Langtang National Parkलाङटाङ राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज
Langtang National Park is a national park in Bagmati, Nepal, covering 1,710 km² from 792 to 7,245 m. Established in 1976, it is known for Red panda, Snow leopard, Himalayan black bear.
The trekking park closest to Kathmandu — and the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda
Area
1,710 km²
+ 420 km² buffer zone
Established
1976
Elevation
792–7,245 m
Bagmati
Managed by
DNPWC
Districts
Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchok
Establishment
Established 1976 — Nepal's first Himalayan national park.
Key species
- Red panda
- Snow leopard
- Himalayan black bear
- Himalayan tahr
- Musk deer
About the area
Langtang, gazetted in 1976, was Nepal's first Himalayan national park and remains the major protected mountain wilderness closest to Kathmandu. Its 1,710 km² spread across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchok rise to the 7,245 m peak of Langtang Lirung and take in 14 vegetation types across some 18 ecosystems, from subtropical forest to perpetual snow; a 420 km² buffer zone was added in 1998.
The park is a stronghold of the red panda and snow leopard, alongside Himalayan black bear, tahr and musk deer, and forms part of the trans-boundary Sacred Himalayan Landscape. Within it lies Gosainkunda, a cluster of high-altitude lakes around 4,300 m that is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in the country and a Ramsar wetland in its own right.
Because it is reachable in a day's drive from the capital, the Langtang Valley and Gosainkunda are among Nepal's most popular treks. The valley was devastated by the April 2015 earthquake — an avalanche obliterated Langtang village — and the rebuilt trail has since become a story of recovery as much as of scenery.
Where it sits
The highlighted pin is this protected area; the others show Nepal's full network of 20.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Langtang National Park?+
Langtang National Park covers 1,710 km², plus a 420 km² buffer zone. It lies in Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchok (Bagmati province).
When was Langtang National Park established?+
Langtang National Park was established in 1976 as a national park. Established 1976 — Nepal's first Himalayan national park.
What type of protected area is Langtang National Park?+
Langtang National Park is a national park, managed by DNPWC.
What animals live in Langtang National Park?+
Langtang National Park is known for Red panda, Snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, Musk deer. The trekking park closest to Kathmandu — and the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda.
What is the elevation of Langtang National Park?+
Langtang National Park ranges from 792 m to 7,245 m above sea level.
Sources & data note
Figures for Langtang National Park as documented by the listed sources. Where reputable sources disagree the discrepancy is stated in the establishment note. Map coordinates are an approximate centre point, not a surveyed centroid.