Clean Water and Clear Purpose: Reflections from the Langtang Valley Trek

In May of 2024, I was fortunate enough to take part in the life changing experience of trekking in the Langtang National Park in Nepal. Myself and 10 other Utah State University students trekked for 12 days starting in the lush forests and making our way up to the base of massive peaks unlike any we have ever seen. It was without a doubt the single most profound experience I have ever had. This short article is a reflection of this incredible opportunity, the impacts we were able to make as a team and the interactions I was blessed to have had. 

Along our trek, we had the opportunity to partner with Waves for Water to distribute 15 water filters in 3 remote villages, setting up 5 filters in each community. The first two villages where we distributed filters, Langtang and Kyanjin Gompa were severely impacted by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in April of 2015. A vast landslide triggered by the shake decimated the majority of infrastructure in these villages. Efforts to rebuild buildings and access to resources are still slowly progressing and a lack of funding has paused multiple reconstruction efforts. 

In the Langtang valley, the majority of the water comes from snow melt in the high peaks. The runoff water runs through valley lowlands littered with livestock excrement. This water has a high likelihood of contamination from the excrement and makes getting clean drinking water very difficult for those living in these high-altitude villages.

Bringing in water filters, which filter down to 0.01 microns, we were able to give these communities an easy to use solution for safe drinking water. As a team, led by our expedition leaders, we personally demonstrated and aided locals in the assembly of these water filters. Typically, we demonstrated the filter operation to the elders of the villages in hopes that they would relay the information about the filters to the younger locals. 

Before our expedition, the last time filters were distributed in the Langtang valley were in 2015 by Binod Rai, owner of Insight Himalaya, immediately following the earthquake. The feeling of gratification in all of us was quite immense knowing that we were able to support the generous people of Kyanjin and Langtang. 

The people of the Langtang valley were some of the most welcoming, genuine, and hospitable people I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. At every tea house, guest house, and lodge, the locals were eager to greet us and talk about life in the valley. I was lucky enough to meet and personally interact with a multitude of trek supporting porters and local villagers. These conversations were some of the most impactful and eye-opening discussions I have ever been apart of. Being from a first world country, it’s easy to get distracted by inconveniences and take for granted the opportunities I have. Conversing with the locals gave me the opportunity to not only reflect on life outside of my own little bubble but also what life looks like for those who don’t have the same opportunities. It was incredibly humbling. 

Although the porters spoke little to no English, it was fascinating to listen what they had to say about their personal lives and careers outside of portering during the trekking seasons. A vast majority of porters who I spoke to were farmers in the offseason when they were not being contracted to porter. The respect I now have for these people and the hard work they do to make these trips happen is immense. 

The locals I interacted with in the Langtang valley spoke about the challenges living in an isolated area. They are extremely proud of the area they live in, their resilience following the earthquake and maintaining the beauty of their landscape. I deeply admire their pride. All supplies, building materials, dry goods, food, etc. are either brought in via mule train or flown in via helicopter. Income, food, and supplies are limited and must be conserved. Having these conversations again was incredibly humbling and I hope to have more interactions like these in the future. 

A recurring theme throughout the trip, at least for myself, was the overwhelming feeling of self-accomplishment and reflection. I am incredibly grateful for Youthlinc, USU Study Abroad, USU Outdoor Programs, Insight Himalaya, Waves for Water, Youthlinc Sponsors and all those who made this trip happen. I fell in love with service, travel, and Nepal on this trip. I urge everyone if they have the opportunity to embark on a service trip to do it. It will change your life.