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Langtang National Park:
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).
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.
Note:
Entrance fee not required for children under 10 yearsPark
Entrance fees is regulated by Department of National Parks and Wildlife
Conservation (Phone: 4220850). Entrance fees for mountain National Parks can be
paid at ACAP counter (Phone: 4222406) at Sanchaykosh building in Thamel,
Kathmandu, or at the Park gate. For other National Parks entrance fees are to be
paid at the Park gate.
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