Langtang Region Trekking

Langtang Region Trekking

The Langtang region trekking area lies north of Kathmandu Valley within Nepal’s second-largest National, dominated by Langtang Lirung, 7246m, the region’s highest peak. The Langtang National Park is enriched by over 1000 plant species, 150 bird species, and several elusive wildlife, including pandas and snow leopards. The Gosainkunda Lake at 4300 metres and the Dorje Lakpa range of 6988 metres bisects the park from east to southeast. The majority of the inhabitants are Tamang and Tibetan, the Kirungbas. The southwestern region of Langtang, leading to Kyirong, the borderline between Nepal and Tibet, is known as Tamang Heritage Trail and makes a beautiful cultural trek. The park also contains spiritual sites such as the Buddhist monastery at Kyanjin Gonpa and Gosainkunda Lakes, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.

The Langtang National Park contains various climatic zones, from subtropical to alpine. Approximately 25% of the park is forested. Trees include deciduous oak, maple, pine, and different types of rhododendron. The wildlife in the park consists of Himalayan black bears, Himalayan tahr, rhesus monkeys, snow leopards, red pandas, and wild boars, and there are stories of Yeti sightings.

Langtang village was completely swiped away by a massive avalanche caused by the earthquake of 25th April 2015, which resulted in more than 310 deaths, including 176 residents, 80 foreigners and ten military personnel. More than 100 bodies (estimated) are still missing.

To the east of Langtang and Gosainkunda Lake lies the Helambu region, separated by the high passes of Ganja La and Gosainkunda (Lauribina La) Pass. Helambu is a beautiful region to the northeast, about 80 km from Kathmandu. It is the home of the Hyolmo people. The word Helambu derives from the words (Hye – Potato and Labu – Radish (in Tibetan). The Helambu region begins at the Lauribina La pass and descends to Melamchi. Once famed for short cultural treks, Helambu is one of the most sought and trekked areas. The region contains several monasteries, stupas and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Great snowy peaks decorate the northern and eastern horizons of Helambu.