Langtang Valley Trek Cost

Langtang Valley Trek Cost

Langtang Valley Trek is one of the most popular treks that offers stunning views of the mountains, lush forests and picturesque villages.

When it comes to trekking on the lands of Nepal, the majority of the trekkers choose the Everest Base Camp Trek, though it is costly and strenuous.

But do you know that you can trek to Langtang Valley, which is an alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek but with less cost than the EBC trek? In this blog, we will discuss the Langtang Valley Trek cost in detail by breaking it down.

About the difficulty, the Langtang Valley Trek is graded as moderate. Which means trekkers are required to have a better fitness level to complete this trek.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the topic: What is the cost of trekking to Langtang Valley?

What is the cost of trekking to Langtang Valley?

The Langtang Valley Trek cost is dependent on a number of factors but in general it costs between USD 600 and USD 800, including all the basic services like food, accommodation, permits, etc.

If you are thinking of solo trekking to Langtang Valley, then your overall cost can be lower depending on how you wish to spend it.

But, as the Government of Nepal has banned solo trekking in Nepal, solo-trekkers are required to hire a government-liscensed holder guide to assist throughout the trek.

For hiring guides and porters, they can be easily hired for trekking in any region of Nepal. They charge you on the basis of days, and at the end of the trek, 10% of the overall cost is expected as tips.

The food and accommodation costs are less expensive on the Langtang Valley Trek than on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Are you unaware of the cost of trekking to Everest Base Camp? We have a blog for it, which you will find by following the link.

One of the basic requirements that costs you in this trek is the permit fee. You need to get the required permit fees before embarking on the journey.

For the Langtang Valley Trek, the rest of the cost is travel insurance, tips, beverages, souvernier shopping or any additional services you want for the trek.

About Langtang Valley Trek

Before going to the cost breakdown, it is important to have general information about the trek you are trying to have. So, if you have thought of trekking to Langtang Valley, then this information can be helpful in several ways.

Langtang Valley Trek is an easy and popular trekking route in the Langtang Region of Nepal, offering a better option for first-timers and families.

This trek takes you through several lush forests, traditional villages and different mountain ranges. Located in Langtang National Park, the highest point you will cover in this trek is Kyanjin Gompa at an altitude of 3,870m.

The Langtang Valley Trek offers a fantastic combination of alpine scenery, lush rorests, picturesque villages, and an opportunity to immerse in the local Tibetan-influenced culture.

This trek generally takes 7-10 days, but you can customize your itinerary to make it shorter or longer.

In this trek, you can see stunning and clear visuals of the several mountain ranges, including the seventh-highest mountain peak, Langtang Lirung (7,234m).

In addition, you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including Langtang Ri (7,205m), Ganesh Himal I (7,422m) and others.

If you are planning to do the Langtang Valley Trek, then we recommend you do it in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), as these seasons are the best, offering the most favorable weather, clear skies and stunning views of mountain ranges.

Langtang Valley Trek Cost Breakdown

There are several factors that affect the overall cost of trekking to Langtang Valley. Out of which the transportation cost, food and accommodation cost, permit fee cost, guide porter cost, equipment and gear cost, etc. are the major ones.

There are additional services available during the trek, including the hot shower, charging, etc., which you can have and which can cost you more.

If you are planning the trek in a budget-friendly way, then you can avoid the additional services to minimize the overall cost.

Food and Accommodation Cost

Food and accommodation are the basic needs for the Langtang Valley Trek. As it involves days of trekking, you need to have proper accommodation and food to make the trip more comfortable.

Accommodation

During the trek, the general accommodations you can have are teahouses and guesthouses. These teahouses and guesthouses are run by the local families and offer basic but comfortable accommodation.

Teahouses during the trek offer basic services like twin beds, mattresses, pillows and blankets, while you can get luxury services with guesthouses and luxury lodges. Remember that luxury accommodations are less available with an increase in altitude.

If you stay at the teahouses, then you can expect to pay USD 5 to 10 per night, whereas the guesthouses and lodges can cost USD 15 to 25 per night.

You can choose to stay at the luxury lodges too, which can cost you between USD 100 and USD 150 per night. If you aren’t planning to have the best time with premium services, then it will be better to choose luxury lodges over teahouses.

Remember to carry cash (Nepali rupees) with you because the card facilities may not always be available, especially in remote areas.

Food

Food is most important throughout the trek, as you need to be full of energy to trek for hours every day. You can choose from a wide variety of foods during the trek.

