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.
FEATURES
LNP represents some of the best examples of graded
climatic conditions in the central Himalaya. Elevational
gradients (ranging from mid-hills to alpine) coupled
with complex topography and geology have produced
a rich biodiversity.
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 (Larix nepalensis),
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 Rhododendron campanulatum
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.
The park also offers a rich cultural
diversity. The three main ethnic groups in LNP are
the Tamang, Yolmo, and Bhotia. Each thought to have
originated from Tibet. The cultures are discernible
by language, house style, dress ornaments, and customs.
The tamangs are traditional framers and cattle herders
of the region. Their religion is related to the Bon
and pre Buddhists doctrines of Tibet. While the people
of langtang valley are mostly bhotias with recent
Tibetan origin. Many have intermingled with local
tamangs. The yolmo people of the Helambu region are
often referred to as “ Sherpa”. However,
their language and socio-cultural set up donot resemble
the Solukhumbu Sherpa. They are rather more akin to
Langtang Bhotias and may also have migrated from the
Kyirung area of Tibet. Other hill tribes and castes
such as Brahmins, chhetri, newar and gurung inhabit
the lower elevational range along the edges of the
park.
CLIMATE
September through May offers a variety of natural
splendors, from lush temperate river valleys with
screeching langur to spectacular old growth forest
and glacial-craved cliffs rimmed by snow-covered peaks.
The weather is also relatively dry except January-February
when one may come across snow. Autumn is the best
time to visit the Park. By April bursts of red, pink,
and while rhododendrons stretch into towering canopies
of fir and oak forests. Advent of warm weather makes
the Yak and Chauri herds ascend to higher elevation,
making occasional camps in the pasturelands, to follow
years of tradition. From June to August, skies are
heavy with monsoon rains. During August, a lively
festival at Gosaikunda Lake attracts thousands of
Hindu pilgrims and September witnesses spectacular
display of wild flowers, while livestock herds, once
again, return to lower pastures.
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/Resort, 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.
Resorts 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.
ACCLIMATIZATION AND SAFETY
High altitude Sickness (HAS) can be life threatening
if elevation is gained too rapidly without proper
acclimatization. Medical doctors advise against ascending
more than 400m a day once above 3000m elevations.
Alternatively, one can spend an extra night at 3000m
and 3500m before ascending higher.
Over exertion and dehydration contribute
to HAS. Drink at least 3-4 litters of water everyday
besides tea and coffee which act as diuretics. Watch
the health of your companions and porters. Symptoms
of HAS are headache, dizziness, trouble in breathing
and sleeping, loss of appetite, nausea and general
fatigue. If someone develops HAS symptoms, take the
person to lower elevation immediately.
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 a
comprehensive 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.
