Langtang Region

Langtang Region

Gosainkunda Lake
Gosainkunda Lake

Langtang is one of the nearest trekking destinations from Kathmandu and is an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and cultural riches. Langtang lies about 130 km north of the Kathmandu Valley close to the border with Tibet, China. It is Nepal’s first national park, and lies between the Himalayan range to the north, dominated by Langtang Lirung (7,245 m), the highest peak in the area, and smaller peaks to the south – Chimse Danda (ridge), Ganja La pass (5,122 m), Jugal Himal and Dorje Lakpa (6,989 m).

The trek here is more adventurous as the area is visited by fewer tourists. Apart from the spectacular scenery, a visit to the area is an opportunity to explore the lifestyle and culture of the Tamangs, whose craftsmanship, language, dress and houses bear their uniqueness. Langtang is also known for its many glaciers – of which there are more than 70 of varying sizes – and high altitude lakes that include Gosainkunda, Parvatikunda, Bhairavkunda and Dudhkunda. The forests in the region have temperate and sub-alpine vegetation. Wildlife includes migratory birds, deer, monkeys, tahr and pika.

The Langtang River passes through the high, gentle Langtang Valley before emptying in a raging torrent into the Bhote Kosi River through a long, narrow defile at the west end of the valley. Whereas the major rivers of Nepal flow south from Tibet cutting through the Himalayan chain, the Langtang River, a major tributary of the Trisuli Ganga, flows east to west, cutting, as it were, across the grain of the country. The Trisuli, or Bhote Kosi as it becomes above Dhunche, forms an important corridor and ancient trade route through the mountains between the Ganesh and Langtang Himal, to Kerong in Tibet.

Futher Afield

GOSAIKUNDA:

Apart from Langtang, treks can be arranged to the holy Gosaikunda Lake at 4,380 m, which covers much of the Langtang National Park, and Helambu. Gosaikunda is said to have been created by Lord Shiva when He thrust His Trident into a mountain to draw water to cool his throat after swallowing poison. Thousands of devotees visit Gosainkunda during Janai Purnima (full moon festival in August).

KYANGJIN:

Visitors can extend their stay in Langtang to trek to Kyanjin and explore the upper valley to Langshisa and beyond.

TAMANG HERITAGE TRAIL:

The Tamang Heritage Trail takes you through verdant midlands of Nepal experiencing the beauty of this mountain reigon and the culture of the people who live here. The trail passes through traditional Tamang villages where life, culture and crafts have remained unchanged since the beginning of the settlement. The trail starts eighter from Dhunche or Syabrubesi and passes through Gojng, Gatlang, Chilime, Thuman, Timure and Briddim. The trail may end back in Saybrubesi or follow the Lantang trek from Briddim to Kyangjin. For more information on Tamang Heritage Trail, please look up on the New Products section.

BRIDDIM:

Briddim (2,229 m) is a small and beautiful Tamang village. It offers Himalayan cultureal experience in the form o accommodation. About half of the 432 houses in Briddim offer accommodation at their homes. The village lies on the newly development Tamang Heritage Trail. For more information on Briddim please look up on the New Products section.

Climate

This being a high-altitude region, temperatures are lower. Winters are usually extreme with snowfall in the higher altitude regions, while summers are cool and temperate during days, but can get cold and chilly at night and during rains. The best months to visit are March-May and October-November.

Access/Accommodation

Most of the trekking routes in Helambu and Langtang are well served by teahouses, making independent trekking quite possible. Lodges are all available along the trekking trail. Camping sites and options are also available. From Dhunche which is 117 km by road from Kathmandu

Permits and Fees

Park Entry Permit and TIMS Card must be obtained from the Tourist Service Center Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, to enter the Langtang region. To trek to Thuman and Timure in the upper region, one must obtain Trekking Permit from the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.