Archive · 1 Jul 2025
Nepal Village Relocates Due to Climate Change, Starting Over
Imagine a village high in the mountains where it snowed a lot.
But the snow stopped coming, so the water dried up.
Without water, people couldn't grow food or have water to drink, so the villagers had to move.
They found a new place near a river and started over, building new homes.
It was hard work, but now they live closer to a town with tourists, so they have new jobs.
They miss their old home but know they can't go back because there's no water.
The Himalayan village of Samjung relocated due to water scarcity caused by climate change.
Declining snowfall, retreating glaciers, and increased rainfall damaged homes and farmland.
Villagers moved nearly 15 kilometers to a new location near the Kali Gandaki river.
The move was challenging, requiring the construction of new homes, shelters, and water canals.
Life in the new village differs, with some villagers now employed in tourism.
- Who
- The villagers of Samjung.
- What
- The relocation of the Himalayan village of Samjung due to water scarcity caused by climate change.
- When
- The drought and losses began around the turn of the century; the move started a decade ago.
- Where
- Upper Mustang, Nepal, to a location near the Kali Gandaki river.
- Why
- Due to climate change impacting water sources and making it difficult to live and farm.
- Old Village Location
- Upper Mustang, Nepal
- Cause of Relocation
- Water Scarcity due to Climate Change
- Distance Moved
- Nearly 15 kilometers
- New Village Location
- Banks of the Kali Gandaki river
- Nearby City
- Lo Manthang
