The Langtang Valley is an amazing area as wild as any of the Tibetan highlands. The Langtang Valley is also called the valley of glaciers. It is a remote and spectacular valley of pine forests, rushing mountain streams, meadows and rugged rock and glaciers below massive snow capped peaks.
Because the Langtang Valley Trekking trailhead is so close to Kathmandu, travelers with limited time can experience an equally satisfying trek to a high Himalayan region and with a unique Himalayan culture. Despite its close proximity to Kathmandu, few trekkers have explored this area till date which adds to its allure.
The Langtang Region lies in central Nepal between the northern Himalayan range and lesser peaks in the south. The high northern mountains are dominated by Langtang Lirung, 7245m. In the south – Chimse Danda (Hill), Ganja La pass, 5122m, Jugal Himal and Dorje Lakpa, 6989m. The Langtang River flows gently eastward through the Langtang Valley to empty into the Bhote Kosi River at the west end of the valley.
The Langtang Valley is known for its unique blend of natural and cultural beauty. There are breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal, endless glaciers of varying sizes and high altitude lakes that includes the pilgrimage lakes of Gosainkunda. The rhododendron, bamboo and oak forests in the region have temperate and sub-alpine vegetation. Wildlife includes migratory birds, deer, monkeys and tahr. In 1971, it became Nepal’s first National Park.
It also offers an insight into the unique culture of the Tamang tribe who inhabit these highlands bordering Tibet, people who have held onto the ancient Buddhist beliefs and culture for generations. Their craftsmanship, language, dress and houses bear close similarity to their Tibetan ancestors.