Among the varieties, Dal Bhat, momos and noodles are the most common dishes you can find in any teahouse.

You can choose to have the food in teahouses and restaurants. The teahouse food can cost you less in comparison to restaurants. So, if you are trying to minimize the overall cost, you can choose to have the food in the teahouses.

Dal Bhat is the stable food of Nepal and is served with rice, lentils, vegetables and curry. It is a highly filling and nutritious meal, and it costs around USD 2– USD 3 per plate.

Momos, on the other hand, are the common snacks of the Nepalese people. They are steamed dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese. They are light meals and can cost you around USD 2-3 per plate.

Noodles are common and are found in varieties, including spaghetti, chow mein, and thukpa. They cost about USD 3 to 5 per plate.

Transportation Cost

The Langtang Valley Trek typically starts from Syabrubesi, which is easily accessible by road from Kathmandu.

You have the option to choose either a local bus or a private vehicle to reach Syabrubesi. The local bus is cheaper but takes time and may be an uncomfortable journey, which may not be a good kick-off to the trekking experience.

The private vehicles are expensive but more comfortable, and in addition, it takes less time to reach Syabrubesi with a private vehicle. For a private vehicle, you can hire a private jeep from Kathmandu.

The cost of transportation by public/local bus is roughly around USD 10, whereas a private vehicle can cost you ten times more, up to USD 150 to USD 170.

The private vehicle and public bus are available every morning at the Gongabu Bus Park, where you can choose the ideal transportation mode on the basis of your preference.

If you choose to make it more budget-friendly then you can take the public bus, whereas if you want to have a more comfortable journey throughout the 6-7 hours of road trip, then it’s better with a private vehicle.

Also, if you choose to take a public bus as the mode of transportation to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu, note that it can take you 7-8 hours.

Whereas the private vehicle can take you in just 5-6 hours.

Permits Fee Cost

Permits are important to obtain, as you need to get entries to several restricted areas throughout the trek.

As you are trekking in Nepal, you need to obtain the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card from the very beginning.

Rest; the permit you need to obtain for this trek is the Langtang National Park Entry Permit.

The TIMS card can be easily obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), located in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

A foreigner needs to pay NPR 2,000 to obtain the TIMS card, whereas it’s only NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). Nepali citizens are required to obtain a TIMS card.

A Langtang National Park entry permit is required for all trekkers entering Langtang National Park. Since Langtang Valley lies in Langtang National Park, it is important to obtain one.

The permit costs NPR 3,000 (around USD 24) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,500 (around USD 12) for SAARC nationals.

You can easily obtain the Langtang National Park Entry Permit from the National Tourism Board in Kathmandu or from the entry checkpoint in Dhunche.

Both the permit fees are mandatory, so if you are planning the trek to Langtang Valley, then make sure you obtain both of them in time.

Gear and Equipment Cost

A proper set of gear and equipment to make the trek safe and better. You need to have essential gear and equipment if you are planning the trek to Langtang Valley.

The cost of the gear and equipment is dependent on the things you buy and what is important to you.

If you are at Thamel, then there are several gear shops where you can buy the required trekking gear and equipment.

If you are well-equipped with the basic trekking gear, like trekking poles, hiking shoes, backpacks, and down jackets, then you can use them on the trek.

But if you don’t have any trekking gear and equipment, you can buy all of them, which will roughly cost you a one-time purchase of USD 150 to USD 200. Note that the price may vary according to the quality and the brand.

Otherwise, you can go more budget-friendly by renting the trekking gear, which costs as little as USD 1 per day per gear.

If you are planning not just the Langtang Valley Trek but also other treks, then it will be more beneficial to buy the gear than rent it, as it may eventually cost more if you keep renting than buying.

Guide and Porter Cost

As solo-trekking is banned in Nepal, it is mandatory to hire a government-licensed guide to assist you throughout the trek.

Guides are important as they are well-known about the route and climate, and they also have better knowledge of the weather in the region.

To ensure safety, a skilled and experienced guide is important for treks in Nepal.

Talking about the cost, hiring a guide costs on a daily basis. Most guides charge USD 25 – 30 per day, and in addition, tips are expected at the end of the trek. For tips, they expect 10% of the total cost throughout the trek.

If you have a lot of backpacks with you that are heavy to carry, then you can hire a porter for the Langtang Valley Trek. The load limit porters carry is 25 kg, so if you have more than that, it might be necessary to hire another porter too.

