Langtang National Park Hike

Langtang National Park hike

It’s Christmas Day and Rod is ready for a hike in a forest. We pick Langtang National Park, and Eva joins us!

Langtang is one of the three major trekking locations (behind Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit). Treks penetrate deeply into the mountains of the park, but we take just a day hike from the small village of Helambu and leads to the even smaller village of Chisopani (literally, cold water).

It is Christmas day. This is a good time to reflect on our Christian beliefs having just completed a retreat to practice Buddhist methods. I see no conflict. I see Buddhist practice as a good means to become a better Christian.

We do not even get out of Helambu before hearing warnings about the Maoist guerrillas in this area. It is unsafe for boys in this area –they are routinely kidnapped and forced into the Maoist army. One young boy joins us, and talks with Eva most of the way. He is headed to visit his grandparents in the same general direction, but joined us all the way to Chisopani to make sure we arrived safely. The next day he walked with other men about an hour back to his Grandparent’s house.

In Chisopani, we are the only guests at the Guesthouse, which has been our typical experience here. Few tourists come, due to the crumbling political situation. The effect is disastrous for the locals.

We accidentally walked past the Nepal National Training Center. Since we both had some experience as trainers for Scouting the USA, we stopped in for a peek. We were greeted by enthusiastic Scouters (Wood Badge trained!). We felt the need to push on since Eva would be waiting ahead for us (and worrying). Still, the Scouts were insistent that we join them for tea and then watched a Scout Troop of boys and girls as they played competitive games. Cool!