LANGTANG NATIONAL PARK

Facts
Introduction
This national park established in 1976 to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the region is spread over 1710 sq.km and extends over parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchok districts of Nepal-China (Tibet) border. The area of 420 Km in and around the park is demarcated as buffer zone. The local community and the buffer zone management receives some amount from the park revenue for ensuring development and conservation.

Climate
The good months are from September through May where on egets to see varriety of natural splendors, from lush temperate river valleys to spectacular forest view and cliffs with snow-covered peaks. The weather is also relatively dry.January-February witness snow .Autumn is the best time to visit the Park. April sees bursts of red, pink, and while rhododendrons stretching into towering canopies of fir and oak forests. The Yak and Chauri herds ascend to higher elevation with the aAdvent of warm weather . From June to August, there are monsoon rains. The park attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims during August, when a lively festival at Gosaikunda Lake is celebrated. One gets to see amazing display of wild flowers in September, while livestock herds once again return to lower pastures creating a pretty picture.

Flora and Fauna
Sal (Shorea robusta) forest in the southern section of the park characterizing sub-tropical vegetation is gradually taken over by hill forest (2000-2600m) consisting of Chirpine, Rhododendron, and Nepalese alder. The Nepalese larch (larixnepalensis), the only deciduous conifer in the region, is found in this park and few places elsewhere.Oak forest covers the temperate zone fading to old growth forest of silver fir, hemlock, and larch in the lower sub-alpine zone (3000-3600m).Throughout these zones different species of Rhododendron, form a colorful under story. It is here at 4000m Juniper and Rhododendron shrubs (R. anthopogon) slowly dissolve into expansive alpine grassland meadows.

Numerous species such as musk deer and Himalayan tahr find summer habitat in Langtang's expansive high meadows .The park also provides habitat to more than 250 species of birds and is well known for its population of red panda, Himalayan black bear, wild dog, ghoral, serow and snow leopard


Places of interest
Much of the Langtang National park and the southern Helambu region is covered via three main trek routes; 1) Langtang Valley, 2) Helambu and 3) Gosaikunda Lake cover. Langtang and Helambu regions are connected through Lauribina La. The facilities of locally operated lodging, teahouse, and camping grounds for groups are available on these routes.The trails are blocked during peak winter so lodges donot operate at that time.
The trekkers are offered a choice of moderate to more difficult hiking with duration ranging from 3 days to 3 weeks by the park. Exploring trailside wilderness (e.g. near Ghora Tabela and Kyanjin) hill top view point (Kyanjin), and cultural sites (notably in Langtang village and Melamchighyang. Tarkeghayang and Shemathang) are well rewarding to the trekkers.
To venture into the remote areas of the Park such as Panch Pokhari (five lakes), east of Helambu, the toe of Langshisa glacier, and upper level valley from Kyanjin: and over the challenging Ganja La pass in upper Langtang Valley, the trekkers have to be well prepared and should be self sustaining .

Acclimatization and Safety
One needs to be properly acclimatized to undertake trekking on higher levels. High altitude Sickness (HAS) can be life threatening if elevation is gained too rapidly without proper acclimatization. One should not ascend more than 400m a day once above 3000m elevations as advised by the medical doctors. Alternatively, one can rest an extra night at 3000m and 3500m before ascending higher. Contributing to HAS is over exertion and dehydration so one must not overtire oneself. Also drinking 3-4 litres of water everyday besides tea and coffee is advisable. Symptoms of HAS are headache, dizziness, trouble in breathing and sleeping, loss of appetite, nausea and general fatigue. The person developing HAS symptoms should be taken to lower elevation immediately.

Some points to remember before undertaking such trekking:
The trails of Langtang-Helambu get rocky and slippery after rain or frost. Not to stop while crossing landslides and watch out for falling rocks. One should never hike alone. It is strongly recommended to hire local guides on Ganja La (5120m) trek and on Lauribina La (4600m) during winter . A comprehensive first-aid medical kit is a must as there are no medical facilities out of Dhunche. Telephone facilities are available at Singh Gompa and at major settlements in Helambu.

Langtang Valley Trek (Dhunche-Kyanjin)

Starting Point Destination Hours Altitudes
Kathmandu Dunche 8-10 1960m
(car/bus) Syafrubensi 1420m
Dhunche Thulo Syafru 4-5 2120m
Thulo Syafru Bamboo 3-4 1975m
Syafrubensi Bamboo 4-5 1975m
Bamboo Lama Hotel 3-4 2840m
Lama Hotel Ghora Tabela 3-4 3000m
Ghora Tabela Langtang 3-4 3420m
Langtang Kyanjin 2-3 3900m

Dunche to Helambu via Gosainkunda

Sundarijal Pati Bhanjyang 5-6 1770m
Pati Bhanjyang Kutumsang 4-5 2470m
Kutumsang Tharepati 3-4 3630m