Langtang Trek Cost 2024: Detailed Cost Breakdown
Table of Contents
On the way down, Kyanjing Gompa from Tesrko Ree
Langtang Trek Permit Cost
Along with your visa to Nepal, you shall require two other permits for trekking in Langtang. The Langtang permit is a significant part of the Langtang trek Cost.
1. Nepal Visa Cost
A tourist visa is available upon arrival at the airport or border of Nepal. Along with your passport (six months validity), you must fill out an arrival card and an online “Tourist Visa” form. Nepal visas cost USD 30, USD 50, and USD 125 for 15, 30, and 90 days, respectively. No visa is needed for the people of India, and it’s free for the citizens of SAARC countries. (Please visit the Department of Immigration website to learn about visa to Nepal in detail). Langtang Trek Cost for Indian is expensive than Langtang Trek Cost for Nepali but cheaper than cost for foreigners.
2. Langtang National Park Entry Permit
After your arrival, you need to apply for a Langtang National Park permit. A Langtang National Park permit costs USD 30 for foreigners and USD 30 for the people of the SAARC country. It’s free for children under 10. The pass can be issued at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or at the National Park’s entry point in Dhunche. Along with keeping a record of tourists entering the National Park, this Langtang trek costs a permit to preserve wildlife inside Langtang National Park. So it’s money well spent.
Langtang Trek cost for Nepali cost is as no permit cost is included.
3. Langtang Local area Permit/TIMS card
After the decentralization of Nepal and the transfer of power to the local government, tourists must issue a local area permit while trekking in Langtang Kyanjin Gompa. This means you won’t need a TIMS card anymore. The Langtang Local Area License costs $10. This can also be issued by the Nepal Tourism Board or at Dhunche. If you are wondering why you need this permit, it goes for managing tourism and trails in the region. A small amount goes into building a better trekking route, managing the tourism committee, and ensuring your safety.
4. Shivapuri National Park Entrance Fee
While this permit is not mandatory for everyone, entering the Langtang Valley via the Helambu trail and passing through Shivapuri National Park is compulsory. People travelling from Syabrubeshi do not need this permit. The Shivapuri National Park permit costs $5, excluding VAT, and the money goes to the national park’s management. It’s just a tiny amount for Langtang Trekking costs.
Langtang Valley Trekking Cost for Guide or Porter
Hiring a Langtang Trek Guide is a good idea. While many people believe it to be expensive, a guide in Nepal is reasonable. You will find a very experienced trekking guide with a license cost of Langtang trek $20 to $30 per day. The Langtang trek cost for guides includes food, accommodation, and insurance. You can trek without a Langtang Trek Guide, but getting those permits, booking the hotels, finding the route within the forest, and everything else becomes hectic without one. In short, $25 is just a small price for all the comfort a guide brings to your Langtang Valley trek.
Next, you will need a porter that adds to your Langtang Trek cost. Being in a very remote region, you need to carry a lot of clothes, food, and basic amenities (personal care and electric items) for the trek. This means you cannot carry all that load by yourself. You can hire a porter for $15 to $20 per day, and they carry up to 20 kg of the bag. We are often asked if the Langtang trek is possible only with a porter. Yes, it is. However, most porters do not communicate in English and do not walk at their own pace. Also, they won’t be helping you with the route and bookings; thus, you will need a Langtang Trek Guide.
What to Expect From a Guide at a Himalayan Master?
Our licensed guides have travelled to the Langtang region unceasingly and certainly know their way around the rough terrain. Thus, they plan the Langtang Valley trek so you remain comfortable.
- They are very fluent in English. You can also request a Langtang Trek Guide familiar with the comfortable language, and we will try looking for such a personality.
- They will help you find accommodations and restaurants. Also, they come in handy to build your relationship with the tea house owner and locals around the place.
- The guides are also trained for first-aid and emergency cases. So, if you fall ill during the trek, they are the ones you can turn to.
- A guide is helpful for comfort and lowering the cost of your Langtang trek.
How do I get to Langtang? Langtang Trek Cost for Transportation
How Long Is the Langtang Trek? Kathmandu To Langtang Distance around 180 km. The While we will be trekking for most of the journey, the only ride is from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and back. There is no airport in the Langtang Hike Nepal; you must travel by road. The views of terraced farms, stunning rivers, and quiet villages along the highway are rewarding. Different modes of road transportation are available according to your budget.
