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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.
Entry Fee Per Person Per
Entry
For Nepalese Nationals,
Free
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 100/-
For Other Foreign
Nationals, Rs. 1,000/-
(Note Entrance fee not required for
children under 10 years).
Filming Permit Fee
(Documentary/Feature Films)
For Nepalese Nationals, Rs.
5,000/-
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 25,000/-
For Other
Foreign Nationals, US $ 1,000/-
Helicopter Landing in
Protected Area, Rs. 2,000/- per
landing |
Access
The high pass out of Langtang, Gang
la(5,132 m), can be negotiated only by well prepared hikers with
guides, food and camping equipment. The Gosainkunda can also be reached
in a few days from Dhunche, making it possible to visit both areas in
the same outing.
Alternatively, trekkers can hike to
Gosainkunda from Sundarijal in the Kathmandu Valley via the picturesque
villages of Helambu. The richly forested route that climbs steeply from
here to Thare Pati and Gopte Cave is alive with birds and flowering
rhododendron and orchids in the spring. Tourists can visit the Langtang
National Park anytime from March to November but it is best to avoid
the monsoon season because of rains and overflowing rivers. The nature
enthusiast on the other hand might find the rainy season ideal because
of the profusion of plant life.
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