Summary
A major flash flood struck the Budhi Gandaki River corridor in Gorkha on 11 October 2026, damaging bridges, settlements and sections of the Manaslu Circuit trekking trail. Access and safety conditions require verification before trekking.
Major Flash Flood Damages the Budhi Gandaki River Corridor and Manaslu Trekking Trail
Last updated: 11 October 2026
Manaslu Circuit Trek Update: A major flash flood struck the Budhi Gandaki River in northern Gorkha, Nepal, early on 11 October 2026, causing significant damage to settlements, bridges and sections of the Manaslu Circuit trekking route. The flood carried large quantities of black mud, debris and boulders through the river corridor, disrupting access to several areas along the trekking trail.
According to OnlineKhabar English, the full extent of the damage was still being assessed at the time of reporting.
What Happened on 11 October?
The flood affected several locations in Chumnubri and Dharche rural municipalities of Gorkha district. Authorities suspect that a landslide or possible ice avalanche in the upper catchment may have temporarily blocked a river and subsequently triggered the sudden release of water. However, the exact cause had not been officially confirmed.
The disaster occurred in the Budhi Gandaki River corridor, which forms a major part of the Manaslu Circuit trekking route.
Damage to Bridges, Settlements and Trekking Trails
Preliminary reports identified the following damage:
- Trekking trail: Sections of the Manaslu trail have been damaged, including the route between Yaru Bagar and Jagat. The trail leading toward Chum Valley above Lokpa has also been reported blocked.
- Bridges: Several bridges were damaged or swept away, including the bridge connecting Aarughat in Gorkha with Dhading, the suspension bridge between Nyakchet and Sirdibas, the bridge linking Machhikhola and Kerauja, and the bridge at Soti.
- Local settlements: Houses and other structures in riverside communities were swept away or damaged. The full extent of the destruction remains subject to assessment.
- Hydropower infrastructure: A construction camp and associated infrastructure were affected by the flood.
These reports indicate substantial disruption to transport and trekking access in the affected corridor.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Update – Are Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley Trekkers Safe?
Rescue and evacuation operations were underway following the flood. According to OnlineKhabar’s initial report, four people had been reported missing near Ungilung Khola, while no human casualties had been confirmed at the time of publication. The Nepal Army and Nepal Police were mobilised to support rescue and evacuation efforts.
Trekkers already in the region should follow instructions from local authorities, their trekking guides and the relevant conservation and security personnel. Anyone approaching the affected area should avoid riverbanks, damaged bridges and unstable trails.
The safety and location of individual trekking groups should be verified directly with local contacts and authorities.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Open?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek should currently be treated as seriously disrupted, with some sections inaccessible or unsafe until inspected.
Damage to bridges and trails means that the usual itinerary cannot be assumed to be passable. The situation may differ between individual sections, and a complete assessment of the route is necessary before trekking can resume safely.
Trekkers with upcoming departures should contact their trekking company before travelling to the region. Operators should verify trail conditions, bridge crossings, lodge access and evacuation options before confirming any itinerary.
What Should Trekkers Planning Manaslu Do?
If you are planning the Manaslu Circuit Trek or Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in October or November 2026, we recommend:
- Obtain the latest information from local authorities and trekking professionals.
- Do not enter affected sections until access and safety have been confirmed.
- Allow flexibility in your travel dates while assessments and recovery work continue.
- Discuss alternative trekking routes if the Manaslu Circuit cannot be operated safely on your planned dates.
Possible alternatives may include the Annapurna Circuit, Nar Phu trek, Upper Mustang trek, Kanchenjunga Trek or other suitable Nepal Trekking Packages, depending on current trail conditions, available permits, your travel dates and your experience.
Our Commitment to Safe Trekking in Nepal
At Nepal Tours Packages, safety comes before maintaining an itinerary at any cost. We are following developments in the Manaslu region and recommend making decisions based on verified local conditions rather than assumptions about trail accessibility.
If you have already booked a Manaslu Circuit Trek or are planning to visit Nepal this autumn, contact our team for assistance with current route assessments and alternative arrangements.
Contact us to discuss your Manaslu trekking plans and available alternatives. We will help you evaluate the options based on the latest verified information.
Source: OnlineKhabar English – What triggered the devastating flood in the Budhi Gandaki river?, published 11 October 2026. Conditions and damage assessments may change as rescue and inspection work continues.
This update is based on published reports available on 11 October 2026 and should not be interpreted as confirmation that any particular trail section is currently safe or open.
For more information, you can get in touch with us
Frequently Asked Questions About the Manaslu Circuit Flood
1. What happened in the Manaslu region on 11 October 2026?
A major flash flood struck the Budhi Gandaki River corridor in Gorkha district, Nepal, on 11 October 2026. The flood damaged settlements, bridges and sections of the Manaslu Circuit trekking trail, disrupting access to several areas.
2. Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek open after the October 2026 flood?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek should be treated as seriously disrupted until the affected trails and bridges have been inspected. Trekkers should obtain the latest confirmation from local authorities and their trekking company before travelling to the region.
3. Which sections of the Manaslu Circuit Trek were affected by the flood?
Initial reports indicated damage to sections of the trail between Yaru Bagar and Jagat, as well as disruption to access toward Chum Valley above Lokpa. Several bridges and riverside settlements were also affected. The full extent of the damage requires further assessment.
4. Is it safe to trek Manaslu in October and November 2026?
Safety depends on the condition of individual trails, bridges, accommodation and evacuation routes following the flood. Do not assume that the usual trekking itinerary is safe or accessible until current conditions have been verified by qualified local professionals and relevant authorities.
5. Were trekkers affected by the Budhi Gandaki flash flood?
Rescue and evacuation operations were initiated following the flood. Initial reports indicated that people were being assisted in the affected region, while some individuals were reported missing. The status of trekking groups should be confirmed through local authorities and reliable contacts.
6. Will the Manaslu Circuit Trek reopen during the 2026 autumn season?
It is too early to guarantee when the entire route will reopen. Restoration will depend on the extent of trail and bridge damage, safety inspections, local access and the work required to restore essential infrastructure. Travellers should follow verified updates rather than rely on an estimated reopening date.
7. What are the alternatives if my Manaslu trek is cancelled?
Depending on current conditions, available permits and your travel dates, possible alternatives include the Annapurna Circuit or another suitable trekking route in Nepal. Your trekking operator can help assess the options and arrange changes to your itinerary.
8. Should I cancel my Manaslu Circuit Trek booking?
Do not make a decision based solely on general news reports. Contact your trekking company to discuss the latest verified conditions, your departure date and the applicable booking terms. If the planned route cannot be operated safely, discuss postponement or an alternative trek.
9. Where can I find the latest Manaslu Circuit Trek updates?
Follow official announcements from the relevant local authorities, Nepal Tourism Board and trusted trekking operators with direct contacts in the Manaslu region. You can also refer to the OnlineKhabar report on the Budhi Gandaki flood for initial information about the disaster.
10. Can Nepal Tours Packages help arrange an alternative trek?
Yes. Nepal Tours Packages can help travellers review alternative trekking options and private itineraries based on their travel dates, preferences and current route conditions. Contact our team before departure so that safety, permits, accommodation and transport arrangements can be assessed.
Planning a Manaslu trek? Contact Nepal Tours Packages for the latest verified information and assistance with alternative trekking arrangements. We recommend confirming all affected route sections before travelling.
