Barpak, a scenic village nestled at 3,300 meters in the lap of the Buddha Himal, holds a rich legacy intertwined with its distinct housing pattern, natural beauty, and heroic tales. Once known for its traditional stone houses—an identity symbolized by more than 1,300 homes built using locally sourced stone and wood—the village is now witnessing the slow disappearance of these iconic structures, replaced by modern concrete homes after the devastating earthquake of 2015.

A Unique Tradition in Housing

Barpak’s charm was not just in its picturesque location but in its harmonious housing design. The homes were built uniformly, from foundation to roof, using stones of the same texture and color, creating a striking visual aesthetic. Black stone roofs gleamed under the sun, while mud walls seamlessly blended with the surrounding landscape. The entire village, when viewed from a distance, resembled an intricate painting, capturing the essence of the region’s architectural heritage.

However, the earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, with its epicenter in Barpak, changed everything. Most of these stone houses were reduced to rubble in a matter of seconds, wiping out a unique cultural and architectural identity in the process.

The Shift to Modernity

In the aftermath of the earthquake, the villagers were forced to make difficult decisions. Fearful of future quakes and the perceived weakness of stone houses, most residents opted to rebuild using concrete, prioritizing safety over tradition.

Sushila Ghale, a local resident, shared her experience: "I didn't want to abandon the old style of Barpak, but we had no choice. After the destruction, it felt unsafe to rebuild with stone in case another big earthquake struck."

This sentiment was echoed by many in Barpak, leading to the widespread adoption of modern housing designs. While these new homes are undoubtedly safer, many locals feel that they have lost more than just their traditional houses.

"With the new houses, our local originality, social connections, and even family ties have weakened," says Ghale, reflecting on how the transition has impacted the community's social fabric. The cement houses, though resilient, are seen as cold and disconnected from the land, impacting not only the village’s appearance but even the health and well-being of its residents, according to some.

Lost Identity and Struggles with Reconstruction

The shift away from traditional housing has also stirred debates about whether the uniqueness of Barpak could have been preserved during the reconstruction. Some believe that modern technologies could have been applied to make the traditional stone houses earthquake-resistant, thus maintaining the village’s cultural identity.

Ward President Dhan Bahadur Ghale expressed regret that there was no concrete plan to preserve the original architectural style during the rebuilding process: "We could not protect the old designs handed down by our ancestors. Some wanted to preserve the old identity, but in the rush to rebuild, we lost much of what made Barpak unique."

Efforts were made, notably in coordination with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), to restore Barpak to its traditional form. Unfortunately, these initiatives did not yield the desired results, and today, the once-uniform stone village has largely transformed into a modern settlement.

A New Barpak, With a Glimpse of the Past

Despite the loss of its traditional stone houses, Barpak has not lost its charm entirely. According to Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, chairman of Barpak Sulikot Rural Municipality, the village has been beautified through the reconstruction process. “Although the old stone houses are gone, Barpak now has a fresh look, decorated with many tourist attractions,” he said. Plans are in place to retain some elements of the old model when constructing public buildings, giving visitors a glimpse of Barpak’s past.

The Proud Legacy of Barpak

Barpak’s story is one of resilience, not only in the face of natural disasters but in maintaining a deep sense of pride in its heritage. The village holds a special place in Nepal’s history as the home of Gaje Ghale, a Victoria Cross recipient during World War II, and many other Lahures, whose heroism continues to inspire.

While the stone houses may be disappearing, the art, culture, and traditions of Barpak remain alive in the hearts of its people. The locals believe that Barpak’s saga of bravery, its natural beauty, and its traditional customs deserve global recognition, even as the village moves forward into a new era.

Barpak’s evolution is a testament to the delicate balance between preservation and progress—a village that stands at the crossroads of memory and modernity. -- RSS