| Parc National de Langtang
Langtang is one of the most unspoiled national parks of Nepal.
Situated North of Katmandou, it is the most easily accessible
highland sanctuary from the capital. Langtang covers 1,710
sq. km. forming the upper catchment areas of two of Nepal's
largest river systems - the Trishuli and Koshi. There is great
latitudinal variation, starting at 1,500 m. and ascending
to the top of Mt. Langtang Lirung at 7,234 m. As a result
the park has immense ecological diversity. Some of the most
attractive areas of the park include the Langtang Valley,
the holy lakes at Gosainkunda, and the forested hillsides
above the village of Helambu.
The deep gorges of Bhote Koshi and Langtang Khola are thickly
forested with rhododendron, oak, maple and alder. The stretch
of forest around Ghoda Tabela in the lower Langtang Valley
and below Gosainkunda is inhabited by the red panda, a rare
and threatened symbol of a healthy Himalayan ecosystem. Other
'animauxs, common to these forests are wild boar, Himalayan
black bear, ghoral, grey langur monkey and leopard. The rare
Himalayan hony guide has been sighted here and the park is
also the home for Impeyan, Tragopan and kalij pheasants among
others. Larch, a rare deciduous conifer, is also found in
the forest of lower Langtang Valley. Further up, Himalayan
tahr, musk deer and snow leopard can be found. The upper Langtang
Valley is one of he few known breeding grounds of the ibils
bills besides the Tibetan snow cock and snow partridge.
Like other Himalayan nature parks, Langtang has to be explored
on foot. There are several possible trails to choose from
depending on preference and time available. The langtang Valley
is easily approached from Dhunche town and park office, which
is a day's drive from Katmandou. The upper reaches of Langtang
can be reached in four days of easy walking, however, it is
advisable to spend a few days around the forest at Ghoda Tabela
to watch for the red panda. Once above Langtang village and
the monastery at Kyangin, visitors can explore the high valley
of Langshisa Yala peak and Tsero, Ri. These and other villages
of upper Langtang are inhabited by people of Tibetan descent
whereas the villagers of Dhunche, Bharkhu and Syabru further
down are home to the Tamangs of Nepal's middle hills.
Entry Fee Per Person Per Entry:
For Nepalese Nationals, Free
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 100/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs. 1,000/-
(Note: Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years).
Access:
The high pass out of Langtang, Gang la(5,132 m), can be negotiated
only by well prepared hikers with guides, food and camping
equipment. The Gosainkunda can also be reached in a few days
from Dhunche, making it possible to visit both areas in the
same outing.
Alternatively, trekkers can hike to Gosainkunda from Sundarijal
in the Katmandou Valley via the picturesque villages of Helambu.
The richly forested route that climbs steeply from here to
Thare Pati and Gopte Cave is alive with birds and flowering
rhododendron and orchids in the spring. Tourists can visit
the Parc National de Langtang anytime from March to November
but it is best to avoid the monsoon season because of rains
and overflowing rivers. The nature enthusiast on the other
hand might find the rainy season ideal because of the profusion
of plant life.
Note:
Entrance fee not required for children under 10 yearsPark
Entrance fees is regulated by Department of National Parks
and Wildlife Conservation (Phone: 4220850). Entrance fees
for mountain National Parks can be paid at ACAP counter (Phone:
4222406) at Sanchaykosh building in Thamel, Katmandou, or
at the Park gate. For other National Parks entrance fees are
to be paid at the Park gate
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