On 25 April 2015, the Gorkha earthquake struck Nepal. In the Langtang valley, it triggered a huge avalanche and landslide that buried Langtang village, killing villagers, trekkers and guides. It was one of the worst single disasters of the earthquake.
The valley today
Families returned and rebuilt. Teahouses now line the trail again, Langtang village stands a short way from where the old village was, and Kyanjin Gompa welcomes trekkers as before. A memorial near the site remembers those who died.
Why trekking there matters
Tourism is the valley’s main income. Every night you spend in a Langtang teahouse and every meal you eat there supports the families who chose to come back.
Visiting respectfully
- Ask before photographing people, homes or the memorial.
- Buy food and drinks in local teahouses rather than carrying everything in.
- Ask your guide about the valley’s story; many guides from the region have family ties to it.
