Introduction
A sudden flood on the Budhi Gandaki River on 11 October 2026 destroyed bridges, trails, lodges, and homes along the lower Manaslu trekking route in Gorkha. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is currently unsafe to start because the trail between Machhakhola and Jagat is severely damaged. The Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) has also advised trekkers to suspend journeys into Tsum Valley. Trekkers should avoid the affected areas until local authorities confirm that the routes are safe.
This Manaslu Trek 2026 update explains what happened, which parts of the trail are affected, what the flood means for bookings this season and next year, and which other treks are worth considering. However, other trekking regions in Nepal, including the Everest, Annapurna, and Mustang regions, may still offer alternative trekking options. If you are planning any of the Manaslu trekking routes, this update will help you understand the impact of the Budhi Gandaki flood, check the latest Manaslu Trek safety conditions, and explore alternative trekking routes in Nepal.
Information | Status |
Date of flood | Sunday 11 October 2026, from about 4 am |
Area affected | Villages in Chumnubri and Dharche rural municipalities, with damage reaching Arughat on the Gorkha and Dhading border |
Likely cause | Preliminary reports point to a landslide that blocked the river or a stream, followed by a sudden release of water. Not yet confirmed |
Damage (early official count) | At least 45 houses destroyed and 27 damaged. Two motorable bridges, two suspension bridges and three hydropower projects affected |
People | Five missing. 82 rescued, including nine foreign nationals |
Trekkers | Jagat cut off in both directions. Of 97 trekkers registered at Jagat, 12 returned and the rest were stranded for days. Some left by chartered helicopter |
Lower route | MCAP says routes from Machhakhola to Jagat are severely damaged |
Tsum Valley | MCAP advised trekkers to suspend journeys |
Reopening | MCAP says reopening will take time and depends on weather. Its notice gives no date |
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Open or Closed Right Now?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is currently not fully open for new trekking groups. Flood damage has severely affected the lower route between Machhakhola and Jagat. MCAP reports that footpaths above Sirdibas towards Larkya La remain relatively safe if reached by air.
According to The Kathmandu Post on 14 October, the trail between Philim and Jagat has been destroyed. Trekkers who crossed Philim into Nubri before the flood were continuing towards Larkya La without problems. However, new groups cannot complete the normal circuit right now. MCAP has warned trekkers, agencies, and local guides not to cross damaged river sections or unstable cliffs on foot.
What Happened in the Budhi Gandaki Flood 2026?
At about 4 am on Sunday, 11 October, a flood of water, mud, and rocks came down the Budhi Gandaki. This Gorkha flood in October 2026 struck as the autumn trekking season was picking up. Local people fled to higher ground, and the Nepal Army, police, and Armed Police Force sent helicopters and teams to the area. The Home Ministry shared 1234 as its emergency number.
What caused it?
The cause has not been confirmed by a technical investigation. Here is what the early assessments say:
The Nepal Army’s first reconnaissance reported a dry landslide that blocked the river, with the water released later.
ICIMOD’s preliminary assessment points to a landslide near Chumchet that formed a temporary dam, which then breached.
Reports differ on where the flood started. One account names the Ungilung stream, which flows into the Syarkhola and then the Budhi Gandaki.
A senior hydrologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said no rainfall was recorded in the upper catchment.
Experts have also said the flood may have come in several surges, because debris can block the river, hold water back, and then release it again. For trekkers, the lesson is simple: a river that looks calm after a flood has not necessarily returned to safe conditions.
The Budhi Gandaki has seen trouble before. ICIMOD notes a large flood in April 2024 caused by an avalanche that pushed water out of Birendra Lake near the Manaslu glacier.
Manaslu Flood Damage: Bridges, Villages, and Lodges
The Manaslu trekking bridges are the heart of this story, because the trail follows one river through narrow valley sections and cliffs. The Kathmandu Post reported that the flood destroyed two motorable concrete bridges, two suspension bridges, one Bailey bridge, and a cantilever bridge on the cliffside between Arughat and Sirdibas. Other reported losses include:
Soti Khola bridge: completely washed away, according to the Department of Roads.
Arughat bridge: a 22 metre section was swept away, while the truss section still stood. By 14 October, people were crossing on a nearby suspension bridge while the damaged bridge was being rebuilt.
Dobhan Khola Bailey bridge: destroyed.
Sardibhir cantilever bridge: swept away. Visitors leaving the Chum Valley area were told they would need to charter a helicopter.
Villages and lodges took heavy losses too. A local ward chair in Dharche told Kantipur that more than two dozen hotels, including well equipped lodges for trekkers, were destroyed between Yarukhola and Dobhan, with roads damaged at four points. Hotels in Tallo Bagar, a market area in Jagat, were also swept away. Deputy chair Laxmi Gurung of Chumnubri reported extensive damage in Dobhan, Ghattekhola, Jagat and Salleri.
These details matter for trek planning. Even after a bridge is replaced, a trekker still needs lodges, food, and local support along the way. Recovery in these villages will take time.
