Langtang Trekking Cost
The Langtang Trekking Cost blog intends to provide detailed information on associated costs for the trek. Langtang is one of the closest destinations to Kathmandu. The destination is relatively cheaper than other classical trekking destinations in Nepal. There are various factors that affect the cost of the trip. The number of trek days, facility and services used and personal spending behavior is major factors to affect the cost part. A standard package for the Langtang trek costs $700-$900 for the trekking parts. In addition, travel, medical and accidental insurance are mandatory for the traveler.
In brief, the total Langtang Trekking Cost may depend on the following factors:
- Travel itinerary; whether it is short or long
- Your trekking season
- Traveling in a group or solo
- Accommodation you choose
- Choice of food and drinks
- Electric gadgets you carry, communication expenses
- The cost for permits (trekking Tamang heritage requires a special permit)
- Vehicle to and from Trailhead
- Preferred guiding Language
- Services, Guides, and porters
Knowing about the Langtang trekking cost is the most essential factor to plan for hiking. Similarly, the trekking season to experience the best, necessary equipment to carry, and the itinerary are the other factors to know about the trek.
Cost Determining Factors
Here is a detailed explanation of the factors that make up the total Langtang trek costs.
Permits
Trekking Langtang Region requires the Langtang National Park entry permit, and Trekkers’ Information Management System Card (TIMS). Both permits are mandatory. The National Park revenue counter at Bhrikutimandap and the check-post at Dhunche issue entry permits for visitors. It costs US$30 exclusive of 13%VAT.
Similarly, the TIMS is another information management system card that records the personal details of travelers with their respective itineraries. It costs US$10 for package trekkers and US$10 for 20 Free Individual Trekkers. Whereas the SAARC national is required to pay $6 & $3 respectively. TIMS counters at Thamel, Maligoan, and Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu issue the TIMS card.
The trekkers going to trek the Tamang Heritage trail need to issue a special permit from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. You should apply through a registered trekking company for the permit. It costs US$20 per person for a week.
Lodge & Accommodation for Langtang Trekking
You have a large range of choices for hotels and accommodation in Kathmandu. Many hostels, Budget, star category, and Boutique hotels are located, mainly, in Kathmandu. Trekkers may choose the accommodation in Kathmandu for Langtang Trekking Cost to limit within the budget. However, the lodges in the trekking trails serve basic facilities. The price for the accommodation ranges from US$5 to US$150. The Three Standard accommodation in Kathmandu generally costs US$40-60.
The lodges at Dhunche and Syabrubensi have comfortable rooms with attached or common bathrooms. The rooms are comfortable and cozy. On your trek, in lower regions, you may find different types of accommodation. But at higher altitudes, the rooms are basic but, comfortable and cozy.
The teahouse lodges are the only accommodation on the trekking trails. They have basic facilities with common toilets. The rooms are warm and wooden insulated, generally equipped with twin sharing beds. The rooms are cheaper in the off-season compared to the peak trekking seasons. The cost varies from US$15. The teahouse may be overcrowded during the peak trekking season. The operators help with the pre-booking of the lodges or the accompanying guide prebooks the room for you.
Meals and Drinks
Your choice of food, meals, and beverages affect your Langtang Trekking Cost. Unlike the restaurants in the cities, trekking trails have small restaurants. Often they provide lodging facilities with few rooms. Trekkers staying at the teahouses are expected to have their dinner and breakfast at the same restaurant. The restaurants have a standard food menu for the visitors with options such as noodles, pasta, macaroni, bread, potato, etc. The menu is a bit costly at a higher altitude. Dal Bhat is common in all places which are served with lentil soup, curry, and pickle. Basically, the Guide, porter, and Nepali tourists prefer to consume Dal Bhat. You will have a good opportunity to taste local Yak cheese during Langtang Region trekking.
The breakfast menu includes Tibetan bread, potato curry, Bread, muesli, and omelet, along with tea/coffee, etc. You may choose the option from the menu. Each meal costs around US5-$15. A packaged trip excludes the extra drinks and beverages. You can carry light snacks such as granola bars, chocolates, etc. to cut down your total costs.
