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/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.
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.