Manaslu Trekking Route Conditions, Section by Section
This Manaslu trekking trail update follows the route in order. Where a section is not mentioned in reports, we say so and avoid guessing.
Arughat and Soti Khola: The Soti Khola bridge was washed away, and part of the Arughat bridge was lost. Arughat has a temporary suspension crossing in use, but Soti Khola remains a break in the normal approach.
Machha Khola: Residents were asked to move to safer areas on 11 October. A guide told the Kathmandu Post he could not continue beyond Machhakhola on 12 October. MCAP lists the stretch from Machhakhola to Jagat as severely damaged.
Tatopani and Dobhan: The Dobhan Khola Bailey bridge was destroyed, and local officials reported damaged hotels, roads, and footbridges in this area. No separate detailed report on Tatopani was available.
Jagat and Salleri: Jagat is the gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area and the place where trekkers register. It was cut off in both directions, and Tallo Bagar hotels were swept away. A hydropower project camp at Salleri was also washed away.
Philim and nearby crossings: MCAP says there is no trail left between Philim and Jagat. A bridge connecting Nyakchet in Chumnubri Ward 3 was reported washed away.
Lokpa and the Tsum Valley junction: MCAP advised suspending Tsum Valley journeys. The route above Lokpa towards the Chum Valley was reported blocked, and the Sardibhir cantilever bridge was lost.
Deng, Namrung, Lho and Samagaun: No village level damage reports were available for these places. MCAP said the trail was not a problem for trekkers who had crossed Philim into Nubri.
Samdo, Larkya La and Bimthang: MCAP described footpaths above Sirdibas towards Larkya La as relatively safe if reached by air. Snow and weather conditions at the pass can change quickly and need a fresh check before any trip.
A fine upper section does not mean the whole trek works. The Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days itinerary, like any version of this trek, needs a safe way in, a safe passage along the whole valley, and a safe way out. A single broken crossing in the lower valley stops the whole plan.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Reopening and Trail Closures: What Needs to Happen
For the Manaslu Circuit Trek after the flood to reopen safely, several things must come together:
Bridges at Soti Khola, Arughat, Dobhan, and other crossings must be replaced or temporarily restored. The Department of Roads said it was studying a Bailey bridge on the surviving Arughat truss.
Trails between Machhakhola, Jagat, and Philim must be rebuilt, since MCAP describes them as severely damaged.
Landslide and river risks must be checked. Technical teams, including geologists and drone teams, were sent to examine the terrain.
Lodges, food supplies, and transport must recover.
MCAP has said that coordination with local authorities and government agencies is underway to repair the trail and that reopening will take time depending on weather conditions. This is the clearest guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek reopening. It does not give a date, so any date you hear from another source is a guess.
These Manaslu trek trail closures also come with practical rules. Do not cross a damaged bridge, do not use unmarked shortcuts along cliffs, and do not set off alone to find another route. If you are already in the area, follow your licensed guide and local authorities. Leave evacuation to the rescue teams, who are working through helicopter flights.
Tsum Valley Trek Safety After the Flood
Tsum Valley, called Chum Valley in many Nepali news reports, branches off the main route near Lokpa. This means the Tsum Valley Trek shares the same lower approach as the Manaslu Circuit. Damage to the lower valley affects both treks.
For Tsum Valley Trek safety, here is what has been reported:
MCAP advised trekkers to suspend journeys into Tsum Valley.
The route above Lokpa towards Chum Valley was reported blocked.
The Sardibhir cantilever bridge, a key way out of the valley, was swept away. On 14 October, MCAP said 107 foreign and 80 Nepali visitors were in the Chum Valley area, and 19 foreign tourists had been evacuated by helicopter.
Five villagers were reported missing in the Ungilung area, which is in Chumnubri Ward 6.
Detailed damage to each village inside Tsum Valley has not been reported. Because of that, it is not right to say every Tsum village is destroyed, and it is not right to say the valley is fine either. The only safe position is that the valley should not be entered until access and exit routes are repaired and cleared.
Manaslu Trekking Season and Planning for 2027
Mid September to mid November is the peak of the Manaslu trekking season, according to the Kathmandu Post. The paper reported 3,442 arrivals in the Manaslu region between mid September and mid October 2026, up sharply from earlier months. The flood therefore hit at the start of the busiest weeks for lodge owners and guides. Spring is the other main window.
If you are weighing the autumn peak across Nepal, the Everest Base Camp small group trek is one popular choice that travellers consider in the same season. Always check current conditions for your own dates, because no region is safe by default.
For Manaslu in spring or autumn 2027, nobody can promise conditions today. Several factors will shape what happens:
how fast bridges and trails are rebuilt and inspected
river levels, rainfall, and landslide risk
snow and weather around Larkya La
how quickly lodges and transport recover
A normal season is a pattern, not a forecast. The best approach is to ask for a fresh route report close to your departure date and to keep your plans flexible.
Manaslu Trek Cancellation or Rescheduling: A Checklist for Booked Trekkers
If you have already booked a Manaslu trek, work through these steps:
Contact your trekking operator before travelling to the trailhead.
