Kyangjin, from a more philosophical perspective

Elevation: 3750m
Time on the trail: Day hike

This pretty view comes at a price. For me right now that price is an uncomfortably cold temperature, but I leave tomorrow. For the folks who live up here, it’s more than just temperature; it’s limited gastronomic, reading, and recreational choices amongst many others. Is that worth a pretty view?

Maybe not, for me as an over stimulated Westerner, but for a person who hasn’t known any differently, is it worth it? The Tibetan man, Lhakhpa, owner of this evening’s lodging, prefers the settlement of Kyangjin to Langtang Village, just two hours’ hike from here. He also has a price to pay, however.

His wife spends much of her time in Langtang Village where their families live, so he sees her only when he takes time away from the lodge. His elder sons, ages 16 and 14 go to school in Dhunche, which is a three day walk from Kyangjin, and the 9-year-old goes to school in Kathmandu, which is a three-day walk and then a nine hour bus ride from home. For Lhakpa the cost of the view includes separation from his family.

Another factor is money – how much is it that he likes the view and how much is it that this is where he can earn a livelihood? Private school is expensive, but the public schools are viewed as worthless, so his sons must be in private school. Then again, getting supplies up here is expensive since everything is carried on a human’s back or head for three days. So maybe it really is a love for the environment that keeps him this far into the mountains?