What are the Permits Required for the Langtang Valley Trek?

If you are planning the Langtang Valley Trek, you need to check the permits. Every trekker has to carry two mandatory permits, the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card.

You will be checked for these permits at various points along the trail, so be sure to get them before you start your journey. You could be fined, delayed, or even turned back at a checkpoint. Although some trekking regions in Nepal have recently changed their permit regulations, in 2026 you will still need to get both permits for the Langtang Valley Trek.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know, from the latest permit fees and where to get each permit to any recent changes. With the right information, you can complete the permit process in advance and enjoy a trouble-free trek. 

Quick Answer:

• Two compulsory permits are the Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card.
• The total Langtang Valley Trek permit cost for foreign nationals is approximately NPR 5,000 (about USD 38), which includes the NPR 3,000 Langtang National Park Entry Permit and the NPR 2,000 TIMS Card.
• From February 17, 2025, foreign trekkers will require a licensed guide. You are no longer permitted to trek independently, but you can trek independently with a guide.
• Permit fees are different for different nationalities, foreigners, SAARC/Indian trekkers, and Nepali trekkers.
• Permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu, designated checkpoints, or a licensed trekking agency.
• Carry your printed permits and passport with you during the trek, as officials check them at several checkpoints.
• If your itinerary includes routes such as Sundarijal via Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, you require additional permits. 

Langtang Valley Trek Permits, Requirements & Cost

To trek in the Langtang Valley, you must obtain two mandatory permits: 

• Langtang National Park Entry Permit 
• TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card. 

These permits are required for all trekkers, although the fees vary based on nationality. Under Nepal's tourism regulations, different permit fees apply to foreign nationals, SAARC nationals, Indian citizens (where applicable), and Nepali citizens. 

Don't let the paperwork and logistics overwhelm you. Let our local experts handle all your permit arrangements, guide bookings, and itinerary planning for your Langtang Valley Trek so you can focus entirely on the adventure.

Langtang National Park Entry Permit

The Langtang Valley Trek takes you through Langtang National Park, Nepal's first Himalayan national park. Because the entire trekking route passes through this protected area, every trekker must carry a valid Langtang National Park Entry Permit.

Langtang National Park Entry Permit Cost

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

The TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card is another mandatory document for the Langtang Valley Trek. It allows authorities to keep track of trekkers, improve trail safety, and respond more effectively during emergencies or rescue operations.

TIMS Card Cost

Optional Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Permit

Most trekkers begin the Langtang Valley Trek from Syabrubesi, in which case no additional permits are required. However, if your itinerary starts from Sundarijal and follows the Helambu route before joining the Langtang trail, you'll also need a Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Entry Permit.

Shivapuri Nagarjun Permit Cost

This permit is only required for the Helambu route and is not needed for the standard Langtang Valley Trek via Syabrubesi.

Langtang Valley Trek Permit Cost Summary (2026)

Note: Permit fees remain the same throughout the year. There are no additional seasonal charges during spring, autumn, or other trekking seasons. However, it's always a wise idea to check for the latest updates before your trip, as government policies may change. 

Want to know where your permit fees go? Read about Langtang National Park and what makes it worth protecting. 

Do Nepali Citizens Need Permits for the Langtang Valley Trek?

Yes. Nepali citizens are also required to obtain a Langtang National Park Entry Permit, although they pay a reduced fee of NPR 100 (approximately USD 0.75). Unlike international trekkers, Nepali citizens do not need to pay for a TIMS Card, making their total permit cost much lower.

Note: Children under 10 years of age are exempt from the Langtang National Park entry fee, regardless of nationality.

Langtang Valley Trek Permit Costs by Nationality

Permit fees for the Langtang Valley Trek vary by nationality, but most trekking routes, including the standard Langtang Valley Trek, Gosaikunda Trek, and Tamang Heritage Trek, require the same permits.

