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Introduction:
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-China (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.
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
examples of graded climatic conditions in the Central Himalaya
are found 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 langur. 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.
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FEATURES:
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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.
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Permission
from the lamas must be gained before visiting any gompas
and a small donation is expected.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Outstanding
views to Langtang Lirung (7246 m) , Himal Chuli (7864
m) are visible from the trail. The route from Dhunche
passes a Buddhist monastery, Sing Gompa.
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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.
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The
Helambu circuit, from Sundarijal to Tharepati, barely
enters the national park but is nevertheless an 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).
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Local
customs should be respected and shorts for woman are not
acceptable attire.
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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.
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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.
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There
are no medical facilities in the park. Carry a comprehensive
first aid kit including medicines for intestinal problems
and chest infections.
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Bring
sufficient warm clothing so that you do not have to rely
on fires for warmth.
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There
is a park sub-office in Shermathang on the south/eastern
boundary in the Helambu area.
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The
Park has two lodges in Langtang Valley: at Ghora Tabela
and Kyanjin. Both are run on a concession basis.
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There
is a radio at the Park headquarters at Dhunche and at
the guard post in Ghora Tabela. At the Yeti Guest House
in Kyanjin Gompa there is a satellite phone which can
be used in an emergency. Helicopter evacuation is possible,
but not reliable, and is only arranged at the patient's
expense.
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