Langtang Trek, arguably Nepal’s third most popular trek, is a short, easy, and economical trek. Like any other trek, the cost of the Langtang Trek varies according to the trekking route, trekking days, time of year, and so forth. It might cost anywhere from $500 to $900 on average. This doesn’t include your international flight cost and personal expenses.
Expense Categories for the Langtang Trek
International Flight Cost
This depends on the country you’re flying from and the time of the year.
Visa Cost
Except for a few nations, Nepal offers on-arrival visas at Tribhuvan International Airport. There may be a long line at the airport during the high season to obtain the visa. Hence, for your convenience, you can obtain your visa from the Nepalese Embassy in your home country before traveling to Nepal. Indian nationals do not need a visa to enter Nepal.
Fee Structure for Nepali Visa
- $30 for 15 days
- $50 for 30 days
- $125 for 90 days
Travel Insurance Cost
Even though it is an easy trek, there is still the risk of altitude sickness. In addition, the journey will take you to some of Nepal’s most remote locations. As a result, buying trekking insurance is strongly suggested. Note that your insurance plan should provide coverage for altitudes up to 6,000 feet and that you should obtain it from your home country because such coverage is not available in Nepal.
Cost of Accommodation in Kathmandu
Depending on the hotel level, it can cost anywhere from $10 to $250 per night.
Transportation Cost During the Langtang Trek
Generally, Syabru Besi is the ideal starting point for the trek. You can reach Syabru Besi from Kathmandu using any of the following modes of transportation:
Local Bus: One-way fare is roughly $7–$9 per person. It is usually crowded with locals.
Tourist Bus: It is more comfortable and hygienic than a local bus. It can cost $10–$15 per person one way, depending on seat availability and season.
Private Jeep: Hiring a private jeep can cost you $150–$200. It can accommodate 6–8 people, so expect to pay $8–$10 per person. You can hire one if you are in a group or simply tag along with one.
Permits Cost
You normally need two permits for the Langtang Trek.
Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card: NPR 1,000 for a group trekker, NPR 2,000 for a free individual trekker (FIT), NPR 300 for SAARC nations group trekkers, and NPR 600 for SAARC countries FITs per person per entry.
Langtang National Park Entrance Permit: NPR 100 for Nepalis, NPR 1,500 for SAARC citizens, and NPR 3,000 for other nationalities, per person, per entry. It is free for children under the age of ten.
You will need one more permit if you prefer to make the trek via the Helambu trail.
Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit: Nepalese should pay NPR 100, SAARC nationals NPR 600, and other foreign nationals NPR 1,000 per person per entry. This is free for children under the age of ten.
Cost of Accommodation and Facilities During the Langtang Trek
In the Langtang region, lodging is less expensive than meals. On average, you may expect to pay between $2 and $5 per night. It may cost you more if you eat at a teahouse other than the one where you’re staying.
In the higher places, such as Langtang Village or Kyanjin Gompa, you may be charged $2–$4 for a hot shower. Charging your devices is normally free in lower regions, but it costs roughly $2–$5 per hour in higher regions. You can get an NTC SIM card for internet access because it works better in the Langtang region. Then, depending on your requirements, you can purchase a data package.
Food and Drink Cost
A healthy meal will cost between $2 and $3 in the lower regions and $4 to $6 in the upper regions. A bottle of water can cost roughly $1.5 in the lower regions and $3.5 in the upper regions. Bring a reusable bottle and a water purifier to save money on water. Yet, because there are almost no water sources, you must purchase water in some higher places.
Cost for Guides and Porters
A guide may cost you $25 to $35 per day during the Langtang Trek. Experienced guides may demand a higher fee. A porter generally charges $20–$25 per day.
Tipping Cost
Though not mandatory, tipping is expected. As a general rule, you can tip your guide and/or porter 10-15% of their pay. But feel free to tip more or less as you feel appropriate.
Trekking Gear Cost
It is preferable to rent rather than purchase gear. You can rent almost any item for around $1 per day.
Note: Depending on your trekking duration and route, food, lodging, a guide, and a porter may cost less or more. The trek has several trekking destinations. This greatly determines the trek duration. Each additional day adds to the Langtang Trek cost, as you have to pay for the above categories on a daily basis.