Trekking in Langtang Region

Found to the north of Kathmandu in the central Himalayan region, is Nepal’s second largest national park, Langtang National Park which covers a total area of 1710 square kilometers. The park is abundant with culture, nature and wildlife and its proximity to Kathmandu make it a popular trekking destination. In the park, trekkers can find Red Panda, Himalayan black Bear, Snow Leopard, Ghoral, Serow, Wild Dogs and more than 373 species of birds. Also, close views of Langtang Lirung (7,225m), Langtang Ri (7,205m), Dorje Lahkpa (6,966m), Lempo Gang (6,875m), Shisapangma (8,013m) and Phurbi Chyachu (6,637m) are the major attractions along with cultural & natural diversities.

Not only is Langtang a National Park, it’s also an inhabited area and rich in cultural diversity. The three main ethnic groups in the region are the Tamang, Yolmo and Bhotia, each thought to have originated from Tibet. The cultures are distinguished by language, house style, dress, ornaments and customs. The Tamangs are traditional farmers and cattle herders of the region. Their farm lands and villages stretch south west of the Bhotekoshi/Trishuli River. Their religion is related to the Bon and pre-Buddhist doctrines of Tibet while the people of the Langtang Valley are mostly Bhotias with recent Tibetan origin, many have intermingled with the local Tamangs. The Yolmo people of the Helambu region are often referred to as "Sherpa". However their language and socio-culture set up do not resemble that of the Solukhumbu Sherpa. Bhot is a small Tibetan Chinese province and the Bhotias are the inhabitants of that province. It has an historical background as a trading port between Tibet and Nepal. The major business along this trade route was salt, butter and wool.

Major Attractions

• Langtang Valley for its natural beauty
• Helambu region, famous for apple orchids and its Tibetan culture
• Melamchighyang, Tarkeghyang and Shermathang villages for their cultural heritage
• Ganja La Pass (5,120m) for Upper Langtang Valley and sublime mountain views
• Langshisa Glacier
• Tibetan New Year (Losar) Celebration
• Panch Pokhari (Five Religious Ponds) depicted in the Hindu Epic, the Mahabharata
• Gosainkunda (Holy Lake)

Access

The Trishuli Highway is the only road access from Kathmandu to Dhunche and Syarubesi via Kakani. The 70 km, Kathmandu to Trishuli section is a black topped road and the 30 km from Trishuli to Dhunche and Syarubesi is a dirt jeep track that requires a 4WD. It’s also possible to drive from Kathmandu to Melamchi Phul and do the trek in reverse.

Gosainkunda (Holy Lake)

Gosainkunda is one of the holiest lakes in Nepal. This is the site where lord Shiva quenched his thirst after consuming poison. Both Hindus and Buddhist make a pilgrimage to this site during the August full moon to take an auspicious bath in the icy waters of the lake. It’s believed that by taking a bath in the waters of the lake, one will achieve a place in heaven after they have died. The lake is an official pilgrimage site that has been declared within the Langtang National Park.