Langtang National Park

Infobox_protected_area
name = Langtang National Park
iucn_category = II


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location = Nepal
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area = 1710 km²
established = , 1976
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governing_body = Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Ministry of Forests

Established in 1976 to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the region, the Langtang National Park extends over parts of Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchowk districts in the southern mountainous terrain of the Nepal-China (Tibet) border [ cite web|url=http://www.dnpwc.gov.np/national-parks-langtang.asp|title=Langtang National Park|accessdate=2007-09-18 ] . It is the second nearest National Park to the capital Kathmandu in the Central Himalayan Region. In 1998, an additional area of 420 sq. km in and around the park was declared as a buffer zone. The park represents a confluence between the Indo-Malayan and Palearctic realms, and holds a rich biodiversity.

Flora and fauna

Sub-tropical vegetation characterized by Sal ("Shorea robusta") forest in the southern section of the park is gradually taken over by hill forest (2000-2600m) consisting of Chir pine, Rhododendron, and Nepalese alder. The temperate zone (2600-3000m) is covered mainly by oak forest fading to old growth forest of silver fir, hemlock, and [larch] in the lower sub-alpine zone (3000-3600m). 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 "Rhododendron arboretum", "Rhododendron barbatum", "Rhododendron campanulatum", and "Rhododendron lepidotum" (scrubs) to name a few, form a colorful under story. Tree species such as birch, silver fir, "Sorbus microphyla" and twisted "Rhododendron campanulatum" are found near the tree line. It is here at 4000m Juniper and Rhododendron shrubs "Rhododendron anthopogon" slowly dissolve into expansive alpine grassland meadows.

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

Places of interest

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 of locally operated hotel/lodge, teahouse, and campgrounds for groups. The park offers a choice of moderate to more difficult hiking with duration ranging from 3 days to 3 weeks. Lodges operate year round except during the peak winter when the trails are blocked.

Trekkers who take extra time to explore 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) will be well rewarded. One has to be self sustaining to venture 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.

References