Is It Safe to Travel to Nepal After the Flood? September 2026 Travel & Trekking Update
Quick Answer
Yes, for most of the country, but the situation is route-by-route right now rather than one single story. There isn’t one “Nepal flood,” there have been several separate, localized disruptions this season. On August 26, 2026, a flash flood struck the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors near the Nepal-Tibet border, causing serious damage in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and surrounding districts. Search and rescue work is still active there, and September 7 is being observed as a national day of mourning. TAAN, Nepal’s Trekking Agencies’ Association, reported that Everest, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Mustang, and Manaslu were all outside that August 26 flood’s impact zone. Since then, a separate flash flood hit the Manaslu region on September 6, and local authorities have temporarily suspended trekking on the Manaslu Circuit and Larke Pass. Everest, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Mustang remain outside the affected areas and are currently open, subject to normal weather and transport conditions.
What happened, briefly
A flash flood came down the Bhote Koshi gorge on the Nepal-China border on the morning of August 26, sweeping through Timure and the Rasuwagadhi border crossing before continuing downstream along the Trishuli into Nuwakot, Dhading, and beyond. It severely damaged roads, bridges, and settlements in that corridor, including the approach to Langtang. Recovery work is still ongoing, and this remains an active humanitarian situation.
Separately, on September 6, a flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki and Therang rivers near Namrung, in Gorkha district, swept away two bridges and two micro-hydropower projects on the Manaslu trekking route. No casualties were reported. The District Administration Office in Gorkha and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project have both suspended trekking on the Manaslu Circuit and Larke Pass until further notice.
Why this doesn’t mean “Nepal is closed”
Nepal stretches nearly 800 km east to west, and its trekking regions sit in separate river valleys and mountain systems. The August 26 flood didn’t touch the trails themselves in Everest, Annapurna, Mustang, Kanchenjunga, or Makalu, and the September 6 Manaslu flood is a separate, localized event in a different valley again. The two disruptions shouldn’t be read as one bigger “Nepal is flooded” story. That said, “the trekking region is fine” and “getting there is simple” are two different questions right now, since some access roads elsewhere in the country have also seen landslide disruption this monsoon season. Check your specific route, not just your destination.
Which regions are unaffected by the floods and currently open?
- Everest / Khumbu region (Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Three Passes)
- Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp
- Upper Mustang
- Kanchenjunga
- Makalu
Is the Manaslu Circuit and Larke Pass open?
Manaslu was not affected by the August 26 Rasuwa flood, but a separate flash flood on September 6 damaged the main bridges near Namrung, on the primary route through the circuit. The District Administration Office in Gorkha and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project have both told trekkers to postpone trips until further notice. Tsum Valley access has also been disrupted, with a landslide affecting the route, so trekkers should postpone departures until conditions are reassessed.
If you have a Manaslu or Tsum Valley trip booked with us, get in touch. Since this falls under a natural disaster disruption, we’ll either arrange an alternative trek of equal value or help you reschedule your trip.
Can I still get between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
- Tribhuvan International Airport is operating, with domestic and international flights running. As always, check your airline for the latest flight status.
- Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan remain accessible and open to visitors.
- Road travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara is currently heavily disrupted. The Prithvi Highway remains blocked at Krishnabhir in Dhading, where a section collapsed into the Trishuli River, leaving tourist buses stranded. Air travel between the two cities has increased sharply, and airlines have added flights on some routes to accommodate the extra demand.
- Work is underway to reopen the Krishnabhir section, but officials say restoration will take time.
- Avoid the Rasuwagadhi-Timure-Syabrubesi corridor unless local authorities and your operator confirm it’s safe.
What about Langtang and Gosaikunda?
The flood severely damaged infrastructure around Syabrubesi and the approach corridor to Langtang, cutting the valley off from Dhunche. This isn’t just a road inconvenience, the gateway infrastructure itself was damaged. Local estimates suggest the route could reopen by late September, but that’s not confirmed.
If you have a Langtang trip booked with us, get in touch. Since this falls under a natural disaster disruption, we’ll either arrange an alternative trek of equal value or help you reschedule your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Everest Base Camp trek affected by the Nepal flood?
No. The Everest region is well outside the flood zone and treks are running on schedule.
Is the Annapurna Circuit safe to trek right now?
Yes. The August 26 Rasuwa flood did not affect Annapurna’s trails or trekking access. Road conditions elsewhere in Nepal can change quickly this time of year, so it’s worth checking your specific access route before departure.
Is Manaslu Circuit open?
No, not currently. Manaslu was unaffected by the August 26 Rasuwa flood, but a separate flash flood on September 6 damaged bridges near Namrung. The District Administration Office in Gorkha and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project have asked trekkers not to travel on the Manaslu Circuit or Larke Pass until further notice. If you have a trip booked with us, contact us and we’ll arrange an alternative trek of equal value or help you reschedule.
What about Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga, or Makalu?
All confirmed outside the affected areas and currently open.
Can I still get between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
By air, yes, and flights are currently operating. By road, it’s currently difficult. The Prithvi Highway is blocked at Krishnabhir, and many travelers are using flights while the highway is repaired.
What about Langtang?
Langtang and Gosaikunda currently have significant access restrictions, since the flood damaged the approach corridor around Syabrubesi. If you have a Langtang trip booked with us, contact us and we’ll arrange an alternative trek of equal value or help you reschedule.
Should I cancel my Nepal trip?
Not automatically. If your itinerary is Everest, Annapurna, Mustang, Kanchenjunga, or Makalu, those trekking regions are currently outside the affected areas. If it’s Manaslu, Tsum Valley, or Langtang, talk to your operator directly about rescheduling or an alternative route.
See also: Nepal trekking permits, travel insurance for trekking in Nepal, and how to choose a Nepal trekking company.
