Permits Required for a Langtang Trek
Before trekking in the Langtang region, one should be well aware of the two different permits required for the Langtang trek. They are TIMS card and Langtang National Park entry permit. This article details these two permissions, why you need them, and how you can get them.
There are many trekking options in Langtang area. Langtang Valley Trek, Gosaikund Trek, Helambu Trek and Helambu-Langtang Trek are popular treks. Each of these treks offers its own unique experience and is stunning. However, the number of permits for all these treks is the same. But, if you pass through Shivpuri Nagarjuna National Park on your trek, you have to pay the entrance fee.
A permit is a mandatory document before starting any trek in the Langtang area. You will have to show them at various checkpoints during your trek. It is better to get permission before starting your trek. However, if you do not get a trekking permit in Kathmandu, you can get it from the trail head.
A permit is required for the Langtang trek
Here are all the details about the two permits required for the Langtang trek.
TIMS card
There are three types of TIMS cards. They are green, blue and pink. If you are an individual trekker, you will get a green card which costs $20. The blue TIMS card is for organized group trekkers and costs $10. If you are a SAARC nation, your pink TIMS card will cost only $6.
TIMS card can be obtained from Nepal Tourism Board Kathmandu and Pokhara. Or Trekkers Agency Association of Nepal (TAN) Secretariat from Kathmandu and Pokhara. TIMS card is available after filling the application form. Take a copy of your passport and two passport size photos to get your TIMS card.
There are some conditions in which you do not need a TIMS card. You can travel without a permit if you:
- Controlled area visitors who have received permission from the Immigration Department.
- Foreign guests at the invitation of the Government of Nepal.
- Foreign nationals with residence visa in Nepal.
- Officials holding diplomatic missions or official letters.
- Climbing members who have permission to climb the mountains.
- Visitors on missions directed by Government Departments.
TIMS Check Post, now also in Syabrubesi. A TIMS card is required for this walk.
After devolution of basic powers to local bodies, TIMS has become invalid in the Everest region. You, now need a local area permit for Everest Base Camp. You can get it at Lukla for $20. So $10 for Langtang area for TIMS card
Langtang National Park Entry Permit
For any trekking route in the Langtang region, go through the Langtang National Park. And to trek in this area, you need to get a special permit – Langtang National Park permit. It costs $30 excluding 13% VAT (Value Added Tax).
While any citizen of SAARC countries can get a permit for 15 dollars excluding VAT. But children below 10 years of age do not need to pay any fee for a permit if they want to trek in this area.
Permits for Langtang National Park are available from the Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. Or you can buy them at the Dhunche entry point.
Shivpuri National Park Entry Fee
After about 6-7 hours of walking from Kathmandu, the starting point of Langtang Padayatra is Syabrubesi. But many trekkers prefer to follow the Helambu trail that starts from Shivpuri National Park. And, to walk through Shivpuri National Park you have to pay certain fees i.e. $5 excluding VAT.
Why do You Need Permits?
Both paths have their own importance for Langtang trek.
The Langtang National Park permit records those who trek within the national park. This permit helps maintain the safety and security of hikers. The information can help the authorities in any emergency like earthquake, landslide, COVID – 19, etc. Also, it helps maintain the rules and regulations within the national park.
Local Area Permits help keep track of trekkers once they enter the area. With this permit, you are free to enter the area but you must follow local rules and regulations. With the money you pay for the permit, the local authority works to maintain trails, rest stops and information centers for travelers.
A part of the revenue is spent on the protection and development of the tourism sector in Langtang region. Your payment also goes towards maintenance and development of the park.
What will Happen if You Don’t Have A Permit?
Trekking permit is mandatory in Nepal. You must show permits at various checkpoints along your trail. If you hike without a permit, you will have to purchase permits on the trail with additional payment of fines. In the worst case, you may face charges and even punishment by law.
Make sure you get your permit before starting to walk any hiking trail. Give us a copy of your valid passport and passport size photograph. We will obtain necessary permits for your trek and complete all legal formalities.
FAQs
Do I need a restricted area permit for this trek?
No, you do not need a restricted area permit. Langtang region does not fall under the restricted areas. So, you can buy the permits by yourself and do solo trekking as well.
If I am a solo trekker, do I need to affiliate with a company to get a permit?
No, you do not need to affiliate with any company to get a permit. You can get both permits required for a Langtang trek from the Nepal Tourism Board or at the trailhead.
Is the cost of the permits high in peak seasons than in off-seasons?
No Permit costs are the same in all seasons. However, if you hike on the trail without a permit, you will have to pay a fine as well as the permit. It will cost you more than the actual permit cost.
Will I get the permits during the peak season?
Yes, you can get permits throughout the year. Permits are available at the Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu and at your trail head.
If you need more information about TIMS card, other permits for Langtang trek, or update system about other treks in Nepal, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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