Langtang Village Trek Before and After Earthquake

Langtang village trekking before and after 2015 Earthquake

Nepal was hit by a bad earthquake in 2015 and its results were even shocking, to say the least. Langtang village one of the most prominent villages for trekking in Nepal was impacted badly too. The overall scenario of Langtang Village Trek before and after earthquake was significantly different. The place has a sense of hidden beauty.

Today through Karma Eco Adventure we will be looking into the impact of the earthquake in Langtang and how it has changed the overall lifestyle and outlook of Langtang Valley.

Langtang Valley Before the 2015 Earthquake

The history of Langtang goes back more than 700 years when a specific group of people from Tibet came to the region and settled down. Langtang Village (3,430) was discovered in 1954. A massive amount of Buddhist and Tibetian people can be seen in Langtang region. Being the remote and off-beat trail along with Langtang National Park, the beauty of Langtang Valley is unmatched, to say the least.

From rhododendrons to oak pines and firs, you will find a variety of plants. In the case of rare animals Himalayan Thar, Red Pandas, and Assam Macaque are highly found rare animals.

Local Community and Economy Before the 2015 Earthquake

As we know the local community present in the Langtang region is Tamang, Sherpa, Yolmo, etc. The primary source of their income is agriculture and animal husbandry. Some of the locals also worked as the trekking guides. Wheat, potatoes, and barley are the major agricultural products in Langtang. Similarly, more than 10,000 tourists visited Langtang before the earthquake. Slowly the tourism business was taking a peak when the calamity occurred.

Impact of Earthquake at Langtang Valley Trek

The 2015 earthquake was a highly demolishing earthquake. Langtang village being closer to Gorkha did get affected badly. The housing in the area was the basic one that was impacted. The 7.3 magnitude scale of the earthquake had a massive negative impact. The immediate and lasting impact was bad. Just before the day of the earthquake, the people of Langtang celebrated the Ghawa festival.

Although the mood was festive the immediate impact of the earthquake left the destruction of numerous villages and settlements. Following the immediate impact, the lasting one was tough to work on.

Langtang Valley After the 2015 Earthquake

The earthquake did impact the local people and settlement but the south side of Lirung was facing serious issues. Due to the earthquake, the frozen lake was impacted. This could have created a huge issue like avalanches, unwanted rainfall, and many more. Sadly the avalanche did come through killing 243 people and sweeping away villages for fun.

Remote Langtang village after devastating earthquake - 2015
Trekking in Langtang Valley After Earthquake

The negative impact didn’t stop right there. It did affect the historic Kyanjin Gompa pretty badly. By the time the impact of the quake was over, there was only 1 house left in the village. Just imagine the negativity.

Rebuilding Process After 2015 Earthquake

As we know the impact of the earthquake was massive, and the people alive had to work towards rebuilding and repair. During the second impact, the villagers were already in a safe zone. With the routes to Langtang all destroyed due to avalanches the local people worked together to make things a bit easier. Temporary shelters using stones and timber along with debris cleaning was the major focus.

It was only months later when the roads were repaired and external help was possible. Following the open nature of the roads, all the houses, gompas, and schools were rebuilt and the village looks very beautiful in 2024.

Langtang Valley in 2024

A lot of the readers might be interested to know about the trekking options in Langtang at this time. Well, it is safe and plenty of people have been trekking to the village. What changed is the fact that a maximum number of settlements were created with the help of temporary items. Even though the fear of a natural calamity is still there people love being in the Langtang region.

How Can You Help Langtang Valley To Recover From The Damage?

It has almost been 10 years since the catastrophic event. A lot of the lives were lost along with materialistic losses. Even during the tough times of the villages, some of the organizations came forward to help. They are:

    • The Langtang Relief Fund

    • Himalayan Climate Initiative

    • Sunaulo Sansar etc.

Although it has been almost a decade, there is always a major way to help the community. The trekkers who read this can visit Langtang and spend a lot of time and money helping the families. Use of local products, buying souvenirs, enjoying the company of the local people, and being human are some of the major things we can do from our side in the Langtang Valley region.

Impact of Landslides on the Landscape and Environment

Trekkers and readers might be surprised to know that the 2015 earthquake did change the landscape of Langtang. As the Lirung mountain, South did come down as an avalanche, the impact has been severe. The changes in the sides of the glacial lakes and Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) have created problems of landslides in the area. Langtang National Park was also affected due to the earthquake. The negative harm to the national park is key.

But there is some positive to it too. The local authorities have been careful about climate change, and global warming along glacial formation.

Is It Safe To Do the Langtang Valley Trek in 2024?

Just to be fair and square, yes it is safe. The reconstruction process has been done but the tea houses and lodges might not be as strong as previous ones. Similarly, the oldest monastery in the area, Kyanjin Gompa was also renovated with the help of Japanese people. There might be some change in the lifestyle but Langtang village trek is absolutely safer in 2024.

Conclusion:

The impact of earthquakes in Langtang Valley has been massive. Plenty of local people were killed due to the earthquake. Some of the physical outlook might have changed but the hospitality and welcoming nature of the locals is the same. You will have all the basic facilities and safety to the highest level. All you have to do Let’s pack your backpacks and get ready for the adventure of trekking.