Langtang
National Park
Situated
in the Central Himalaya, Langtang National Park is the nearest
park to Kathmandu. The area extends from 32 km north of Kathmandu
to the Nepal-Chine(Tibet) border.
Langtang was designated as the first Himalayan National Park
in 1970-71, and was gazetted in March 1976. While the main reason
for the park is to preserve the natural environment, an equally
important goal is to allow local people to follow traditional
land use practices that are compatible with resource protection.How
to Get There :
Public
bus or taxi reach Dhunche (Park H.Q.) via Trisuli Bazaar from
Kathmandu (approx. 7-8 hrs. ) A seasonal road reaches Syabrubensi.
Alternative
routes from Kathmandu are public bus to Sundarijal or Melamchighat
. From either point, trek through Helambu to Gosainkunda via
Laurebina pass or cross Ganja La pass 95122 m) to reach Langtang
Valley .
Seasons
:
From
mid-October to mid December and from mid-February until mid
-April the weather is usually clear but cold at higher elevation.
From mid-April to mid-June, it is warm but often cloudy with
thunder showers; spring flowers are at their best. Summer monsoon
lasts until the beginning of October . During the winter months
daytime temperatures are low and snow may occur even at low
levels.
Details
About the Park :
Langtang
National Park encloses the catchments of two major river systems'
one draining west into the Trisuli River and the other east
to the Sun Koshi River.
Some
of the best example of graded climatic conditions in the Central
Himalaya are fond here. The complex topography and geology together
with the varied climatic patterns have enabled a wide, spectrum
of vegetation types. These include small areas of subtropical
forest (below 1000 m.) Oaks, chirpine, maple, fir, blue pine,
hemlock spruce and various species of rhododendron make up the
main forest species. Above these alpine scrub and grass give
way to rocks and snow.
The
variations in altitude and topography along with the existing
forest cover (approx. 25% of the total area) provide habitat
for a wide range of animals including wild dog red panda, pika,
muntjac, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, ghoral,
serow, rhesus monkey and common languor The Trisuli-Bhote Koshi
River forms an important route for birds on spring and autumn
migrations between India and Tibet.
About
45 villages are situated within the park boundaries , but are
not under park jurisdiction, In total about 3000 households
depend on park resources, primarily, for wood and pasture lands.
Culturally
the area is mixed, the home of several ethnic groups . The majority
of people are Tamang, an ancient Nepalese race. The Tamangs,
traditionally farmers and cattle breeders, are especially well
known for their weaving. Their religion is related to the Bon
and the pre-Buddhist doctrines of Tibet. Today this religion
has merged with the newer teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.
The
Helambu area, immediately north of Kathmandu, has many scenic
villages inhabited by Sherpas and Tamangs who emigrated from
Tibet.
Over
the centuries the dependence of people on natural resources
has influenced the. environment. Their settlements, cultivation
patterns, livestock grazing , and daily use of resources which,
in combination with the diversity of flora and fauna and views
to the Ganesh Himal, make Langtang an attractive national park.
Places
of Interest :
The
Langtang Valley, which is reached from the road end at Dhunche
or Sybrubensi, offers an opportunity to explore villages and
gompas (monasteries) as well as glaciers, with magnificent views
of the mountains.
Permission
from the lamas must be gained before visiting us gompas and
a small donation is expected.
The
Langtang Valley is the most visited part of the park and for
those who do not wish to camp, accommodation in lodges is available.
Gosainkunda,
an area of high altitude lakes, is reached either from Dhunche
or from Sundarijal in the eastern part of Kathmandu Valley.
Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit these lakes during Janai Purnima
festivals in the month of August. Gosainkunda lake is believed
to have been created by Lord Shiva.
Simple
lodging is now available along the routes from Sundarijal and
Dhunche to Gosainkunda. National Park fuel regulations are strictly
enforced so fuel and camping gear must be carried.
Outstanding
views to Langtang Lirung (7234 m) , Himal Chuli (7864 m) are
visible from the trail. The route from Dhunche passes a Buddhist
monastery, Sing Gompa.
-
An
alternative route from the Langtang Valley to Kathmandu
crosses the Ganja La pass (5106 m.) This pass is difficult
and dangerous when snow covered. It is generally open from
April to November, but unusual weather can alter its condition
at any time. Essentials for crossing the Ganja La are a
tent, alpine equipment, food and fuel as well as guide who
knows the trail.
The
Helambu circuit, from Sundarijal to Tharepati, barely enters
the national park but is nevertheless and interesting route
passing through several Bhotia villages and without ascending
to more than 3400 m. From this trail it is possible to connect
with Gosainkunda and eastern parts of the park (Panch Pokhari).
Park
Facilities :
The
park Headquarters is at Dhunche. All visitors must stop here
to pay an Entrance Fee.
- Adults:
650.00 NPR ($10)
- Children
(under 10 years): Free
Be
sure to keep your Entry Permit as it might be checked later
by the park guards.
Further
information and advice is available at the park HQ. and Entrance
Station.
There
is a park sub-office in Shermathang on the south/eastern boundary
in the Helambu area.
The
Park has two lodges in Langtang Valley: at Ghora Tabela and
Kyanjin.Both are run on a concession basis.
There
is a radio at the Park headquarters at Dhunche and at the guard
post in Ghora Tabela. Helicopter evacuation is possible, but
not reliable, and is only arranged at the patient's expense.
Some
Important Points :
Local
customs should be respected and shorts for woman are not acceptable
attire.
Only
local people are allowed to cut limited wood for fuel. Visitors
are required to use kerosene or similar liquid of gas fuel,
purchased in Dhunche or outside the park. Please make sure your
porters also use kerosene.
mountain
sickness can affect anyone, and must be taken seriously. To
allow your body to become acclimatized to high altitudes, do
not ascend more than 300 m. per day above 3000 m.
There
are no medical facilities in the park. Carry a comprehensive
first aid kit including medicines for intestinal problems and
chest infections.
Bring
sufficient warm clothing so that you do not have to rely on
fires for warmth.
|
