Langtang National Park and its Cultural and Climatic Importance

The Langtang National Park is the nearest park from Kathmandu situated directly to the north of Kathmandu in the Central Himalayan Region. Langtang National Park was established in 1976 to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the region. It has an area of 1710 sq. km. and extends over parts of Nuwakot, rasuwa and Sindhupalchwok districts in the southern mountainous terrain of the Nepal- China (Tibet) border. In 1998, areas of 420 sq. km. in and around the park declare a buffer zone LNP with its enhancing landscapes stunning biodiversity and vibrant cultures is a lot of undying charm.
Langtangtang National Park represents some of the best examples of graded climatic conditions in the central Himalayan. Elevation gradients (ranging from mid-hills to alpines) coupled with complex topography and geology has produced a rich biodiversity unique patchwork of vegetation. Sub- tropical vegetation characterized by Sal (Shorea robusta) forest in the southern section of the park is gradually taken over by hill forests (2000-2600m) consisting of Chirpine rhododendron, and Nepalese older. The temperature zone (2600-3000m ) is covered mainly by oak forest fading to old growth forest of silver fir, hemlock, and larch in the sub-alpine zone(300-3600m) The Nepalese larch(larix nepalensis), the only deciduous conifer in the region , is found in this park and few places elsewhere. Throughout these zones different species of rhododendron such as scrubs and etc from a colourful understory. Tree species such as birch, silver fir, Sorbus and twisted rhododendron are found near the tree line. It is here at 4000m juniper and Rhododendron shrubs slowly dissolve into the expansive alpine grassland meadows.
Langtang”s expansive high meadows provide summer habitat for numerous ungulate species such as musk deer and Himalayan Thar.The park is also well known for its populations of red panda , Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, wild dogs, ghoral, serow and more than 373 species of birds .
The park also offers a rich cultural diversity. The three main ethnic groups in LNP are the Tamang, Yolmo and Bhotia, each thought to have originated from Tibet. The cultures are discremible by language, house style, dress, ornaments and customs. The Tamangs are tradititonal farmers and cattle herders of the region their farm lands and villages stretch south and west of the Bhote Koshi/Trishuli River. Their religion is related to the Bon and Pre-Buddhist doctrines of Tibet. While the people of the Langtang valley are mostly Bhotias with recent. Tibetan origin, many have intermingled with local Tamangs.
Three main trek routes 1) Langtang valley; 2) Helambu and 3) Gosaikunda Lake cover much of the Langtang National Park and the southern Helambu region. Langtang and Helambu regions are connected through Lauribina La. All routes have the facilities have the facilities of locally operated hotel/lodge, tea house and camp grounds for groups.Trkkers who take extra time wilderness hill top view point, and cultural sites will be well rewarded. One has to be self sustain to venture remote ares of the park such s Panch Pokhari(Five Lakes), east of Helambu, the toe of Langtia glacier and upper level valley from Kyanjin and over the challenging Ganga La pass in upper Langtang Valley. The park encompasses Gosaikunda Lake, which is declared as Ramsar site in2007.
Autumn is the best time to visit the park, when brilliant greens fed by the monsoon fade to golden/amber against crystal blue skies, and grains ripen in the enclaves. A short mild winter promises cool temperature (below freezing at nigh), but uncrowded trails and colorful Tibetan New Year (Losar) celebration.