You should be well aware of the two separate permits needed for a Langtang Trekking before you depart for the adventure in the Langtang region. They are the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS card. These two permits are described in depth in this page, along with information on why you need them and how to obtain them.
The Langtang region offers a wide variety of trekking opportunities. Helambu, Gosainkunda, Langtang Valley, and Helambu-Langtang treks are a few of the well-liked treks. These excursions are all breathtaking and offer a different kind of experience. However, all of these hikes require the same amount of permits. However, you will need to pay an admission charge if your trip takes you into the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park.
Prior to beginning any hike in the Langtang region, you must obtain a permit. Along the way, at several checkpoints, you will need to present them. Obtaining the permissions before to beginning your expedition is preferable. On the other hand, you can obtain a hiking permit at the trailhead if you are unsuccessful in obtaining one in Kathmandu.
Permits Required for the Langtang Trek
Here are all the details about the two permits required for the Langtang trek.
TIMS Card
Three different TIMS card kinds exist. They are pink, blue, and green. Should you be an individual hiker, the $20 green card will be issued to you. For $10, organized group hikers can get a blue TIMS card. Your pink TIMS card will only cost $6 if you are a national of SAARC.
The Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara is where you may obtain the TIMS card. or from the secretariats of the Trekkers’ Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Following the completion of the application, the TIMS Card is made available. To obtain your TIMS Card, bring two passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport.
There are instances where a TIMS Card is not required. You don’t need a permit to travel if you are:
Visitors to the restricted regions are those who hold Department of Immigration authorization.
foreign visitors who have received an invitation from the Nepalese government.
foreign nationals in Nepal with a residence permit.
Officials on diplomatic missions or holding official correspondence.
Members of the expedition had the necessary permits to ascend mountains.
guests on a mission overseen by government agencies.
Update Feb 13, 2020: TIMS check post is now in SyapruBesi. TIMS card is required for this trek.
Langtang National Park Entry Permit
You travel through Langtang National Park on any of the hiking trails in the Langtang area. Additionally, you need to obtain a special permit called a Langtang National Park Permit in order to trek in Langtang Valley. $30 is the total cost, excluding 13% value-added tax (VAT).
On the other hand, the cost of the permit, excluding VAT, is $15 for any citizen of the SAARC nations. However, if a youngster under ten years old is trekking in this area, there is no fee for the permits.
The Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu has permits into the Langtang National Park accessible. Alternatively, you can purchase them at Dhunche’s entrance.
Shivapuri National Park Entrance Fee
After about 6-7 hours of driving from Kathmandu, Syabrubeshi is the starting site of the Langtang trek. But a lot of hikers choose to begin at Shivpuri National Park and take the Helambu trail. Additionally, there are fees associated with walking in Shivapuri National Park; these fees are $5, excluding VAT.
Why do You Need Permits?
Each trekking permit for the Langtang trip has a distinct significance.
The trekkers’ records are kept inside the National Park by the Langtang National Park Permit. The hikers’ security and safety are maintained in part by this authorization. Should an emergency arise, such a landslide, earthquake, etc., the information will help the authorities assist you. It also aids in upholding the guidelines within the national park.
Once trekkers reach the area, the Local Area Permit aids in maintaining a record of their whereabouts. You are allowed to enter the area with this permit, but you have to abide by the laws and ordinances of the area. The local government maintains the trails, rest areas, and visitor information centers with the money you pay for your permit.
A portion of the proceeds is used to support the growth and preservation of the Langtang region‘s tourism industry. Your money is also used to keep the park developed and maintained. Your donation will help restore the safer and better trails that were destroyed in the April 2015 earthquake.
What will Happen if You Don’t Have A Permit?
In Nepal, Langtang Valley Trek permits are required for trekking. At several trail checkpoints, you will need to present your permits. You will be required to purchase permits on the path and pay additional fines if you hike without them. In the worst situation, you can also be charged with a crime and punished by the state.
It is important that you obtain your permits before beginning any hikes along a trekking trail. Please provide us with a copy of your current passport and a passport-sized photo. We will take care of all the legal paperwork and obtain the necessary permissions for your hike.