Hiring a porter to Langtang Valley can cost you on a daily basis, and most porters charge USD 20 – 25 per day. They do expect tips at the end of the trek.

You can avoid hiring a porter by carrying the backpacks yourself. Make sure you carry a light backpack to avoid any difficulty during the trek.

Nepal Visa Cost

Everyone who is traveling to Nepal is required to obtain a visa from the Tribhuvan Airport. It is easily accessible and can be obtained by paying a certain fee. However, Indians are not required to acquire a Nepal visa.

The visa cost is on the basis of days, so if you are planning to have only Langtang Valley Trek, then you can have the 15 days of tourist visa, which costs you USD 30.

You can also get the visa for 30 days or 90 days. For 30 days, it cost USD 50, whereas it cost USD 125 for 90 days.

Some nations are required to obtain visas prior to their arrival from their nearby diplomatic missions of the Nepali government. To check the nations, you can visit the Nepal Immigration website.

Also, if you are already in Nepal, then you can extend your visa. You can extend the visa for a minimum of 15 days for USD 45 and USD 3 per day for additional days.

In cases of a delay less than 150 days, an additional USD 5 per day as a late fine is required.

Other Additional Costs

Throughout the trek, you might need to pay extra for the additional services, either in the teahouses or medical support.

The charging and Wi-Fi aren’t free in the teahouses, as they just offer basic facilities. To access those facilities, you have to pay the additional charges.

The cost of those services is dependent on the tea houses, as they can charge you more or less. They usually charge USD 1 for an hour of charging or accessing Wi-Fi.

If you wish to avoid extra charges for the Wi-Fi then you can buy a Sim card of local network with data packs in it.

For charging, you can carry additional battery backups or a power bank, so you don’t need to pay extra for charging at the teahouses.

It is important to have light snacks and energy bars, as they provide you with energy during the trekking time. They can be expensive at higher altitudes, so it is better to buy them in Kathmandu city.

A hot shower can be an additional cost if you wish to take it. The teahouses charge USD 2 to 3 for hot showers in lower altitudes, whereas they might get more expensive as you gain elevation.

Water Cost

Staying hydrated is very important throughout the trek. As you gain elevation, it is even more important to drink enough water to keep your body hydrated.

The cost of water is expensive as you gain altitude. And it might even be an additional cost for hot water. To avoid the cost of purchasing the water, you can buy a reusable water bottle and fill up the tap water available on the trails.

Make sure you carry a water filtering tablet or portable water filtering system to purify the water before drinking tap water.

Cost on Booking with a Local Agency

You can choose to get the package with the local agency, as they include every services, including transportation, guide, food, accommodation, permits, etc.

It is easier to do the Langtang Valley Trek with a local agency because they will manage everything, including the itineraries.

The cost of trekking to Langtang Valley with a local agency can be quite more expensive than solo-trekking with a guide. In general, most of the local agencies charge you between USD 600 – USD 800 for 8-10 days of the trek.

Also, you can choose to go with the luxury option, as many agencies even modify the package with better services to make it more luxurious. It can cost you up to USD 1200 if you choose to go with luxury.

If you plan to go with a local agency, then check the details about them, including years of experience, itineraries, and services they provide.

Do you know? Blue Lake Tours and Travels is a government-registered travel agency that has been in the field of tourism for the past 15 years. You can get the Langtang Valley Trek on an 8 days itinerary with us today, where the cost is inclusive of every service.

What are the factors affecting the cost of the Langtang Valley Trek?

The overall cost of the Langtang Valley Trek can be affected by different factors, including the number of trekking days, time of the year, and type of services you choose.

If you are planning to trek to Langtang Valley, then these factors can affect your overall cost:

• Duration of the trek: The longer the duration, the higher the overall cost. The trek to Langtang Valley can be completed in 5-8 days, so you can choose to trek for 5/6 days to avoid spending more.
• Time of the year: The Langtang Valley Trek is popular in the peak seasons of autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). These seasons provide the best experience of trekking on the lands of Nepal, as they offer favorable weather, mild temperatures, and clear skies with stunning mountain views. During these months, the cost of the trek may also be higher during these peak seasons.
• Type of accommodation: You can choose from basic teahouses to luxury accommodations during the trek. The teahouses are less expensive in comparison to the luxury lodges. The type of accommodation significantly affects the overall cost of the trek.
• Transportation: As there are options to choose the transportation mode from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, you can choose the cheapest or expensive option. For the cheapest, you can take the local bus, whereas for the most expensive, you can take a private jeep.
• Foods and drinks: Foods and drinks on the Langtang Valley Trek vary depending on the location and the type of food and drink you order. They are generally affordable but may cost more if you choose to have them in restaurants instead of teahouses.
• Other expenses: You need to separate the budget for the additional expenses, including travel insurance, tips, souvenirs, etc.