Local transportation in Nepal is relatively cheap. This 8-hour-long ride by public bus to Syarubesi will cost about USD 5. While this is the most affordable option, it might not be comfortable. You can find the local bus to Syarubesi from Maccchapokharai, Gongobu.
Also, read about the shorter and easier Poonhill Trek in Nepal.
What Is a Local Bus in Nepal Like?
- The buses are primarily crowded, carrying people beyond their capacity.
- The local bus to Arughat usually leaves the bus park between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. But there might be delays and cancellations without prior information. That’s the risk you have to take
- Highway is blacktopped from Kathmandu to Dhading (about 90 km). However, beyond that, you will be riding off-road (very difficult on a local bus). Well, it’s not all bad news. A public bus means melodious local music and a chance to witness the Nepalese lifestyle (maybe make a few new friends as well)
Tourist buses: A handful of tourist buses leave for Syabrubesi from Kathmandu. Having a tourist bus is more luxurious and comfortable, but finding one is tricky. In the peak season, the tourist buses are mostly overbooked. That’s where your guides come in. This tourist bus for the Langtang trek costs about USD 10–USD 15, and you shall have a relaxing journey for less than the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek costs.
Taxi (cabs):- If you are looking for comfortable options, you can take a bus from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. Hiring a private car costs about USD 100–USD 120 and depends on your negotiating skills. However, the latter part of the journey is off-road, making it hard to travel in cabs. That’s why most people prefer Jeeps.
Private Jeeps: A private jeep is an excellent option for an off-road ride in Nepal. The seats are comfortable, and the journey is rather relaxing. It’s a saviour if you have larger groups or can share the jeep with others. The Langtang trek cost of a Jeep is USD 15 per person. However, if you don’t have a large group, you might have to book a Jeep by yourself for USD 150 to USD 200.
Why is a private Jeep a great option?
It’s a comfortable option that takes you quickly on and off-road. Also, the flexible departure time means you can take a Jeep whenever possible. Furthermore, it’s faster, more spacious, and has a lot of room for bags. The local bus makes the longer Langtang Trek difficulty.
If you have a group of 5–10 people or your guide manages others to share a Jeep with, it’s an excellent option for reasonable Langtang Gosaikunda Trek costs.
Tea House Cost During Langtang Valley Trek
Surprisingly, the cost of hotels in Langtang is relatively low. Well, it’s not hotels, to be precise; the basic accommodation along the trekking routes of Nepal is called tea houses. Tea houses are tiny guest houses run by the locals and provide only rudimentary facilities for the trekkers. It’s a small part of the Langtang Trek cost.
Since most of these tea houses have been rebuilt after the massive destruction of the 2015 earthquake, the latest ones are made with Western technology. You can get the room on a sharing basis ( 2 to 3 single beds), and the rooms cost $5 to $8. Even though this rate is slightly higher than other trekking routes ( Like Annapurna Base Camp), they are way more equipped and clean.
What to Expect From a Tea House During the Langtang Trek?
The rooms have a wooden bed with a mattress, bed sheet, pillow, and a small blanket. Only a few lucky ones get a mirror and table in the room. If you don’t have a sleeping bag (which we highly recommend carrying), you can request an extra blanket ($1 to $2 added).
- Rooms with private bathrooms are scarce; they’re shared. Most of the bathrooms are Western-style and remain clean. However, some tea houses might have a washroom with an Indian seat in Langtang village and beyond.
- You need to pay a few dollars ($2 to $4) for getting a hot water shower at such an altitude.
- Bargaining on the menu is not possible. However, some room discounts are available during the off-season (Monsoon and winter).
Food expenses for the Langtang trek
The options for food in Langtang are pretty impressive. All the tea houses have the same menu, and the trekking committee determines the Langtang Trek cost cost. Since a porter or mule carries every food item in Langtang (sometimes by helicopter), the food price is relatively high compared to Kathmandu’s. As per the current menu, the Langtang Trek cost of food is about $6–$8 per meal. Breakfast is relatively cheaper than lunch. So, you can estimate the cost of the Langtang trek at $25 per day for food. Obviously, you need to add some extra dollars for coffee or tea and water.
Cost of Drinks In Langtang
You can buy bottled water throughout the trek for somewhere between $2 (lower altitude) and $4 (higher altitude). And since you will buy 3–4 bottles of water daily, it’s a lot of money. Plus, plastic bottles are harmful to the environment. Thus, the best option is to get a reusable water bottle and carry water-purifying tablets. A good choice of tea and coffee is also available during the Langtang trek. A cup of tea costs $2 to $3, and so does a cup of milk coffee.
