THE LANGTANG NATIONAL PARK - Wildlife In Nepal

BECAUSE OF THE VARIATION IN CLIMATIC CONDITION AND COMPLEX TOPOGRAHHY, VARIOUS FORMS OF FLORA AND FAUNA ARE FOUND HERE. In harmony with the diverse climatic condition, various forms of flora and fauna, National Park is home for about 45 villages.

The Langtang National Park covers an area of 1,710 sq km. It was designated in 1970-71 and gazetted in 1976. This park is situated in Central Himalayan and is the nearest park from Kathmandu. The area extends from 32 km north of Kathmandu to Nepal-China (Tibet) border.

Langtang National park encloses the catchments of the two major river systems, one draining west into the Trisuli river and the other east to the Sun Koshi river. Some of the best climatic conditions of the central Himalaya are experienced in this area. Though cold at higher altitude, the weather during mid-October to mid December and form mid-February until mid-April is pleasant. IN the month between mid April and mid June, the weather becomes warmer but very often cloudy and one can experience repetitive thundershower. Spring flowers are at their best in these months. Summer monsoon lasts until the end of October. Though the day time temperature might be relatively how during the winter months, one could witness snow even in low altitudes

Because of wide variation in climatic condition and complex topography, various forms of flora and fauna are found here. The small area of sub-tropical forest, below 1,000m, temperate oak and pine forests and alpine shrub and grasses are some of the vegetation one could expect in this National Park. Oaks, chir, pine, maple, fir, blue pine, hemlock, spruce and various species of rhododendron are the main forest species found here. Approximately 25% of the total area covers by the national park are forests.

Various kinds of climate condition, complex topography and wide spectrum of existing topography makes home for a wide range of animals in the park. Wild dog, red pandas, pika, muntjack, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalaya tahr, ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey and common langur are some of the commonly seen animals here. During the spring and autumn season, which is the migrating season for the birds, Trishuli and Bhote river in this area serves as an important route.

In harmony with the diverse climatic condition, various forms of flora and faunal, National Park is home for about 45 villages. Population of the Langtang national park could be approximately 4,500 people within 846 household. In total about 3,000 household which equates to 16,200 people are dependent on the resources offered by the park. The park consists of people from several ethnic group, making in all the more interesting culturally. Over the centuries, these ethnic groups have been influencing the natural environment as they have lived in harmony with vegetation animals and birds with in the boundaries of the park. The majority of the people living here are Tamangs, who are traditionally the farmers and cattle bearers or even weavers. Their religion is based on the pre-Buddhist doctrines of the Tibet.

From Kathmandu to Dhunchhe bazaar, there are a number of cars and buses moving daily. A seasonal road reaches Syabrubensi as well. Alternative routes from Kathmandu are to Sundarijan or to Melamchighat via public buses. From either point, trek through Helambu to Gosainkunda via Laurebina pass or cross Ganja La pass (5, 122 m) to reach Langtang Valley.

With the magnificent view of the mountains, Langtang valley offers a spectacular view of glaciers and an opportunity to explore the villages situated in and around the park along with the gombas, the Buddhist monasteries. To visit the monasteries, permission from the monks is required and generally donation is expected.