How to Obtain Permits for the Langtang Valley Trek?
Permits are mandatory for all travellers who come to witness and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Langtang Valley Trek. The permits are available throughout the whole year. The main purpose of the permits is for the safety and security of the hikers. The recorded information is useful for the authorities to help you in sudden emergencies like earthquakes, avalanches, floods, and landslides.
TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and Langtang National Park entry permit are required to explore the Langtang Valley. Both of these permits are available at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. The permits are also available at the trekking starting point: Syabrubesi and Dhunche. The permits should be well-kept as they get checked at different checkpoints.
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TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
The TIMS card holds significant importance while trekking in the Langtang region. TIMS was introduced on January 1st, 2008, for the trekkers’ safety, security, and databases to control the illegal activities during trekking.
The location of the trekkers is kept on track to ensure their safety by using the TIMS system and also to provide urgent services in case of emergency. Accurate information like personal contact and dates information about the trekkers are recorded in the system. It is to examine the situation and provide particular services as unexpected accidents may occur anytime.
Getting a TIMS is relatively easy. You can visit the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu if you want one. In NTB, apart from applying for individual TIMS, you can also apply for the other areas’ permits. The NTB office stays open from 10 am to 5 pm and has an hour lunch break from 1 am to 2 pm daily.
First of all, as you enter the building of NTB, you will find the permit and TIMS service department. You must fill out the required form and pay the required fees. To apply for TIMS, you must also provide a copy of your passport and two passport-sized photos.
Different TIMS cards cost different prices. The actual cost of a TIMS card for foreign independent trekkers is Nrs. 2000. However, if you plan to trek in a group, you must pay Nrs. 1000 per person. At the same time, the cost for SAARC country’s citizens is just Nrs 600.
Types of TIMS
| Trekker | Cost per person | Card colour |
| Solo trekker – non-SAARC | NPR 2,000 / US$17 | Green |
| Solo trekker – SAARC | NPR 600 / US$5 | Green |
| Trek group – non-SAARC | MRP 1,000 / US$8 | Blue |
| Trek group – SAARC | MPR 300 / | Blue |
The payments must be made in Nepali rupees. If you need Nepali currency, an ATM is built outside the building where you can withdraw some cash and pay for the permit. Once the application for the permit is done, the permit will be granted in just five-minute intervals.
You can receive your TIMS card from the Trekkers Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). You can receive it from both Kathmandu and Pokhara according to your convenience. However, remember to bring a xerox of your passport and passport-sized photos for the further process of permits.
Langtang National Park Entry Permit
The mesmerizing view of this trekking destination is surely alluring. Langtang National Park is the home to many wildlife and bird species. Many rare flora and fauna are found in this trek area. Langtang National Park Entry Permit is another important permit required to enter the Langtang Valley trek.
Besides legal requirements, this permit is also for the preservation, contribution, and management of the ecosystem of this area. If you plan to trek Gosaikunda, you need the same Langtang National Park entry permit.
The entry fee for Langtang National Park is $30, excluding the 13% value-added tax (VAT). As for SAARC country’s citizens, it only costs $15, excluding the same amount of VAT. Whereas, young children under the age of 10 do not need permits.
Given are the costs for Langtang National Park entry permit.
| Foreign citizens | $30 ( Nrs 3,000 ) per person |
| SAARC citizens | $15 (Nrs 1500 ) per person |
| Nepali citizens | $1 ( Nrs 100 ) per person |
Note – Children under 10 years old do not require any cost.
Conclusion
With the permit, you are free to walk around this region. But remember to follow the local rules and regulations while trekking in the conservation or restricted area. A part of the revenue of this permit system goes to the development and conservation of the tourism sector in the Langtang area. And a part of it also goes for the development and maintenance of the park.
If you forget to get the permit you must pay extra money to get a permit on the trail. It will cost you more amount than the actual price of the permit. If you fail to show the permit when asked by the authorized person then you might face extra penalty and sometimes jail.
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