The variety of coffee is limited, so if you are a coffee addict, carry your instant coffee. There’s also an option for a cold drink/ soda that costs about $4. And in case you want an alcoholic drink, a bottle of beer costs about $7 (600ml). The cost of food in Langtang Trek is the most significant expense of your trekking journey. You can carry your reusable water bottle, instant coffee, energy drinks, and a few chocolate bars to minimize your travel costs for food.
Related Content: Full Details about Food and Accommodation in Langtang.
Packing List For Langtang Trek
Now, the actual expense of a journey begins way before you head for the Langtang Trek Nepal. Here we have listed what you should carry or buy for the hike. However, the price does not include your choice of how much you want to spend on your shopping. Hiking boots (high ankle boots are more expensive than regular shoes, but they make your trek way easier).
- Down Jacket
- A thermal coat for the inside
- Waterproof hiking pants and warm pants.
- Three pairs of inner clothing.
- A pair of slippers and woollen shocks
- Windproof gloves, head cover, sunglasses
- Personal care items and toiletries
- Water bottles and purifying tablets
- Sleeping bag and Hiking bag+ hang bag(if you don’t have one, you can rent one in Thamel for USD 1 to USD 2 per day)
- Two Trekking poles (Cost USD 5/each in Nepal)
- First aid kids
- Crampon (only needed if the trail has ice; usually, your agency provides you with the crampon)
- Phone, camera, charger, power bank, universal adapter, and any other electronic items you need (carrying a laptop for the trek is not recommended)
Note: You won’t need climbing ropes, an ice axe, a Goretex jacket, or a sleeping mat.
It’s recommended that you buy genuine clothes from your home country. Although there are some excellent brands of trekking gear in Nepal, they might not be authentic. You can also rent many of these essentials while you are in Kathmandu. But the Cost of Trekking Gear in Kathmandu can be expensive.
So, once you book the Langtang Trek package from Himalayan Masters, ask your guide for a detailed packing list and prepare your bag accordingly.
Insurance cost: Trekking to the remote mountains of Nepal comes with significant challenges. Although the Langtang trek difficulty is moderate, the risk of altitude sickness cannot be ignored. Also, there are chances of injury, theft, and unpredicted weather. Thus, you must ensure that your travel insurance covers high-altitude rescue above 5000m. The Langtang Trek insurance cost depends on your nationality.
Wi-Fi in Langtang: All regions of Langtang are connected to wireless internet. Although the speed is not exactly impressive, you can still be in contact with your loved ones back home. Connecting Wi-Fi in your tea house costs between USD 2 and USD 3. It’s also a big part of the Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Cost.
Telephone in Langtang: NTC and Ncell networks are available in Langtang Village. You can ask your guide for a local SIM card that costs about a dollar. Then, you can purchase the data package as per your needs. The 3G network is available in Syarubesi and Lama Hotel. About USD 50 of mobile data will be more than enough for the journey.
Electricity/Charging in Langtang: In the lower region, charging ports are available in the room and are free of charge. However, you must set your phone in the reception area to move to a higher elevation. Charging a camera, mobile phone, and power bank will cost a few dollars (USD 2 to USD 4). Since locals run their tea houses with the small local hydropower running at a high cost, this money helps them pay for electricity. We recommend carrying extra batteries for the camera, a solar battery charger, or a power bank. Langtang Trek cost for Nepali might not include these charges for electricity.
Donations: As per your will, you can leave some donations to the gompa or sambo during the visit. The amount directly goes to the maintenance of the premises.
Souvenirs: Nepalese are known for their exceptional skills in handicrafts. You can find incredible woodwork, paintings, and kitting (bags and purses). You can also find some tremendous dried fruits and wines as souvenirs to take back home. You must separate a few dollars for this.
Tips: It’s a trend that trekkers leave some tips for porters and guides. Although the amount depends on your will, you can leave USD 20 to USD 30 per person. Also, you might leave some tips for the tea house staff. This is a big addition to your Langtang trek cost.
