Langtang National Park

The subtropical vegetation, primarily consisting of the forests of Sal (Shorea robusta), includes the southern portion of the park and is replaced by hill forests, comprising of Nepalese alder, Rhododendron, and Chirpine, in the middle. This is followed by the temperate zone, which is covered by dense oak forests that are taken over by the jungles of Nepalese larch (Larix nepalensis), silver fir, and hemlock in the lower sub-alpine section. The former, being the sole deciduous conifer in the region, is not found in abundance elsewhere.

Found close to the tree lines are shrubs of Juniper and Rhododendron which gradually dissolve into sprawling grassland meadows. The expansive vegetation ranging from hills to plains provide shelter to many animals. Ungulate species such as the Himalayan Tahr and musk deer are mostly found in the vast high meadows, while the red panda, snow leopard, serow, wild dog, ghoral, and the Himalayan black bear throng the area on a regular basis.

Where Flowers Bloom

Of the thousands of plant species that are housed in the park, 21 are endemic, which include two species of Meconopsis growing near the Gosaikunda Lake and one in Sindupal Chowk, Carum carvi across the Langtang Valley, Primula species in Chandanwari and Gosaikunda, one species of Zanthoxylum in Godatabela, and two species of Rhododendron along the Lauribinavak area.

The Langtang National Park is a repository of mammalian and avian fauna, the former falling into an intermediate category of the Palaearctic and the Indo-Malayan. While most of the species belonging to the Indo-Malayan group have chosen the lower altitudes as their abode, the red panda is the only fauna belonging to the same group which has found its shelter at an elevation of 4800 metres. Up to 46 species of mammals have been found and recorded in this beautiful park, of which the ones that have been segregated into the protected list of the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 are the grey wolf, red panda, leopard cat, clouded leopard, snow leopard, Tibetan sheep, Assamese monkey, and the musk deer.

If you are in for spotting snow leopards and their prey, the Himalayan Tahr, visit the upper sections of the Langtang, Lendi, and Yangri Valleys. The red panda, on the other hand, maybe sighted in Ghodatabela and Polangpati, along with the southern sections of Panch Pokhari, Cholangpati, Magnigoth and Yangri areas. To spot the quick foxes thronging the place, climb up to the altitudes between 3300 to 5300 metres. The mighty Himalayan black bear is one of the animals that throng the Thulo Bharu, Briddim, Timure, Thulo Syabru, and Ghodatabela frequently. The ones who are brave at heart may explore the temperate region to spot the common leopard. Apart from these animals, the Langtang National Park also houses the ghoral, found in the Briddim, Bamboo, Sherpa Gaon, and the Timure regions, and the serow, frequently sighted in the lower areas of the Langtang Valley and Ghodatabela.

Mammals are not the only animals found in the Langtang National Park. This resplendent place is also home to over 250 species of beautiful birds which adorn the sky and grace the land with their presence. The National bird of Nepal- Himalayan Monal is the most sought for among the bird watchers. Along with this, the Satyr tragopan falls under the list of protected birds sheltered in the park. For the ones who are solely visiting the park for bird watching, the best places to go to are the Upper Langtang Valley for the Ibisbill, Kyanjin for wood snipes, Gosaikunda for Snow partridges, Lama Hotel and Bamboo for the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, and Lauribinayak for the gliding Lammergeier. In addition to this, the park is also the breeding grounds of the Himalayan and Tibetan snowcocks, Oriental Honey Buzzards, Tibetan partridges, Himalayan and Eurasian Griffins, and the Red-headed Vulture. The comparatively domestic Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed goose, Tufted duck, and the Common Teals along with Mergansers are also sheltered in the wetlands.

Of the numerous trekking routes that make up a significant part of the Langtang National Park, the three main trails are the Langtang Valley, the Gosaikunda Lake, and Helambu. A significant portion of the Langtang valley is loosely connected to the southern section of the Helambu region through Laurebina La. To make sure that trekkers do not face any inconvenience, all three routes have locally operated lodges, hotels, tea stalls, and campgrounds, in addition to other facilities. The Langtang National Park lets the visitors make the final choice by offering them trekking options ranging from moderate to difficult. The duration of each trekking trip ranges from 3 days to 3 weeks. The trekkers can also ask for extra time to explore the vast wilderness, the breathtaking hilltop view, and the cultural heritage sites. For the more adventurous, the remote areas of the park, including the Panch Pokhari, Langshisa glacier, the eastern part of Helambu, and the upper sections of Kyanjin, along with the Ganja La Pass, are also accessible.

