The Langtang valley is Located north of
Kathmandu, which is the most easily accessible of Nepal?s
trekking destinations. Because of its elevation, proximity
to Kathmandu and easy approach the eight days Langshisha
Escapade, which departs every Monday from Kathmandu,
is recommended for those who do not have an extended
vacation. The Langtang valley,
inhabited
by Sherpas and Tibetan speaking people, is located north
of Kathmandu in the middle of the Great Himalayan Range
on the Tibetan border. The highest peak of Langtang
Himal, Shisha Pangma (8013 m), lies beyond the border
on Tibetan territory, it was first climbed by the Chinese
in 1963.
Designated
a National Park in 1976,The Langtang valley is the second
largest of Nepal?s National parks occupying some 1700
square kilometers. It is also the natural habitat of
more than 1000 plants, in excess of 150 bird species
and numerous other mammals. It is also among the least
crowded trekking destinations in Nepal. The valleyof
Langtang is protected as the Langtang National
Park. The most striking feature is the contrast in climate,
terrain, flora and fauna to be found here within a short
distance. The trail could begin in a tropical forest
and by evening put you in the middle of a freezing alpine
landscape.
.....The sacred lake of Gosaikunda is one
of the chief lures here. The Hindu faithful come to
worship at the numerous shrines of Lord Shiva in the
area. Great views of Langtang Lirung (7245 m), Ganesh
Himal (7146 m) and Dorje Lhakpa (6990 m) peaks reward
the trekkers. In the Langtang valley, a
Ganja La pass is one of the most challenging passes
in Nepal. This wedge in the Himalaya is situated at
an altitude of 5106 m. Our Langtang trek takes you over
this pass as you make your way south from Langtang village
to Tarke Ghyang. The pass is blocked by snow from December
to March.
.Langtang village lies at 3500 m
and the national park headquarters is located here.
The village exudes a Tibetan feel and you will see fields
enclosed by stone walls as well as herds of yaks, the
most important animal for the people here. Helambu lies
to the north of Kathmandu and offers the nearest experience
of Sherpa culture without having to go to the Everest
egion. The Sherpa village of Tarke Ghyang that forms
the focul of Helambu is a charming enclave of farmers
and yak herders. The trip starts with a scenic drive
from Kathmandu to Sundarijal. The trail takes you through
Melamchi, the site of a mega project to bring drinking
water to Kathmandu via a series of tunnels. Helambu
provides an instant Himalayan trek for those with limited
time.
Langtang National
Park abounds in numerous vegetation types. Oaks, maple,
various rhododendrons, chir pine, fir, blue pine, hemlock
and spruce are found here. The latitude / topographical
variations show such divers animals as the wild dog,
Himalayan red panda, pika, muntjack, musk deer, Himalayan
black bear, Himalayan tahr, ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey
and common langur. This region is also an important
route for migrating birds. |