Langtang national park

Information about protected areas

Park name: Langtang National Park

Park type: National Park

The company was founded in 1976.

1710.00 square kilometres

The buffer zone (km2) is 420.00 km2.

Detailed description:

A conservation project was set up in 1976 in order to protect the region's unique flora and fauna. This is the closest national park to Kathmandu in the Central Himalayan Region. Kathmandu, the capital of the Central Himalayan Region, is the nearest national park to this site. The 1710 sq. km. In the southern mountainous terrain of the Nepal-China (Tibet) border, the park stretches across parts of the Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchok districts. An area of 420 square kilometres was covered in 1998. A buffer zone of 420 square kilometres was declared around the park. Located at the crossroads of the Indo-Malayan and Palearctic realms, this park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Managing buffer zones is a joint venture between the park office and local communities. It is the responsibility of local communities to make decisions regarding the management of these areas. Furthermore, the local communities and the BZ receive 30 to 50% of the parking revenue for the purpose of ensuring a sustainable supply of natural resources as well as community development.

A variety of natural splendours can be found from September to May, including lush temperate river valleys dotted with screeching langurs and glacial-carved cliffs rimmed by snow-capped peaks. The weather is also relatively dry, except in January and February when snow may be encountered. The best time of year to visit the park is during autumn. Bursts of red, pink, and white rhododendrons and oaks stretch to towering heights in April. The advent of warm weather causes the Yak and Chauri herds to ascend to higher elevations, where they make occasional camps in the pasturelands to follow customs inherited from generations past. Rains are heavy during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to August. August brings thousands of Hindu pilgrims to Gosaikunda Lake, while September brings spectacular displays of wildflowers, while livestock herds, once again, return to lower pastures.

In the southern section of the park, there is sub-tropical vegetation, dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta) forest, which is gradually replaced by hill forest (2000-2600m) dominated by Chirpine, Rhododendron, and Nepalese alder. During the temperate zone (2600-3000m), oak forests dominate the landscape, and they gradually fade into old-growth forests of silver fir, hemlock, and larch during the lower sub-alpine zone (3000-3600m). This park is one of the few places in the world where the Nepalese larch (larixnepalensis) can be found, the only deciduous conifer in the region. Throughout these zones, Rhododendron species, including Rhododendron arboretum, Rhododendron 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. Numerous ungulate species, including musk deer and Himalayan tahr, can be found in Langtang's expansive high meadows in the summer. Among the many species of birds found in the park are red pandas, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, wild dogs, ghorals, serows, and more than 250 species of birds.

The Langtang National Park inner trek and the southern Helambu region have three main trekking routes; 1) Langtang Valley, 2) Helambu, and 3) Gosaikunda Lake. Through Lauribina La, Langtang and Helambu regions are connected. Hotels/lodges, teahouses, and campgrounds are available on all routes. There are a variety of hiking options in the park ranging from moderate to more difficult, with durations ranging from 3 days to 3 weeks. The lodges are open all year except during the peak winter months when the trails are closed. Trekkers who take extra time to explore trailside wilderness (e.g. near Ghora Tabela and Kyanjin), hilltop viewpoints (Kyanjin), and cultural sites (notably Langtang village and Melamchighyang. Tarkeghayang and Shemathang) will be rewarded. In order to reach remote areas of the park like Panch Pokhari (five lakes), east of Helambu, the toe of Langshisa glacier, and the upper-level valley from Kyanjin, one must be self-sufficient.

High altitude sickness (HAS) can be fatal if you gain elevation too fast. Experts advise not climbing more than 400m a day above 3000m. Alternatively, you can spend an extra night at 3000m and 3500m before going higher. HAS is caused by overexertion and dehydration. You should drink at least three to four liters of water every day in addition to tea and coffee, which act as diuretics. Keep an eye on the health of your companions and porters. The most common symptoms of HAS are headaches, dizziness, trouble breathing and sleeping, loss of appetite, nausea, and general fatigue. In the event that someone develops symptoms of HAS, they should be taken to a lower elevation as soon as possible. After rain or frost, the Langtang-Helambu trails can become slippery and rocky. 

While crossing landslides, you should keep an eye out for falling rocks, but do not stop. Hiking alone is never a good idea. It is strongly recommended that you hire local guides for the Ganja La (5120m) trek as well as for the Lauribina La (4600m) trek during the winter months. Since there are no medical facilities outside of Dhunche, carrying a comprehensive first-aid kit is highly recommended. There are telephone facilities available at Singh Gompa the main train to the Gosaikunda and at the major settlements in Helambu that offer telephone services