One of the nearest trekking destinations from Kathmandu lies an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and cultural riches of Langtang, Rasuwa.

Langtang has over 70 glaciers of varying sizes, the Langtang and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges, and high altitude lakes including Gosainkunda, Parvatikunda, Bhairavkunda, and Dudhkunda. The people in this place are mostly of Tamang and Tibetan origin, whose culture goes back to hundreds of years.The craftsmanship, dress, traditionally built stone houses, and the beautifully carved wooden porches reflect their rich Himalayan heritage. Partly protected as Langtang National Park, visit to the area gives Himalayan nature experience and an insight into the lifestyle and culture of the Tamangs who are predominant inhabitants of the region.

Located about 120 km toward the north of Kathmandu near the Tibetan border, Langtang was previously a restricted area. Extending in an east-west direction, it is bordered on the north by the main crest of the Himalayas, dominated by Langtang Lirung (7,245 m), the highest peak in the area. To the south are the Chimse Danda (ridge), crossed by the Ganja La pass (5,122 m), and Jugal Himal, culminating in Dorje Lakpa (6,989 m). Glaciers spawned by the slopes of Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung and other peaks feed the Langtang Khola (river).

The Langtang River passes through the high, gentle Langtang Valley before emptying in a raging torrent into the Bhote Kosi River through a long, narrow defile at the west end of the valley. Whereas the major rivers of Nepal flow south from Tibet cutting through the Himalayan chain, the Langtang Khola , a major tributary of the Trisuli Ganga, flows east to west, cutting, as it were, across the grain of the country. The Trisuli, or Bhote Kosi as it becomes above Dhunche, forms an important corridor and ancient trade route through the mountains between the Ganesh and Langtang Himal , to Kerung in Tibet.

Langtang valley, indigenous tamang culture and Gosainkunda are the prime attractions of this region. New trekking trail: Tamang Heritage Trail, offers yet another option and a peek at the Himalayan lifestyle and culture. The unexplored part of the Langtang National Park has recently been connected with Tamang Heritage Trail.

Locals

The inhabitants of the Langtang Valley are thought to be descendants of Tibetans from Kerung who intermingled with Tamangs from the Helambu area.

The inhabitants of Briddim village are of the Tamang ethnic group but a marked influence of Tibetan culture and tradition is noticed in their lifestyle closely resembling that of most Tibetan villages. They are mainly sheep and yak herders, but grow some hardy grains and vegetables.  The daily life of the villagers includes raising livestock, agriculture, and trade with Kerung in Tibet. Wheat, maize, potato, soybean, and millet are their staple food.

Statistics

District Area: 1544 sq km
Highest Peak: Langtang Lirung, 7245m
Population: 44731 (in 2001)
Ethnic groups: 64% Tamang (both Tamang and Tibetan speaking). Others include Brahmin, Gurung, Sherpa and Newars
Literacy: only 34% (female-24.5%; male-42.5%)
Weather: warm temperature climate up to 2000m; higher valleys north and north-east of Syabrubesi are in the rain shadow and comparatively dry. 2-3000m – cool temperature climate. Above 3000m – alpine humid climate; temperatures fall to sub-zero in winter months.
Economic occupations: 83% Agriculture Less than 5% in service sector
Access: By bus from KTM to Dhunche (8 hours) or Syabrubesi (9.5 hrs). Jeeps can also be hired for the journey.