Note: The lodges and hotels operate throughout the year but during the peak winter months since the trails are inaccessible and blocked at that time.

The altitudes of the Langtang National Park are not to be taken lightly. The life-threatening High Altitude Sickness, or HAS, is common among people who climb great distances uphill in a short time without taking proper acclimatisation It is unsafe to ascend more than 400 metres a day once you are at a height of 3000 metres above sea level. Keep the following points in mind 

• Do not exert yourself and make sure to keep yourself hydrated with at least 3 to 4 litres of water.
• If a person from your group shows signs of the sickness, carry them to a lower altitude immediately.
• The trails along Langtang and Helambu tend to be slippery and rocky after receiving frost or rain, so watch out for loose rocks and smooth surfaces.
• It is never safe to hike alone, and hiring a local guide while trekking to the Laurebina La and Ganja La during winter is strongly recommended.
• Always keep a first-aid box in hand.
• For telephone facilities, visit the Singh Gompa or the settlements in Helambu.

The Langtang National Park offers a beautiful opportunity to explore gompas and villages and learn more about the culture of Nepal. One cannot help but be enamoured with the scenic sights of the mountains and glaciers. It is an ideal spot for those who wish to leave behind the hassle of their daily lives and fall into the lap of nature.

Hiring a cab or getting on a local bus is the only way to reach the Langtang National Park by public transportation. They will take you through Trisuli Bazar to Dhunche in a span of 7 to 8 hours. Alternatively, you can also board a local bus from Kathmandu to Melamchighat or Sundarijal. From these roads, start trekking through Helambu until you reach Gosaikunda Valley, or follow the Ganja La Pass to reach the Langtang Valley.

Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley is about 15 km from Kathmandu. The trek starts at Syabrubesi and then goes up to the Langtang river along forests and pasturelands. One can find grazing yaks and Buddhist stupas along the way.
Duration: 10 - 12 days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Helambu Trek
Helambu Trek starts from Sundarijal. The trail passes through Shivpuri National Park and goes till Melamchi Pul Bazar. The trail goes through rhododendrons, rice terraces, bamboo forests and waterfalls at the backdrop of snow capped Himalayas. 
Duration: 9 days
Difficulty Level: Easy

Gosaikunda Lake Trek
Gosaikunda Lake is among the holiest lakes from Hindus. The trail goes through forests of rhododendron, fir and oak trees. The trek starts from Dhunche to Chandanbari and then to Gosaikunda Lake. 
Duration: 9 days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Tamang Heritage Trek
The Tamang Heritage trek follows a circular trail starting from Syabrubesi. The trail goes to Gatlang to Tatopani to Thuman to Briddim and back to Syabrubesi. This trek passes through farmlands and towns inhabited by Tamang people.
Duration: 7 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Ruby Valley Trek
Ruby Valley Trek is among the lesser explored trails in Nepal. The trail passes through the foothills of farm terraces to the Tamang settlements to beautiful forests. The trail passes through Dhading, Gorkha, Rasuwa and Nuwakot.
Duration: 13 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek
The trail got its name from Nepal’s first cheese factory. Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek starts from Shivalaya, the same place where the Everest Base Camp trek starts. This trek passes beneath Mount Numbur Chuli through Sherpa settlements and forests of rhododendrons and picturesque views of Himalayan lakes.
Duration: 15 days 
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Rolwaling and Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek
Rolwaling and Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek is among the most difficult treks in Nepal. This trail goes through Mt. Gaurishankar, Ramdung Glacier, Tsho Rolpa Lake, Khumbu Valley, Lukla and a flight back to Kathmandu. One can experience the pristine beauty of mountains and glaciers in this trek.
Duration: 18 days 
Difficulty Level: Very Difficult