Foreign Nationals (Non-SAARC)

• Langtang National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000 (Approx. USD 23–26)
• TIMS Card (Solo): NPR 2,000 (Approx. USD 15)
• TIMS Card (Organized Group): NPR 1,000 per person (Approx. USD 7.50)
• Optional Shivapuri Nagarjun Permit: NPR 1,000 (Approx. USD 7.50)

Indian & SAARC Nationals

• Langtang National Park Entry Permit: NPR 1,500 (Approx. USD 11–12)
• TIMS Card (Solo): NPR 1,000 (Approx. USD 7.50)
• TIMS Card (Organized Group): NPR 600 per person (Approx. USD 4.50)
• Optional Shivapuri Nagarjun Permit: NPR 600 (Approx. USD 4.50)

Nepali Citizens

• Langtang National Park Entry Permit: NPR 100 (Approx. USD 0.75)
• TIMS Card: Free
• Optional Shivapuri Nagarjun Permit: NPR 100 (Approx. USD 0.75)

Once you've confirmed the permits required for your nationality and chosen trekking route, arrange them before your departure. Keep both your permits and identification with you throughout the trek, as officials check them at multiple checkpoints along the trail. 

Completing the permit process in advance allows you to focus on the incredible mountain scenery, local Tamang culture, and unforgettable experience that make the Langtang Valley Trek one of Nepal's most rewarding adventures.

Documents Required For the Langtang Valley Trek Permits 

Beyond the two core permits, there are a few other essential permits for the Langtang Valley Trek documents you should carry. Keep these with you during the trek:

• Original passport, plus one or two photocopies
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Valid Nepal tourist visa
• Travel insurance details (not required to obtain permits, but essential for emergency evacuation)

Checkpoints along the route, Dhunche, Ghoda Tabela, and occasionally Kyanjin Gompa may ask to see your documents at any point, so keep them accessible rather than buried at the bottom of your pack.

Where and How to Get Langtang Valley Trek Permits?

Getting your Langtang Valley Trek permits is simple. Before you start the trek, you have to get the necessary permits from an authorized office or checkpoint. Most trekkers buy them in Kathmandu before setting off for Syabrubesi, while others buy them at the park entrance. 

If you’re trekking with a licensed local agency, they’ll take care of the entire permit process for you, saving you time and making sure all the paperwork is filled out correctly. 

Where to Get the Permit

• Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Kathmandu. The easiest place to get your permit before you start on the trek.
• Langtang National ParkCheckpoints: You can purchase the permit at Dhunche or Syabrubesi before entering the national park.
• Licensed Travel Agency: If you have booked a guided trek, your agency will be able to arrange the permit for you.

How to Get the Permit

• Bring the necessary documents with you. Please bring your original passport and valid visa for Nepal. They may also want a photo.
• Fill in the application form: Personal data and trekking itinerary.
• Pay permit fee: Fees are usually charged in Nepalese Rupees (NPR).
• Keep the permit within you. At various points along the trek, officials will ask to see your permit.

Can You Get Langtang Trek Permits Online? 

No. Solo trekkers cannot apply for Langtang Valley Trek permits online. Nepal currently lacks an online portal to directly issue trekking permits to the people. It is much easier to obtain the permits if you are trekking with a licensed trekking company.

Your agency can apply in advance through the official government system for the permits for your arrival in Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, your agency will provide you with the original printed permits required for the trek. 

Please remember these key points:

• No self-service online application: Independent trekkers cannot obtain Langtang permits entirely online.
• Agencies can arrange permits remotely: You can submit your passport details and travel information by email or messaging, and your trekking agency will complete the application before your arrival.
• Carry printed permits: Checkpoint officials only accept original, stamped permits. Digital copies, screenshots, and PDFs are not valid.
• Bring cash (NPR): If you're obtaining permits yourself, carry enough Nepalese Rupees, as card payments are often unavailable at permit counters and mountain checkpoints.
• Both Langtang permits are valid for a single continuous entry lasting up to 30 days, or until you officially exit the national park.

Additional Permits for Specialized Routes

If your itinerary goes beyond the standard Langtang Valley trail, you may need extra paperwork:

• Tamang Heritage Trail: Covered by your existing Langtang National Park permit and TIMS card; no separate document required.
• Gosaikunda and Helambu routes: Same two core permits apply, since these trails also fall within Langtang National Park.
• Sundarijal starting point: If you begin your trek from Sundarijal instead of Syabrubesi, you'll also need a Shivapuri–Nagarjun National Park permit: NPR 1,000 for foreigners, NPR 600 for SAARC nationals.

