Langtang National Park

Langtang National Park is the fourth national park in Nepal and was established in 1976 as the first Himalayan national park. The protected area exceeds an altitudinal range of 6,450 metres (21,160 ft) and covers an area of 1710 km2 in the Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Sindhulpalchok districts of the central Himalayan region encompassing 26 Village Development Committees.

The northern and eastern borders of the national park coincide with the international border to the Tibet Autonomous Region. The western boundary follows the rivers Bhote Kosi and Trisuli. The southern border lies 32 km north of the Kathmandu Valley.  The rugged summits of Langtang Lirung with an elevation of 7,227 metres (23,711 ft) and Dorje Lakpa (6,966 metres (22,854 ft)) are included in the national park as well as the high altitude sacred lake of Gosainkunda.

Spread across 1710 sq km and spread over the northern districts of Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchowk districts in the mountainous terrain of central Nepal, the Langtang National Park is one of the most popular trekking destinations. The beautifully conserved area boasts of several lakes in the south, the most famous of which is Gosaikunda at an elevation of 4380m in Rasuwa district, where there is a major festival every August full moon. High altitude jungles with diverse vegetation and wildlife, scenic lakes, glaciers and Himalayan peaks combine to make Langtang an attractive destination for visitors. The park is home to several endangered species like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Wild Dog, Pika, Muntjac, Musk Deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Thar, Ghoral etc as well as birds like Impheyan Pheasant.

A 117 km road from Kathmandu takes you to Dhunche in Rasuwa district from where most trekkers start walking. There are lodges along the trail but visitors can also camp out. The best season to visit Langtang are in late spring March - May or in autumn October - November.

History
Already in 1970 a royal approval designated the establishment of Langtang National Park as the first protected area in the Himalayas. The national park was gazetted in 1976 and extended by a buffer zone of 420 km2 in 1998.

Climate: The following table provides a typical weather pattern in Langtang National Park during the month or June- July:
The climate of the park is dominated by the southwest summer monsoon. Temperatures vary greatly due to the extreme difference in altitude in the entire area. Most of the annual precipitation occurs from June to September. In fall (October – November) and spring (April – May), days are warm and sunny, and nights cool. In spring, rain at 3000 m elevation often turns to snow at higher elevations. In winter from December to March, days are clear and mild but nights near freezing.""

Vegetation
The Langtang National Park exhibits a high diversity of 14 vegetation types in 18 ecosystem types, ranging from upper tropical forests below 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) m altitude to alpine scrub and perennial ice.

Flora and Fauna
Sub-tropical vegetation characterized by Sal (Shorea robusta) forest in the southern section of the park is gradually taken over by hill forest (2000-2600m) consisting of Chirpine, Rhododendron, and Nepalese alder. The temperate zone (2600-3000m) is covered mainly by oak forest fading to old growth forest of silver fir, hemlock, and larch in the lower sub-alpine zone (3000-3600m). The Nepalese larch (larixnepalensis), the only deciduous conifer in the region, is found in this park and few places elsewhere. Throughout these zones different species of Rhododendron such as R. arboretum, R. barbatum, R. campanulatum, and R. lepidotum (scrubs) to name a few, form a colorful under story. Tree species such as birch, silver fir, Sorbus microphyla and twisted Rhododendroncampanulatum are found near the tree line. It is here at 4000m Juniper and Rhododendron shrubs (R. anthopogon) slowly dissolve into expansive alpine grassland meadows.

Langtang's expansive high meadows provide summer habitat for numerous ungulate species such as musk deer and Himalayan tahr. The park is also well known for its populations of red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, wild dog, ghoral, serow and more than 250 species of birds.

Places of interest
Three main trek routes; 1) Langtang Valley, 2) Helambu and 3) Gosaikunda Lake cover much of the Langtang National park and the southern Helambu region. Langtang and Helambu regions are connected through Lauribina La. All routes have the facilities of locally operated hotel/lodge, teahouse, and campgrounds for groups. The park offers a choice of moderate to  more difficult hiking with duration ranging from 3 days to 3 weeks. Lodges operate year round except during the peak winter when the trails are blocked.

Trekkers who take extra time to explore trailside wilderness (e.g. near Ghora Tabela and Kyanjin) hill top view point (Kyanjin), and cultural sites (notably in Langtang village and Melamchighyang. Tarkeghayang and Shemathang) will be well rewarded. One has to be self sustaining to venture remote areas of the Park such as Panch Pokhari (five lakes), east of Helambu, the toe of Langshisa glacier, and upper level valley from Kyanjin: and over the challenging Ganja La pass in upper Langtang Valley.

The Langtang-Helambu trails are rocky and slippery after rain or frost. Watch out for falling rocks while crossing landslides but do not stop. Never hike alone. Hiring local guides is strongly recommended on Ganja La (5120m) trek and on Lauribina La (4600m) during winter. Carrying acomprehensive first-aid kit is advisable as there are no medical facilities out of Dhunche.  Telephone facilities are available at Singh Gompa and at major settlements in Helambu.

Entry Fees into Langtang National Park:
The park Headquarters is at Dhunche, and a check post at Ghora Tabela. All visitors must stop at either place to pay an Entrance Fee, and are required to show your passport.

National Park Fees per person per entry:

  • For Nepali Nationals Free
  • For SAARC Nationals Rs 100
  • For Foreign Nationals Rs 1000
  • Children under 10 years Free
  • Be sure to keep your Entry Permit as it might be checked later by the park guards.
  • Further information and advice is available at the park HQ and entry point.


Getting There:
Public buses or taxis reach Dhunche (Park H.Q.) via Trisuli Bazar from Kathmandu (approx. 7-8 hours). 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.

Glance of Jungle Safari
National Parks
Wildlife Reserve
Hunting Reserve
Ramsar Sites
Conservation Area