Area: 1710 sq. km.
Established: Designated in 1970-71 and gazetted in 1976.
LOCATION:
Situated in the Central Himalayas, Langtang is the nearest park to Kathmandu. The area extends from 32 km. north of Kathmandu to the Nepal-China (Tibet) border.
FEATURES:
Langtang National Park encloses the catchments of two major river systems: one draining west into the Trisuli River and the other east to the Sun Koshi River.
Some of the best examples of graded climatic conditions in the Central Himalayas are found here. The complex topography and geography together with the varied climatic patterns have enabled a wide spectrum of vegetation types to be established. These include small areas of subtropical forest (below 1000m), temperate oak and pine forests at mid-elevations, with alpine scrub and grasses giving way to bare rocks and snow.
Oaks, chir pine, maple, fir, blue pine, hemlock, spruce and various species of rhododendron make up the main forest species.
The variations in altitude and topography along with the existing forest cover (approx. 25% of the total area) provide habitat for a wide range of animals including wild dog, red panda, pika, muntjack, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalaya tahr, ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey and common langur. The Trisuli - Bhote Rivers forms an important route for birds on spring and autumn migration between India and Tibet.
About 45 villages (846 households = 4,500 people) are situated within the park boundaries, but they are not under park jurisdiction. In total, about 3000 households (about 16,200 people) depend on park resources for wood and firewood. Culturally the area is mixed, the home of several ethnic groups which have influenced the natural environment over the centuries. The majority of people are Tamang, an ancient Nepalese race. The Tamangs, traditionally farmers and cattle breeders, are especially well known for their weaving. Their religion is related to the Bon and the pre-Buddhist doctrines of Tibet. Today this religion has merged with the newer teachings of from Tibet.
The Helambu area, immediately north of Kathmandu, has many scenic villages inhabited by Sherpas and Tamangs who emigrated from Tibet.
HOW TO GET THERE
Public buses or taxis reach Dhunche (Park H.Q.) via Trisuli Bazar from Kathmandu (approx. 7-8 hours). A seasonal road reaches Syabrubensi.
Alternative routes from Kathmandu are by public bus to Sundarijal or Melamchighat. From either point, trek through Helambu to Gosainkunda via Laurebina pass or cross Ganja La pass (5122 m) to reach Langtang Valley.
SEASONS
From mid-October to mid December and from mid-February until mid-April the weather is usually clear but cold at higher elevation. From mid-April to mid-June, it is warm but often cloudy with thunder showers; spring flowers are at their best. Summer monsoon lasts until the beginning of October. During the winter months daytime temperatures are low and snow may occur even at low altitudes.
PLACES OF INTEREST
The Langtang Valley, which is reached from the road end at Dhunche or Sybrubensi, offers an opportunity to explore villages and gompas (monasteries) as well as glaciers, with magnificent views of the mountains.
Permission from the lamas must be gained before visiting the gompas and a small donation is expected.
The Langtang Valley is the most visited part of the park and for those who do not wish to camp, accommodation in lodges is available.
Gosainkunda, an area of high altitude lakes, is reached either from Dhunche or from Sundarijal in the eastern part of Kathmandu Valley. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit these lakes during Janai Purnima festival in the month of August. In Gosainkunda, National Park fuel regulations are strictly enforced so fuel and camping gear must be carried.
Outstanding views to Langtang Lirung (7234 m), Himal Chuli (7864 m) and Manaslu (8156 m) are visible from the trail. The route from Dhunche passes a Buddhist monastery, Sing Gompa.
An alternative route from the Langtang Valley to Kathmandu crosses the Ganja La pass (5106 m). This pass is difficult and dangerous when snow-covered. It is generally open from April to November, but unusual weather can alter its condition at any time. Essential for crossing the Ganja La are a tent, alpine equipment, food and fuel as well as a guide who knows the trail.
The Helambu circuit, from Sundarigal to Therepati, barely enters the National Park but is nevertheless an interesting route, passing through several ethnically Tibetan villages and without ascending to more than 3400 m. From this trail it is possible to connect with Gosainkunda and eastern parts of the park (Panch Pokhari ).
MAIN TREKKING ROUTES
| From | To | Hours: | Alt. (m): |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu (car/bus) | Trisuli | 4-6 | 548 |
| Trisuli (car/bus) | Dhunche | 2-4 | 1950 |
| Dhunche | Bharku | 2-3 | 1860 |
| Bharku | Syabru | 3-5 | 2130 |
| Syabru | Chongong | 5-7 | 2380 |
| Chongong | Ghora Tabela | 2-4 | 3000 |
| Ghora Tabela | Langtang | 2-3 | 3500 |
| Langtang | Kyanjin | 2-3 | 3800 |
| From | To | Hours: | Alt. (m): |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyanjin | Negehang | 2-4 | 4000 |
| Negehang | Ganja La | 4-8 | 5106 |
| Ganja La | Base Camp | 3-5 | 4400 |
| Base Camp | Keldang | 2-3 | 4270 |
| Keldang | Dukpu | 2-3 | 4020 |
| Dukpu | Thrkdeyang | 3-5 | 2560 |
| From | To | Hours: | Alt. (m): |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhunche | Trail Junction | 1-2 | 1950 |
| Trail Junction | Sing Gompa | 3-4 | 3350 |
| Sing Gompa | Gosainkunda | 3-4 | 4380 |
| Gosainkunda | Lauribina Pass | 1-2 | 4610 |
| Lauribina Pass | Gopte-Ghopte | 2-4 | 3260 |
| Gopte-Ghopte | Tharepati | 3-4 | 3505 |
| Tharepati | Melamchigaon | 2-3 | 2560 |
The Melamchigaon trail joins the Helambu circuit either via Tarkegyang or directly to Kathmandu via Pati Bhanjyang.
PARK FACILITIES
SOME IMPORTANT POINTS