Permit Checkpoints on the Langtang Valley Trek

Knowing where your permits actually get checked helps you avoid holdups on trail. There are four points where you should expect an inspection:

• Dhunche: The main entry checkpoint into Langtang National Park. This is where your park permit and TIMS card (if you haven't already secured them in Kathmandu) are first checked, and it's staffed year-round.
• Syabrubesi: The trailhead itself. Most trekkers pass through here right after Dhunche, and it's the last formal checkpoint before you're properly on the trail.
• Ghoda Tabela: A permanent army and police post roughly halfway between Lama Hotel and Langtang Village. Both inbound and outbound trekkers sign a register here. Budget about ten minutes for a group to clear it.
• Kyanjin Gompa: Checks here are less consistent than at the lower posts, but a local authority representative is sometimes present, especially during the October peak season. Treat it as a possible spot-check rather than a guaranteed one.

Keep your permits somewhere easy to reach rather than packed away, since officials can ask for them at any of these points without much notice. If you're combining Langtang with Gosaikunda or the Tamang Heritage Trail, the same documents cover you at each of these checkpoints; you won't need to present anything additional. 

Carrying the essential permits for the Langtang Valley Trek in an easily reachable pocket, rather than at the bottom of your duffel, is one of those small habits that saves real time at Ghoda Tabela. 

Planning your route? See the full Langtang Valley trek map and itinerary to plan your days. 

Important Langtang Trek Update: Are Independent Treks Still Allowed? 

The most significant change for the Langtang Valley Trek is not the permit fees but the mandatory licensed guide requirement. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) have made it mandatory for all foreign trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed guide in the whole Langtang region since February 17, 2025.

So, no more independent trekking, but solo trekking is still possible if you hire a licensed guide. In other words, you can trek alone, but you cannot trek without a guide.

Due to this regulation, trekking permits are processed only when a licensed guide is attached to your booking. The policy was introduced to improve the safety of trekkers after several incidents involving missing trekkers in remote areas of Langtang during sudden weather changes. It also helps support local employment for guides and porters while making emergency response and rescue operations more efficient. 

Not sure a guide is really mandatory for your route? Please check the latest guide requirement rules for Langtang before finalizing your booking. 

Final Thoughts

Before you begin, it is a crucial step in planning a safe and hassle-free adventure to obtain the necessary permits for Langtang Valley Trek. The new permit regulations and compulsory licensed guide for foreign trekkers mean that it will help you to have your documents prepared in advance to avoid delays and enjoy a smoother trekking experience. 

If you are doing the normal Langtang Valley trek or extending your trip to Gosaikunda or the Tamang Heritage Trail, having the right permits means you are ready for every checkpoint you will come across along the way. 

Ready to get your permits sorted and your trek booked? Contact Nepal Gateway Trekking, and our team will arrange your Langtang National Park permit, licensed guide, and full itinerary so you can focus on the trail, not the paperwork. 

FAQs

Do I need a TIMS card for the Langtang Valley Trek in 2026? 

Yes. While TIMS was dropped for a period between 2018 and 2023, it's now required again for foreign trekkers and is issued only through a licensed trekking agency alongside your guide.

How much do Langtang Valley Trek permits cost in total? 

For foreign nationals, expect around NPR 5,000 (roughly USD 38–40) combined for the Langtang National Park entry permit and TIMS card. SAARC nationals pay about NPR 2,500.

Can I get my permits at the trailhead instead of Kathmandu? 

The Langtang National Park Entry Permit is available at Dhunche and Syabrubesi checkpoints, but the TIMS card generally isn't issued there. Arranging both in Kathmandu before you leave is the safer option.

Is a guide mandatory for the Langtang Valley Trek? 

Yes, for all foreign trekkers, since February 17, 2025, a guide is mandatory. Nepali citizens can still trek independently without a guide.

Do permits cost more during peak season? 

No. Permit fees are fixed year-round and don't change based on season, whether you're trekking in October or during the monsoon.

What happens if I trek without the required permits? 

You are in risk of getting fines at checkpoints, being denied passage further along the trail, or being asked to turn back entirely.