Langtang remembers: More than 200 people, including foreigners, gather to pay tribute

More than 200 people trekked from Syafrubesi to Langtang to pay tributes to the innocent lives lost on the April 25 eathquake. They gathered at the 600 year old Serkasa Stupa, where a memorial Mani Wall inscribed with names of the dead has been built.

Last year’s devastating quake claimed 216 lives, including 41 foreigners, while 82 people are still unaccounted for. Sydney Schumacher’s father travelled with his son to express solidarity with those who lost their loved ones during the tragedy. Sydney was travelling with her colleague Bailey Meola when she got caught up in the earthquake. Sydney’s body was recoverd: Meola’s has not been found yet.

Likewise, Athena Zelandonni, an Australian photographer based in Cambodia, joined the vigil to remember the lives of the trekkers she had come to know. She was one of the lucky ones to survive the tragedy.

Ang Tshering Sherpa, President of Nepal Mountaineering Association, said that revival of tourism in Langtang and the whole country was the need of the hour. Speaking at the ceremony, he requested all visitors to carry the message that Nepal was now safe to travel.

Babu Tamang, a 70 year old resident of Langtang, expressed his grief at having lost everything- their families, land and assets – in the quake. However, he added optimistically, that Langtang will hopefully spring back to life again.

Photo Credit: Dmitry Sumin