Langtang National Park is the first Himalayan national park established in 1976. The park lies within the Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchowk districts covering an area of 1,710 km2 (660 sq mi). The capital city Kathmandu is just 32 km away to the south, whereas north and east of the park making the Nepal-Tibet border. Langtang National Park lies in the central Himalayan region with its unique flora & fauna. The major attraction like Gosaikunda (4,380m) is the highest altitude sacred lake in the park, including several other lakes. Whereas, Langtang Lirung is the highest point with an altitude 7,245m. The park indicates Tamang heritage with their friendly and hospitable livelihood.

Langtang National Park comprises mountain peaks, glaciers, gorges, cliffs, rivers, glacial lakes, hot water spring, and forests. There are three main trek routes in the park; Langtang valley, Gosaikunda lake, and Helambu. Each destination has significance attractions along with hotels, teahouses, and campsites for the trekkers. The cultural sites that are worth to visit are Langtang village, Melamchighyang, Tarkeghyang, and Shermathang. The Kyanjin Gompa shrines the view towards the Langtang Lirung during the trek. Rich cultural heritage of Tamangs has the indigenous knowledge of herbal medicine, transhumance system, and cheese production, while some community works trail management, heritage conservation, etc. There is a trade route between Nepal and Tibet to the north of the Langtang National Park. Many goods are import/export through this border and hence the visitors are high.

Flora & Fauna

Langtang National Park represents 18 ecosystems ranging from Hill sal and pine forests in the lower belt. The forests are rich with diverse vegetation and wildlife. The most significant attractions are scenic lakes, glaciers and Langtang range combined with the Himalayas. There are 1,043 species of vascular plants, 15 are endemic species including Rhododendron. The red, pink and white rhododendron blooms towering canopies amidst the oak and fir forests during spring. The park has 46 species of mammal which includes snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, Himalayan Tahr. Whereas, 345 species of birds including Ibisbill, white-winged redstart, Impeyan pheasant, along with 30 fish species are found in the park.

Climate

Langtang National Park has the alpine belt of snow, glaciers, and rocks. There is snowfall occasionally in January-February which the average temperature falls down zero. During September to May is relatively dry while June to August is heavy with monsoon rains. So we recommend you the best season in Autumn (September to October) which is the best time for trekking in Langtang National Park.

Langtang Lirung

Langtang Lirung is the highest mountain peak in Langtang National Park with an elevation 7,234 m (23,734 ft). The mountain forms the complex mountain of the western portion which includes Jugal Himal. This complex lies between Trisuli Gandaki valley on the west and Sun Kosi on the east. Langtang Lirung is notable for its huge vertical relief above the local terrain. The peak is also listed as 99 out of the world’s 100 highest mountains.

Gosaikunda Lake

Gosaikunda is an alpine freshwater lake in Langtang National Park with an altitude of 4,380 m (14,370 ft). The lake complex is 1,030 ha in size and designated as a Ramsar site. Gosaikunda melts and flows down making Trishuli river and remains frozen in winter. Around the Gosaikunda, there are 108 lakes from small to medium sizes. The Hindu mythology aspects Gosaikunda as an abode of Shiva and Gauri, hence the area is defined as a religious site. Thousands of Hindus from Nepal and India visit this area during Ganga Dashahara and Janai Purnima festivals. The trek to Gosaikunda starts from Syabru Besi after a scenic drive from Kathmandu.

Helambu

Helambu is one of the popular villages in Langtang National Park which is connected through several trekking routes, hence it is being known as Helambu Trek. The village is home to Hyolmo people deriving the word Helambu. There is Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage site offering environment a peaceful trekking. Himalayan scenery seen from this area are Langtang Lirung, Gaurishanker, Dorje Lakpa. Ganapati Himal, Gangchenpo. Yala peak. Naya Kanga. Annapurna.

Tatopani

Tatopani has one of the hottest spring water in Langtang National Park. It is situated on the border of Nepal and Tibet, with the mesmerizing view of Bhote Koshi running down from Tibet. The place is famous for refreshment bath along with healing and medicinal purpose. It is also one of the most recommended places in Nepal for a recreational hub, There is also a trade route between Nepal and Tibet, where most of the people import and export the goods from.

Activities

Langtang National Park has participated with amazing resources such as mountains, lakes, rivers, vegetations, etc. The visitors/tourists are highly visited with particular activities that are listed below:

• Trekking – Langtang Gosaikunda trek, Langtang Helambu trek
• Mountaineering – Langtang Lirung and other peaks
• Bungee Jumping – Last Resort Bhote Koshi
• Rafting – Bhote Koshi river
• Kayaking

Langtang National Park helps to conserve various wildlife and cultural significance. The park is gifted with vast attractions, offering adventure enterprise for the visitors. Himalayan Smile treks recommend you trekking in Langtang region connects the heart of Himalaya with hospitable locals of Nepal.