Trekkers will have a lunch pause on the way. The itineraries adjust the lunch spots on the way to your next camp.
Trekking Season
Langtang Valley trekking trails are a bit crowded during the peak trekking season like Sept-Nov, and March-May. The lodges may charge relatively higher during the peak season. Trekking may choose low trekking seasons like December-January for low traffic on the trails. Some operators also offer a discounted rate for the package. You might need to carry extra warm clothes while trekking in the off-season.
Travel in Groups
Traveling with a group helps to share your fixed costs while trekking the Langtang Region. A solo traveler has to bear single supplement charges for rooms and accommodation when there are no groups to accommodate. You can share your guiding and porter costs in your group. Traveling is a group that is a pleasure and a good opportunity to share your experience.
Drinking-Water
Drinking water is abundantly available throughout the trail. But it is not safe to drink directly from the tap, stream, or natural spring. Carry water purifying drops or tablets along with you. You can get your bottle filled and add the purifying tablets at least one hour before drinking. Optionally, you can ask for hot drinking water at your lodge for the nights. Also can fill your bottle at the lodge for the day. A bottle of water costs US$0.25-0.30 at the lower altitude whereas the price rises up to US$3 at the higher altitude. We suggest discouraging carrying the water bottle to minimize plastic-related pollution.
Number of Days in Trekking
You can trek and experience the Langtang Valley in 7-25 Days. The 7 Days trek is an exclusive short trek. A rapid Langtang Valley trek and Gosainkunda trek are options to complete in 7 Days. The longer your trek itinerary the higher will be the cost for your program. The expenses for meals, accommodation and guide and porter service determine your costs. The guide’s cost for a language other than English may cost higher.
Transportation
The choice of transportation is another factor to determine the Langtang Trekking Cost. Local buses and jeeps serve the locals and tourists for transportation from Kathmandu to Dhunche/Syabrubensi. Choosing to travel in private Jeeps is another option but costs higher. The local vehicle departs regularly from the local bus park in Kathmandu. The one-way bus/jeep fare costs US$8-$12. Hiring a private jeep will cost around $150. I
Guides and Porters
The mountains of Nepal are rich with natural attractions and amazing beauties. Alongside, the risk factors are associated. Whether they are human-related, physical, or weather-related. Accessing the risk factors, analyzing them, and taking guidance are surely the helping factors to make a successful trip. Local guides are habitual with the mountain terrain. Accompanying a local guide through a registered trekking company ensure your personal safety. The porters carry luggage for the trekker. Hiring a guide costs US$30 per day and a porter will cost US$25 per day. The cost includes meals, accommodation, and insurance. The local operator is responsible to provide necessary gear and insurance for guides and porters.
Insurance Costs
Travel and accidental insurance are mandatory to trek the Langtang Region. The journey in remote lands is never a risk-free activity. Oriental Journeys access all the potential risk factors during your Langtang Trekking. Despite the fact, there might be an accident that claims physical dangers for the trekkers. Hence, it is mandatory to have travel insurance to trek the region. Further, there are always risks of accidents, luggage loss, flight delay, or cancellation. In case of any emergency, there may need for helicopter evacuation as well.
Purchasing the related insurance policy covers all the requirements. In normal conditions, you can buy an insurance policy for a 30-day period that may cost US$150 (approx).
Additional Costs
The additional costs may depend on person to person. Buying local souvenirs for your friends and families, personal expenses for communication, and donations to the local monasteries arise extra costs over your trip expenses. Further, tipping your guides and porters will come at an extra cost on top. All these expenses are exclusive of your package costs.
Final Thought for Langtang Trekking Cost
The cost is a major factor in the experience you choose. Every traveler wishes to minimize the cost of their trip. Choose some alternative ideas to minimize the cost of your trip. Carry a solar power charger or a power bank instead of extra batteries or mobile sets. You should carry only the most essential things in your backpack to limit the luggage weight. This helps travel lights. Pack some snacks, energy bars, and chocolates from the city because they are expensive items at a higher altitude. You may not need to buy expensive gear for the Langtang trek. Hiring at the local shops at Thamel will be cheaper. Write to Oriental Journeys for detailed information while planning your trip to Langtang.