Langtang National Park

Langtang National Park, the first conservation park ever established around Nepal Himalayan mountain regions. The north Central Himalayan range was declared as Langtang National Park in 1976 as the 4th protected areas of Nepal.

Langtang National Park with an area of 1,710 sq.kms, which extends from Rasuwa district to Ganesh Himal towards west. It stretches to Sindhu Palanchok in the east and close to Shivapuri National Park near Kathmandu Valley rim.

Langtang National Park the nearest Himalayan park from the capital Kathmandu, it extends approx. from Kathmandu to Nepal-Tibet/ China borders.

Langtang National Park areas is one of the best adventure destinations, after Annapurna and Everest regions. The most famous trekking is Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda and the Tamang Heritage Trail. Langtang National Park is enriched with exotic flora and fauna, includes various species of rhododendrons from tall trees to bush. During spring time when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom the whole Langtang National Park areas will be a paradise.

Langtang National Park with massif range of Central Himalayan peaks namely the Langtang Lirung the highest at 7,234 m/23,734 feet. Includes Langtang Ri 7,205 m/23, 638 feet, Dorje Lakpa 6,966 m/22,854 feet and Loenpo Gang

at 6,979 m/22,897 feet. Langtang National Park is also famous and popular for trekking peaks like Yala Peak and Naya Kanga. Which is below 6,000 meters, makes an ideal introduction to mountaineering for beginners as well as for expert climbers.

LANGTANG NATIONAL PARK FEATURES:

The park with Central Himalayas provides two major river systems originate from the glaciers of Langtang Himal. Later it drains west to Trisuli River and the Sun Koshi River in the east and with many tributaries and glacial lakes.

The dramatic topography of landscapes with dramatic change of weather patterns makes unique wide spectrum of vegetation. Includes small portion of sub-tropical forest below 2,000 m. Above 2,000-meter temperate forest lined with oak, pine, fir and rhododendrons, hemlock with juniper trees and bushes.

Above 3,000 meters the tall trees drop for alpine scrub and grasses to bare rocks and snow line. Langtang National Park with approx. 25% areas are habitat by different species of mountain wild-life. Such as wild dog, wolf, the rare and elusive red panda, pika and musk deer. Himalayan Black Bear and Himalayan Thar, Goral, serow also exists with rhesus monkey and common langurs.

Higher areas above 4,000 m, Blue Sheep and Snow Leopard are also found to exist but rarely seen. Langtang National Park is also a good habitat for 250 different species of bird life.

HISTORY AND CULTURE AROUND LANGTANG NATIONAL PARK:

Langtang National Park with approx. 45 villages the main town and headquarters of Rasuwa district is Dhunche at 1,950 m. Langtang National Park is predominately settled by the Tamang ethnic and indigenous mountain tribes of Langtang Himal regions. Tamang people are interwoven to Tibetan Buddhism as well as practices Shamanism and Bon cultures. Bon is the ancient sect before Buddhist religion was introduced in Tibet around 7th Century by king Song Tsen Gampo. Then the great guru from India Padmasamba also known as Guru Rinpoche made the Buddhism a strong hold. Which was around late 7th and early 8th Century, he formed the Nyinpa sect of Buddhism the Red Hat.

All Tamang and other Himalayan tribes are Buddhist of this Nyinpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Every monastery adorned with Shakyamuni the present Lord Buddha statue with idol of saint Padmasamba. All houses are festooned with Buddhist prayer flags, adorned with religious monuments of Stupa and mani-prayer walls.

The name Langtang of Tibetan origin language means where ‘Ox follows’, later the Central Himalaya and changed to Langtang Himal. The high Langtang Valley at one time a huge pasture field for Yaks and cattle for grazing. Including horses known as Tibetan Ponies, then from last past decades the native settled around Langtang Valley. At present Kyanjin Gompa is the main highlight destination for trekkers, located in the heart of picturesque Langtang Valley.

POPULAR TREKKING DESTINATION AROUND LANGTANG NATIONAL PARK:

Langtang National Park due to its amazing and scenic landscapes with enchanting forest. The warm traditional hospitality of the locals including picturesque scenery, makes Langtang one of the most popular adventure destination.

The highest point is Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 m / 12,697 feet. The walk starts and ending from Syabrubesi to Syabrubesi, located on the road-head. A weeklong trek of 7 Nights and 8 Days with drives both ways from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and back. The walk covers distance of 65 km/40 miles. Not adding extra optional hike to Kyanjin-Ri or Tserko-Ri).

The other exciting and scenic adventure around Langtang National Park is combining Langtang Valley with Gosainkunda trekking.

The trek first takes you to Langtang Valley at Kyanjin Gompa, after enjoying rest day exploring the viewpoints. The trek follows towards eastern ridges of Langtang

Himal to Gosainkunda, regarded as the holiest pilgrimage site, especially for Hindu. Gosainkunda is at 4,381 m / 14,375 feet high a serene and lovely holy spot. From Gosainkunda trekkers can enjoy the adventure crossing over

4,609 m /15,100 feet high pass. On top of Gosainkunda pass or East Laurabinaya-La, then walk back to the rim of Kathmandu Valley. A trek of little less than two week duration with drive both ways.

The other exclusive trek is Tamang Heritage Trail, following the elusive path seldom ventured by few groups of trekkers. An exciting cultural and scenic walk of a week from one traditional farm village to another lovely settlement.

The walk takes you on the highest spot at Nagethali ridge 3,300 m/10, 825 feet offers grand Himalayan vista. Includes views of Langtang, Ganesh and Manaslu Himal with some mountains of Tibet across the borders.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION AROUND LANGTANG NATIONAL PARK:

Around Langtang National Park on trekking routes offers nice simple lodge accommodation. Includes good food from breakfast, snacks, lunch to dinner with common toilets and bathrooms. Most lodges serve warm and cold refreshment drinks, served in a nice and cozy dining room with a fireplace. The popular national food is Nepali Dal Bhat, boiled or steamed rice. Served with mild curry, seasonal vegetables and Dal, a lentil bean soup with pickles.

Breakfast from oats porridge and cereals to cornflakes with toast/ chapattis and pancakes includes a choice of egg variation. Lunch and Dinner from Continental, Chinese, Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan main course with a choice of soups.

The lodge accommodation and food are of moderate standard. The lodge accommodations from Syabrubesi, Lama Hotel, and Langtang Village are simple with nice rooms. All lodges have electricity to light the large dining room powered by local hydro or solar power. Most places at present do have internet and Wi Fi services which is at extra cost.