Langtang Valley before and after

If you are a traveller and a wanderer, then you must have a good knowledge of the trekking destinations in Nepal. Langtang Valley Nepal is one of the most beautiful valleys that has been through a lot. Mostly Tamang people are accommodated in this area. The Langtang village is known for its unique culture, yak products, and many beautiful villages along the route. But the 2015 Langtang Valley Earthquake destroyed the beautiful village. 

Langtang Valley Earthquake 2015

The Langtang Valley you see today is not the same as it used to be in the past. On April 25, 2015, Nepal had faced a massive earthquake of 7.8 magnitude. The earthquake caused the loss of more than 8500+ people. Langtang Valley was also one of the villages that was devastated. 

Ghawa festival is a kind of festival that the local people in the area celebrate. It is a Buddhist celebration that is done each year. On April 25, 2015, the local people of Langtang Valley gathered together to celebrate the festival. They all gathered to dance, sing, and have a meal together. But suddenly, at 11:55 AM, the earthquake struck. 

Langtang village lies facing south at the lap of Langtang Lirung. Above the valley, there used to be a large lake glacier. Due to the earthquake, the glacier came down to the Langtang Village. It wiped off the whole village at once. 

More than 300 people died due to the massive Langtang Valley Earthquake 2015. About 180 locals, 50-55 foreigners, and 25 porters and guides, including army personnel, died in the Langtang village earthquake in 2015. The day was a black day for tourism in Langtang Valley and the Langtang Valley itself. Younger people lost their lives as compared to older people.

The local people of the area thought it was an earthquake, so they tried to rescue themselves by running outside the house, but who knew that danger was outside only? The earthquake caused an avalanche in the glacier, which swiped the Langtang village at once. 

The trekking routes, local pathways, and houses all were destroyed during the Langtang Valley Earthquake 2015. Only a few people survived the earthquake. Out of the many houses, only one house survived fully without any damage. 

Langtang Valley after the earthquake

It is now more than seven years since a tragedy occurred in the Langtang region of Nepal, and theories explaining the nature of that tragedy have been confirmed locally and internationally. those travellers who were impacted will no doubt appreciate the safe nature of the zone. People have just been populated near the original village that was built on the sea bottom. Subsequently, life begins to recover as the scorched soil goes back to its lush pastures, and yaks once start to graze on those. People’s houses, teahouses, and other things have been rebuilt, and the village has gradually been reconstructed.

About people

Just after the Langtang Valley Earthquake in 2015, tourism seemed to be close to normal as the valley became increasingly inhabitable with consistent trekkers. People are now unable to earn money and are starving at the moment, but a few months after the quake, the trekkers can come, and teahouses during the peak season are busy, which generates an economy. Locals are back again on the track to cater to their various needs, but the chapter that they are facing is that some of their land has been damaged and covered with stones and boulders, and they must also (overcome the challenge) of restoring their homes.

Even though the task is not simple, smiles are back on people’s faces now, and the Sherpas, Tamanges and other native throat-bakers are already beginning to put in place new villages. Lately, Langtang is a representation of fortitude and dedication. However, the community has never forgotten the impact of the earthquake on them. They work very hard towards reviving the city with the cuts and colours of the past. Such commitment to replace sheds in an area is an obvious sign of the specified area’s significance in the tea-h hiking industry and a compassionate sign for future plans.

2017- Trek route

After the massive Langtang Valley Earthquake 2015 hit the region, the Nepal trekking Langtang Valley route and pass were closed for two years. A kind of reconstruction was being done at that time. Most of the places and villages of the Langtang Valley were destroyed by the massive earthquake. People and the government started to reconstruct it. 

Then, after two years, the trekking route opened in 2017. There are a few major stops for the Langtang Valley trek; we will discuss their situations before and after the earthquake:

Sherpagaun

Sherpagaun is a small village located in the Langtang National Park area. The huge earthquake couldn’t damage Sherpagaun as much as the Langtang Village, but there was still some minor damage. There are around 7 teahouses in Sherapagaun. 

Before the earthquake, there were no facilities for electricity, WiFi, cemented roads, or houses. But now the facilities have been improved and there are all the basic facilities and services in Sherpagaun.

Lama hotel

Lama Hotel is near Sherpagaun, so it has had more damage than Sherpagaun. Still, the locals are recovering from the trauma they faced during the Langtang Valley Earthquake 2015. 

Lama Hotel is the same as before. There are no such changes in this area. The only changes are regarding the facilities and services.

Langtang Village

Langtang village was the most damaged village during the Langtang Valley earthquake 2015. The people are still mourning over the tragedy they faced during the earthquake. Around 300 people died during the earthquake. The pain is still inside their hearts. 

In the Langtang village, there were no strong buildings only mud houses were seen before the earthquake. But now we can see many strong and earthquake-resistant buildings. The residence of that area is shifted above 100 meters area than the destructed area.

There is a WiFi facility, hot shower, solar geyser, network, and much more nowadays. Up to 200 people can be accommodated in the Langtang Village nowadays.

Kyanjin Gompa

Kyanjin Gompa is famous for its monastery named Kyanjin Monastery. But the monastery you see nowadays is not the same monastery it used to be in the last few years. The earthquake had destroyed the monastery and the one you see nowadays is the new one. There was minor damage in Kyanjin Gompa.

Talking about the facilities and accommodation there are services of WiFi and electricity in the area. About 300 people can be accommodated in the area.

How does Langtang Valley Earthquake 2015 impact the lives of people and tourism in the area?

The Langtang Valley Earthquake 2015 in Langtang had a devastating impact on the lives of the local people. Many families lost their homes and belongings, forcing them to live in temporary shelters. This displacement caused a lot of hardship and uncertainty for the residents. Additionally, the destruction of infrastructure like roads and bridges made it difficult for them to access necessities like food, water, and medical care. The earthquake also took a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of the people, leaving many traumatized by the experience.

On the tourism front, the earthquake dealt a heavy blow to Langtang’s economy. The region, known for its stunning trekking routes and natural beauty, saw a sharp decline in tourist numbers following the disaster. The destruction of trekking trails and landmarks meant that many tourists were unable to visit, leading to a loss of income for businesses reliant on tourism. Hotels, restaurants, and shops either had to close down or operate at reduced capacity, further exacerbating the economic impact on the community.

Despite these challenges, the people of Langtang have shown remarkable strength and determination to rebuild their lives and their community. With the help of NGOs and government aid, they have been working tirelessly to reconstruct homes, schools, and other infrastructure. The reopening of trekking routes and the gradual return of tourists have provided a much-needed boost to the local economy. By visiting Langtang, tourists can not only experience its natural beauty but also contribute to the recovery and rebuilding efforts of the local community.

Why visit Langtang village now?

Langtang Village is a remarkable destination to visit, especially now, following the devastating Langtang Valley Earthquake 2015 that struck the area. Despite the tragic loss of life and widespread destruction, the people of Langtang have shown incredible resilience and determination to rebuild their community. By visiting Langtang, tourists can contribute to the area’s recovery and help support the local economy.

Many families in Langtang depend on tourism for their livelihoods, and the influx of visitors can provide much-needed income to support ongoing reconstruction efforts. Additionally, by visiting Langtang, tourists can witness firsthand the strength and spirit of the local community as they work together to rebuild their homes and businesses.

Moreover, tourism plays a essential role in the long-term sustainability of Langtang. By visiting the area, tourists can help ensure that the efforts to rebuild are successful and that the community can thrive once again. Overall, visiting Langtang Valley today is not just an opportunity to experience its natural beauty but also a chance to support its people in their recovery and rebuilding process.