Langtang Trek Cost Due To Duration
The ideal Langtang trek itinerary designed by the Himalayan master is nine days long. However, the unpredictable mountain climate, the trekker’s health, and other emergencies might extend the trip for a few days. Also, your cost will be added if you want to explore different places around the village and stay a few more days. Other smaller peaks, such as Kyanjin Ri and Tsergo Ri, are around. Most people prefer to add Gosainkunda and Helambu village treks to their Langtang Valley itinerary. These extensions will add a few dollars to your Langtang trek cost. So, it would help if you were prepared accordingly. Each day added will raise your expenses to about $80 to $90 (including porter and guide) and $40 to $50 (excluding porter and guide).
Langtang Package Cost
Now, you have two options for trekking in the Langtang Valley Nepal. Firstly, you can travel independently by finding a guide and porter. The other option is to get a travel package that covers your overall Langtang Trek Cost. The nine-day Langtang trek cost about $1000 for independent travellers (trekking solo). And, if you are in a group, you will be sharing the Langtang Trek cost of the guide, porter, and room. Thus, the price lowers when you travel with a larger group.
Thankfully, the Langtang Trek package cost by the Himalayan master is $800. The package cost comes out to be cheaper when you are travelling solo. The agency offers unbelievable discounts, even if you are travelling in a group. However, the Langtang Trek cost here doesn’t include water, charging, a hot shower, or other personal expenses. Even then, getting a well-arranged trek package for Langtang is wise.
Langtang Trek Cost For Nepali
If you are a Nepalese, the Langtang trek cost is somewhat lower than the one for foreigners. Since many internal tourists have been travelling to Langtang recently, the tourism committee has been trying to make everything cheaper and affordable for Nepalese. Firstly, you will not need any trekking permits. And if you are a native of Nepal, you won’t probably need a Langtang Trek Guide. You can hire a porter and ask them for help with the booking and route.
You can use local transportation to lower the price further (the one mentioned above). The Langtang Trek cost of the room for Nepalese is about $5; however, the cost of food is the same as on the menu (some negotiation is possible). A hot shower and Wi-Fi cost a few dollars, but you might get to charge your phone for free. The Langtang Valley Trek Cost for Nepali is about $400 to $500 for the nine-day journey. You might be able to save a lot more by skipping a porter and carrying your instant food yourself.
Langtang Trek Cost for Indian
The Langtang trek cost for Indians is similar to the overall package for a foreigner. The only difference in cost is for a permit for the Langtang Valley Trek. Cost for a foreigner for the Langtang Valley trek permit is around Rs.5000, combining the Langtang National Park Permit and TIMS card. But for an Indian or any people of SAARC countries, a TIMS card can range from Rs.300 to Rs.600. The Langtang National Park Cost for an Indian or SAARC country can cost Rs.1500 per person.
The cost of accommodation in Langtang Trek is similar for everyone. Accommodation will cost around Rs.500—Rs.1000 per day, excluding meals and drinks and meal cost is also similar for everyone.
The transportation cost is also the same as the Nepali cost for the Langtang Valley Trek. If you want a cheaper option, you can take a public bus.
One significant cost that you can potentially eliminate is the expense of hiring a guide or porter during the Langtang Trek. By opting to trek without these services, you can save approximately 30-35 dollars per day, significantly reducing your overall expenses.
By now, you may have calculated the Langtang Trek cost for Indian trekkers. If you choose to trek without a guide or porter, you can potentially reduce your overall expenses by a maximum of 100 dollars per day, offering a significant cost-saving opportunity.
Tips For Langtang Trek
- There are plenty of ATMs in Kathmandu. However, once you head to the Langtang region, i.e., Syabrubesi, there is no way you can withdraw cash. Further, the tea houses do not take cards. Thus, you need to withdraw the money you need in advance.
- Even after taking a travel package, you will need some cash (more than $100) for things not included in the Langtang trek package.
- Trekking in the off-season, i.e., December–February and July–August, lowers your Langtang trek cost, and the agency offers excellent discounts. However, these months have their own risk of harsh weather conditions (snow and rainfall), making it very hard to trek.
- Make sure that you take proper measures to reduce high-altitude treks. If you fall sick, it will not only extend your budget but also risk your life.
- Ask your guide to help with packing, shopping, and other difficulties.
Final words,
So, that was all about Langtang’s trekking cost. You should know that Nepal is an excellent destination for backpackers. The trek will be much more rewarding than a luxurious vacation. And the price of the Langtang trek is worth it. Choose the Langtang Trek Best Season, you will have a wonderful time away from the crowds and chaos.
Want to know more?
Speak to an Expert
Sandip Dhungana
Nepal 🇳🇵
Whatsapp: +977-9823636377