Area: 1710 sq. km.
Established: Designated in 1970-71 / gazetted in 1976.

Location:
Situated in the central Himalayas, Langtang is the nearest large National Park to Kathmandu. The area extends from 132 km north of Kathmandu to the Nepal-China (Tibet) border; It offers a wilderness experience without what is often a long journey. Considered as one of the most rewarding shorter treks, the trek allows you to get to the base of the mountains without too much exertion, there is also an extensive glacier system to explore.

Features:
Langtang encloses the catchments of two major river systems: one draining west into the Trisuli River and the other east to the Sun Koshi River.

Some of the best examples of graded climatic conditions in the Central Himalayas are found here. The complex topography and geography together with the varied climatic patterns have enabled a wide spectrum of vegetation types to establish. These include small areas of subtropical forest (below 1000m), temperate oak and pine forests with alpine scrub and grasses at mid-elevations which gives way to bare rocks and snow. Oaks, chir pine, maple, fir, blue pine, hemlock, spruce and various species of rhododendron make up the main forest species.

The variations in topography along with the existing forest cover (approx. 25% of the total area) provide a habitat for a wide range of animals including wild dog, red panda, pika, muntjack, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalaya tahr, ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey and common Langur. The Trusuli – Bhote Rivers form an important route for birds in spring and autumn during migration between India and Tibet.

About 45 villages (846 households around 4,500 people) are situated within the park boundaries, they are required to abide by the park regulations in regard to the environment. Around 3000 households (about 16,200 people) depend on park resources for wood and firewood. Culturally the area is inhabited by several ethnic groups who live in harmony ,the major ethnic group are Tamangs, an ancient Tibetan race of mainly farmers and cattle breeders, they are especially well known for their weaving. Their religion is related to the Bon religion which pre-dates the Buddhist doctrines of Tibet. Nowadays their religion has merged with the newer teachings of Tibet.

The Helambu area lies south of Langtang and north of Kathmandu, the region has many scenic villages which are inhabited by Sherpas and Tamangs who emigrated from Tibet. It is possible to combine both regions in a trekking itinerary which allows people the opportunity to visit The Sacred Lakes of Gosainkhunda (a religious site for both Hindu an Buddhist pilgrims) before travelling south to Kathmandu