Langtang is one of the most unspoiled national
parks of Nepal. Situated North of Kathmandu, 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 Gosainkuhda, 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
animal, 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 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. |