local buses, private jeeps, or a tourist bus.

Traveling by a public bus is the cheapest way to travel in Nepal. But it can be pretty uncomfortable. If you want to travel comfortably, then private jeeps or tourist buses are the better options. However, private jeeps and tourist buses are more expensive than public buses. It is due to the facilities they provide.

Cost of Local Buses: US $3 (NPR 300) per person for one way.

Cost of Tourist Buses: the US $10 to $15 (NPR 1000 to 1500)

Note: The cost of traveling in a tourist bus depends on the trekking season. Traveling during peak season is more expensive than traveling during the low season.

Cost of Private Jeeps: the US $8 to $10 per person (NPR 800 to 1000)

Note: A private jeep can fit up to 7 to 8 people. So, you can share with other people or travel in a group.

6. Cost of Guide and Porter

Langtang trek can be done with or without a guide. However, if you are a first-time trekker, it is better to hire a guide or a porter.

Finding the right trail in the mountain can be a challenging task. Thus, with a guide, they will assist you in navigating through the trail. Along with that, you will get more insight into the culture of the local people, flora and fauna, and everything about the trek.

Also, the guide will help you to arrange your accommodations and plan your meals. At the same time, a porter will carry your luggage on your trail.

• Cost of a guide: US $20-25 per day
• Cost of porter: US $15-18 per day

Furthermore, before hiring the trekking staff, please check their credentials first. Only hire them if they are government-licensed trekking staff.

Related Article

• Langtang Trek Difficulty
• Langtang Valley Trek in October

7. Miscellaneous Costs

Souvenirs

As you may know, Nepal is famous for handicrafts. The locals of the Langtang region make beautiful, handmade products like bags, purses, dried fruits, clothes, and sandals which can be great souvenirs for your loved ones.

They can also be great memorabilia for your trekking experience.

Tipping

Tipping is quite common in the tourism sector. So, it is better to tip the hotels, restaurants, guides, and porters for a job well done.

Ways to reduce the overall Trek Cost

1. Equipment, supplies, and gear

Langtang trek is a moderate difficulty level trek in Nepal. Thus, you don’t need to have fancy gear or mountaineering gear for this trek. You will require essential trekking gear, which is mentioned below.

Clothing

• Trekking t-shirts, full-sleeved shirts, trekking pants, windproof jackets, lightweight rain jackets, and undergarments.
• A pair of hiking boots, comfortable sandals, and a few pairs of socks.
• Hat, sunglasses, gloves.

Toiletries:

• Small towel, water bottle, lip care, sunscreen.

Personal items:

• Essential documents, camera, cash.

Gears and Supplies

• Trekking pole, map, water purifier, antiseptic cream.

I recommend you not buy any unwanted gear for this trek as you may require hiring a porter to carry that gear. This will only add up to the Langtang trek cost.

Instead of buying the gear, you can easily rent it from Thamel, Kathmandu. Depending on the gear, it can cost you around $1 to $5 per day.

Please read our article on “Langtang Valley Trek Packing List for more detailed information.”

2. Local meals and drinks

When trekking in the mountains, always stick with the local staples. The typical Nepali staple food is the Dal–Bhat––Tarkari ( a meal of steamed rice, lentils, and stir-fried seasonal vegetables). It is the best food in the mountains, it is healthy, and you can ask for a refill.

Also, the local meals are cheap and high in calories. In addition to that, it is available in every teahouse, and it won’t take much time to make it.

Also, local bottled water Nepali tea is cheaper than branded ones. The local meals and drinks are also great for indulging in the local cuisines.

Tips to Minimize Your Langtang Trek Costs

• As the price of snacks and chocolate bars skyrockets higher, it is better to bring your snack to save money.
• Carry a solar power bank with you. Since the teahouse charges money to charge your electronics, it is better to have a power bank.
• Pack right and carry light. Avoid unnecessary things in your backpack. Make sure it is easy to carry so that you don’t have to hire a porter.
• Carry your tea bags and only pay for hot water.
• Instead of buying the trekking gear, rent it from Kathmandu. It is much cheaper than buying.

 

Conclusion

Langtang trek is one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal, where you can experience diverse cultures, walk through diverse terrains, and be in the wilderness with rich biodiversity. Plus, the picturesque views of the majestic mountain are like the icing on the cake. And the best thing about the Langtang trek is that it is very affordable and reasonable.

Contact us if you need any information or need to book any trips in the Langtang region. Or you can read our blog on “Langtang Trek FAQs.”