On April 25, 2015, a powerful earthquake struck Nepal, devastating Langtang village and causing immense loss of life. Nima Chhiring Tamang, a 30-year-old who had just returned home after completing his university education, was in Kyanjin Gompa, a neighboring village, when the quake hit. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake triggered a massive glacial avalanche that buried Langtang village. Tragically, Chhiring’s mother was among nearly 300 people killed in Langtang, and the disaster claimed around 9,000 lives across the country.
The avalanche unleashed an estimated 40 million tons of rock and ice on the village, destroying almost everything in its path. Only one building survived, miraculously sheltered under a rock face.
Fast forward ten years, and Langtang has made a remarkable recovery. The village is now a bustling hub for trekkers from around the world. Visitors are greeted by grazing yaks and colorful prayer flags as they walk through the area. A memorial made of stone, inscribed with Buddhist mantras, honors those who lost their lives in the earthquake.
Langtang lies within Langtang National Park, established in 1976 to protect its unique wildlife and plants. The park has attracted tourists since the 1980s, but before the earthquake, the village struggled to accommodate visitors. In the wake of the disaster, many local homes were transformed into guesthouses, equipped with modern amenities like WiFi.
However, not all changes are viewed positively. Some residents feel that the village has lost its traditional charm and sense of community. Chhiring expressed concern that the focus has shifted to profit and competition for tourists, overshadowing the simpler, peaceful life they once knew.
After the earthquake, international aid flooded into Nepal, with organizations promising to help rebuild. However, much of this aid came with loans and conditions, leaving the country in debt. In Langtang, the local community took charge of the rebuilding process through grassroots efforts, forming the Langtang Management and Reconstruction Committee just three months after the quake.
Despite their determination, residents faced significant challenges. With limited funding, they combined their homes and businesses, leading to tensions over competition and jealousy. The construction of guesthouses often took precedence over essential services like healthcare, which remain inadequate a decade later.
Today, the landscape of Langtang has changed dramatically. Where there once were traditional tea houses made from stone and timber, there are now modern concrete buildings. Families often share common spaces in guesthouses during peak tourist seasons, a stark contrast to the past.
Nurchung Tamang, who lost everything in the earthquake, returned to Langtang after staying in Kathmandu. His family began rebuilding with the help of foreign volunteers, but obtaining materials was a struggle due to the village’s remote location. Large machinery could not be brought in, and much of the old village remains buried under rubble.
Before the earthquake, Langtang had about 50 families. Now, fewer than half remain, with many having moved away or lost their lives. While the guesthouses provide much-needed income, the focus on tourism has changed the fabric of the community.
As climate change continues to pose threats, including rising temperatures and unpredictable weather, the future of Langtang remains uncertain. Yet, despite the challenges, residents like Chhiring feel a deep connection to their homeland. He stated simply, “It’s our motherland, we have to respect that.”