Additional Helpful Information

If you are planning the trek to Langtang Valley, then other than the cost of trekking, this information can be helpful to make your trek even more fruitful.

Best time for Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek takes you to the highest altitude of 3,870 m, which is Kyanjin Gompa, while taking you through several iconic mountain peaks.

As you need to trek on the trails of the Himalayas, it is important to consider the best seasons to ensure the safety throughout the trek.

Do you want to trek on to the Langtang Valley with better weather, a mild temperature, clear skies and clear mountain views? It is possible to have all these in the autumn and spring seasons.

Autumn (September to November) is one of the best seasons to trek on the Himayan Trail, as it provides the best view of the several mountain peaks. The weather this season is top-notch. You can have the best and most stable weather to make the trip easier and more comfortable.

With clear weather comes a better temperature. In the autumn, you can have the best temperature, making it perfect for hiking during the day. The days are sunny and bright, with clear skies that offer stunning visuals of the several towering peaks.

In addition, this is a festive season, so you can encounter several local communities celebrating different festivals. This season provides the best cultural experience and an opportunity to be involved in the festive environment.

Spring (March to May), on the other hand, is basically the same as autumn. It is considered the best season to do the Langtang Valley trek because of the clear weather, ideal temperature for hiking, stunning views of mountains, and lush green forest with picturesque villages.

Tips to Save Money on the Langtang Valley Trek

Here are some tips you can consider to save money on the Langtang Valley Trek. Make sure you follow them to avoid any additional expenses.

• Travel in the off-season: The peak season is crowded as the Langtang Valley Trek is widely popular. During peak seasons, the teahouses can get packed, which might direct you to alternative accommodations, which can cost you more. To avoid such problems, you can travel in the off-season. You can consider the monsoon season (June to August) or winter (December to February).
• Choose basic accommodation: It is an ideal option to choose basic accommodation as it is less costly and provides the basic services that are most required. Whereas luxury accommodations are the most costly, it is better to avoid them.
• Eat at local teahouses: To save money, it is better to eat at local teahouses instead of restaurants. The teahouses serve equally tasty foods at a lower cost. You can enjoy a variety of traditional Nepali dishes at the local teahouses.
• Get your own snacks: It is better to carry the snacks you bought at Kathmandu rather than buying them during the trek. The cost of the snacks is higher at higher altitudes than in Kathmandu. You can skip lunch and eat your own snacks and drinks, such as energy bars, nuts, and trail mix, to save money.
• Take local bus to Syabrubesi: Hiring a private vehicle can be expensive if you are trekking solo. So, for that, you can enjoy the road trip to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu by local bus. However, the trip can be less comfortable and time-consuming but it will help you save a lot of money.
• Share the cost of transportation: You can also practice sharing the transportation cost with the groups. You can find a group that is trekking to Langtang Valley and dilute the cost with them, which will save you a lot of money.
• Purify and drink Tap water: Water is expensive as you gain elevation. By getting your own water bottle and filling it from the tap, you can save a lot of money. You need to purify the tap water before drinking, so make sure you carry purifying tablets.

Conclusion: Is the Langtang Valley Trek worth it?

Langtang Valley Trek being worthy is one’s preference. Anyone who enjoys trekking in the Himalayas can find this trek fascinating and exciting.

The trek takes you on an undiscovered journey from Kathmandu all the way to Kyanjin Gompa at an altitude of 3,870m.

With the best views of the Himalayas and an opportunity to be involved in the cultural experience, the Langtang Valley Trek is worthy.

The Langtang Valley Trek can be done in 5-10 days, depending on the itinerary, and yet within the short time, it provides the best experience of trekking in Nepal.

Here are the 8 reasons to have the Langtang Valley Trek that make the trek worthy. Make sure you check the package we offer so that you can connect with us on this mesmerizing journey of trekking to Langtang Valley.

Watch the Beautiful View of the Langtang Lirung

THE END