Ask for a dated route report and the MCAP notice or other official information behind it.
Confirm transport, bridges, trail diversions, and lodges, including the way out.
Read the rescheduling and Manaslu trek cancellation terms.
Check that your travel insurance covers trekking, evacuation, and natural hazards.
Follow your guide and local authorities.
Avoid damaged bridges, unstable riverbanks, and fresh landslides.
Keep your schedule flexible in case dates change.
You do not need to decide on cancellation today. Some operators have cancelled autumn Manaslu departures, while others are waiting for repairs. Rescheduling to a later date is often the calmest option. If your dates cannot move, switching routes may help. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a common switch for travellers who still want a classic Himalayan trek, and the Mardi Himal trekking routes suit people with fewer days. If you would like help comparing your options, you can contact Thamel Travels & Tours with your dates.
How to Check Whether the Manaslu Trek Has Reopened
Start with official sources: the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, the Gorkha District Administration Office, the Nepal Tourism Board and local authorities. MCAP’s public notice and its information officers are a useful source for trail conditions. The Kathmandu Post’s flood coverage is also helpful for following the story.
A trekking company with recent knowledge of the valley is a valuable source too. Ask for specifics, not general assurances. Good questions include:
What is the date of your latest route report?
Which bridges and trail sections have you confirmed?
What is the plan if a crossing fails?
How will you handle food, lodging, and transport along the route?
What are the rescheduling and refund terms?
Nepal Trekking Safety Update: Manaslu Trekking Alternatives
If Manaslu is not possible, other regions can work. No alternative is safe by default, because every route has its own road access, trail condition, and weather. Always check the situation for your exact dates before you commit.
For remote western Nepal: the Lower Dolpo Trek 18 Days is a quiet journey through a remote region. The Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek is longer and more demanding, and Upper Dolpo needs special permits.
For eastern Nepal: the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is a long trek in a less visited region, which suits trekkers with time and good fitness.
For another Himalayan valley: the Rolwaling trekking routes are an option. One caution: damage to fixed ropes was reported on Tashi Lapcha Pass, which links Rolwaling and Khumbu, so check which route a plan would use.
For Annapurna region: the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a classic Himalayan route. Confirm road access, trail condition, and weather for your dates.
Everest region: the Everest Base Camp small group trek suits travellers who want the Everest region in a small party. Check flight and trail status for your dates.
A shorter Annapurna option: The Mardi Himal trekking routes are shorter. Ask for a current report on the trail and road access from Pokhara.
If you are unsure which trek suits your time, fitness, and budget, Thamel Travels & Tours can help you compare choices based on current conditions.
Final Advice for Manaslu Trekkers
On 14 October 2026, Manaslu Trek safety after the Budhi Gandaki flood is uncertain. The flood damaged bridges, trails, villages, and lodges. MCAP describes the lower routes from Machhakhola to Jagat as severely damaged, advised suspending Tsum Valley journeys, and said reopening will take time. Some trekkers who were already past Philim were continuing towards Larkya La, but new groups cannot yet complete the normal route.
If you have a Manaslu plan, ask for a dated route report, keep your dates flexible and follow local guidance. If you would like help checking current conditions or choosing another trek, you are welcome to contact Thamel Travels & Tours. We can only share what has been confirmed, and we cannot promise outcomes that depend on repairs and weather.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manaslu Trek Safety After the Flood
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek open after the October 2026 flood?
Not for new groups starting in the lower valley. MCAP describes the routes from Machhakhola to Jagat as severely damaged and says reopening will take time depending on weather. Its notice gives no date.
Is it safe to trek Manaslu in October or November 2026?
Not from the lower valley right now. The season runs to mid November, but the season does not repair bridges or trails. Conditions can change, so check again before any plan.
Which Manaslu trekking villages and bridges were affected?
Reported villages include Dobhan, Ghattekhola, Jagat, Salleri, Paiyu, and Bagar. Reported bridges include Soti Khola, part of Arughat, the Dobhan Khola Bailey bridge, and the Sardibhir cantilever bridge. Figures may still change.
Can trekkers continue the Manaslu Circuit if one bridge is damaged?
Usually not safely. The route follows one river through narrow sections, so one lost crossing can cut it. MCAP warns against crossing damaged river sections or cliffs on foot.
Is Tsum Valley affected by the Budhi Gandaki flood?
Yes, the access is affected. MCAP advised suspending journeys, and the Sardibhir cantilever bridge was lost. Damage to each Tsum village has not been reported in detail.
Should I cancel my booked Manaslu trek?
You do not have to decide today. Ask your operator for a written route report and your rescheduling options, and check your insurance. Many travellers prefer to move their dates or switch routes.
Will the Manaslu Circuit Trek be safe in spring 2027?
Nobody can promise it today. It depends on repairs, river and slope conditions, and Larkya La weather. Ask for a fresh route report close to your departure date.
What should I check before booking a Manaslu trek?
Ask for a dated route report, named bridges and lodges that have been confirmed, the exit plan, evacuation cover and refund terms. These show how well prepared a company is.
