Langtang is one of
the most unspoiled national parks of Nepal. Situated
North of Kathmandu, it is the most easily accessible
highland sanctuary from the capital. Langtang covers
1,710 sq. km. forming the upper catchment areas of two
of Nepal's largest river systems - the Trishuli and
Koshi. There is great latitudinal variation, starting
at 1,500 m. and ascending to the top of Mt. Langtang
Lirung at 7,234 m. As a result the park has immense
ecological diversity. Some of the most attractive areas
of the park include the Langtang Valley, the holy lakes
at Gosainkunda, and the forested hillsides above the
village of Helambu.
The deep gorges of Bhote Koshi and Langtang
Khola are thickly forested with rhododendron, oak, maple
and alder. The stretch of forest around Ghoda Tabela
in the lower Langtang Valley and below Gosainkunda is
inhabited by the red panda, a rare and threatened symbol
of a healthy Himalayan ecosystem. Other animals, common
to these forests are wild boar, Himalayan black bear,
ghoral, grey langur monkey and leopard. The rare Himalayan
hony guide has been sighted here and the park is also
the home for Impeyan, Tragopan and kalij pheasants among
others. Larch, a rare deciduous conifer, is also found
in the forest of lower Langtang Valley. Further up,
Himalayan tahr, musk deer and snow leopard can be found.
The upper Langtang Valley is one of he few known breeding
grounds of the ibils bills besides the Tibetan snow
cock and snow partridge.
Like other Himalayan nature parks, Langtang
has to be explored on foot. There are several possible
trails to choose from depending on preference and time
available. The langtang Valley is easily approached
from Dhunche town and park office, which is a day's
drive from Kathmandu. The upper reaches of Langtang
can be reached in four days of easy walking, however,
it is advisable to spend a few days around the forest
at Ghoda Tabela to watch for the red panda. Once above
Langtang village and the monastery at Kyangin, visitors
can explore the high valley of Langshisa Yala peak and
Tsero, Ri. These and other villages of upper Langtang
are inhabited by people of Tibetan descent whereas the
villagers of Dhunche, Bharkhu and Syabru further down
are home to the Tamangs of Nepal's middle hills.
- Entry Fee Per Person Per Entry:
- For Nepalese Nationals, Free
- For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 100/-
- For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs. 1,000/-
- (Note: Entrance fee not required for children under
10 years).
Access:
The high pass out of Langtang, Gang la(5,132 m), can
be negotiated only by well prepared hikers with guides,
food and camping equipment. The Gosainkunda can also
be reached in a few days from Dhunche, making it possible
to visit both areas in the same outing.
Alternatively, trekkers can hike to Gosainkunda
from Sundarijal in the Kathmandu Valley via the picturesque
villages of Helambu. The richly forested route that
climbs steeply from here to Thare Pati and Gopte Cave
is alive with birds and flowering rhododendron and orchids
in the spring. Tourists can visit the Langtang National
Park anytime from March to November but it is best to
avoid the monsoon season because of rains and overflowing
rivers. The nature enthusiast on the other hand might
find the rainy season ideal because of the profusion
of plant life.
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