Budhi Gandaki Floods 2026: Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Safe?

What Happened During the Budhi Gandaki Floods in 2026?

Early on Sunday, 11 October 2026, the Budhi Gandaki flood rushed through northern Gorkha, about 100 km west of Kathmandu. A surge of mud, rocks and debris swept through settlements along the river, damaging houses, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. 

It began around 4 am in Chumnubri Rural Municipality. By 8 am, the river had passed its danger level at Arughat, and authorities told people downstream to move to higher ground.

The response was fast. Authorities rescued 82 people, nine of them foreign nationals, while five people remain missing in the Ungilung area. The Nepali Army flew helicopters into the area. Evacuations included six people from Jagat, nine from Nyak Phedi, nine from Yaru and twelve from Paiyu.

Trekkers were caught up in it too. Officials reported more than 100 foreign tourists at Jagat, 17 awaiting rescue at Lokpa and 40 at Chhekampar in the Tsum Valley. Encouragingly, the MCAP checkpoint at Jagat, local lodges, and registered trekking groups were reported safe in the first assessments. Rescue and evacuation work is still going, and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project is coordinating with the rescue teams.

This was also the second flood on this route in five weeks. A separate flood on 6 September hit Namrung, and we’ll come back to how quickly that one was repaired.

Key Takeaways

• The flood hit the lower valley (Soti Khola to Jagat). The high circuit toward Larkya La is reportedly unaffected.
• New departures are paused, not cancelled.
• Several bridges and road sections are damaged or blocked (full list below).
• Nepal rebuilt a washed-out Manaslu bridge in about two days last month.
• The rest of Nepal, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Everest and Annapurna, is operating normally.
• No one can promise a date yet, so plan with flexibility.

What Caused the Budhi Gandaki Floods?

Investigators are still working it out, and we’d rather tell you that than guess. The leading theory is a landslide that blocked a river, followed by a sudden release of water. The Nepal Army’s first reconnaissance team reported a dry landslide in Philim, Chumnubri-3, that dammed the Budhi Gandaki. 

Preliminary observations traced the floodwater from the Ungilung Khola through the Syarkhola into the main river. None of this has been confirmed by a technical investigation yet.

One detail points away from rain. A senior hydrologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said no rainfall had been recorded in the upper catchment. Early talk of a glacial lake outburst hasn’t been confirmed either, and NepalNOW notes that the evidence is leaning toward a landslide and a temporary river blockage.

Geologists and drone teams are now studying the terrain. That’s good news for you. Once the cause is clear, officials can say which stretches are stable and which need more time before trekkers return.

Which Areas of the Manaslu Region Were Affected by the Floods?

The damage follows the river. Reports name Jagat, Dobhan, Salleri, Ghattekhola, Paiyu and Bagar, with further damage down the road toward Machha Khola, Soti Khola and Arughat. The deputy chair of Chumnubri said 35 houses were washed away in Paiyu and Bagar alone.

Reports also describe Salleri bazaar as swept away and heavy damage to Jagat Bazaar, which matters because Jagat is the key access point for trekkers entering the Manaslu region.

Infrastructure took a hit as well. The powerhouse of the 341 MW Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project at Salleri was swept away, and about a dozen local drinking water projects were damaged.

Now, the wider picture, which NepalNOW stresses. The flood is a serious but localised event along one river corridor, not a Nepal-wide disruption. The municipalities involved have around 42,000 residents, but many villages sit well above the river. 

Kathmandu, Pokhara, Everest, Annapurna and Chitwan are all outside the flood corridor and carrying on as normal. If you’re wondering whether to cancel your whole Nepal trip, the answer is almost certainly no.

How Much Damage Did the Floods Cause to Trails and Bridges?

Let’s lay it all out, because you should have the real picture. At least 45 houses were destroyed, and 27 more were partly damaged, along with three vehicles, and the disaster authority counted two motorable bridges, two suspension bridges, and three hydropower projects affected. 

Reports from different outlets vary on individual bridges, so we’ve marked each one as reported.

Bridges damaged or destroyed

Roads and trail sections blocked or cut

• Arughat to Soti to Machha Khola to Jagat: the usual jeep approach is cut at several points.
• A section of the Arughat road is damaged.
• The Gorkha–Dhading road link is disrupted, as is movement between settlements along the river.
• Yaru Bagar to Jagat: this trail section is heavily damaged.
• Jagat Bazaar: access is affected.
• Lokpa onward into Tsum Valley: impassable because of severe obstructions.
• The Nyakchet–Philim junction linking the Manaslu and Tsum routes is disrupted by the bridge damage above.

Earlier damage this season, and how quickly it was fixed

On 6 September, a flood on the Therang Khola near Namrung swept away the main suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki, a second bridge and several homes. The Suksam Khola suspension bridge was lost too. 

Here’s the encouraging bit. A temporary wooden bridge and alternative trail were built within about two days, and trekkers were moving again. By 6 October, jeeps were reaching Jagat again and around 200 tourists a day were entering the region. 

Authorities are now assessing options for Bailey bridges as temporary replacements. We know how this valley responds, and we have every reason to be hopeful.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Safe After the 2026 Floods?

Here’s how we think about it. A trek is safe when the trail has been inspected, the bridges are sound, the weather is stable, and your guide is confident. Right now that checking process is still underway for the lower valley, which is exactly why departures are paused. That’s the system doing its job.

Once routes are cleared, the Manaslu Circuit Trek will be in better-checked shape than usual. Every crossing will have been looked at more than once, and guides will be extra careful. It also helps that you can’t trek this restricted area alone. You always go with a licensed guide, and that’s your biggest safety asset.

A fair note from NepalNOW: passable does not always mean normal, so the advice is to keep spare days, listen to local guides, and be ready to adapt. If you want a deeper look at the route itself, our complete guide to the Manaslu Circuit Trek covers it day by day.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Open Right Now?

Honestly, not yet. As of 14 October 2026, new Manaslu Circuit Trek departures are on hold while conditions are assessed, and there is no official reopening timetable. 

If you haven’t started, delay your departure and wait for an updated route assessment. If you’re already above the affected confluence, you can continue around the circuit, cross Larkya La and exit through Dharapani, if your guide judges conditions safe.

Please don’t try damaged crossings on your own. Stay away from riverbanks and follow your guide and local authorities.

If you’re booked, talk to your operator now. A good agency will move your dates or switch your route without making this stressful. When the district administration and MCAP give the go-ahead, you’ll hear it through official channels first, and we’ll update this page the same day.

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Which Sections of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Are Affected?

Think of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in two halves.

The upper half holds everything people come for: Manaslu’s peaks, Tibetan-style villages, monasteries and the Larkya La crossing. That’s all still there. 

Just remember that snow and ice around the pass need respect at this time of year. Nepal NOW’s early-October report noted groups crossing Larkya La but flagged snow and ice as ongoing concerns.

Since every standard itinerary climbs through the lower valley, the pause covers the whole trek. But restoring one corridor is a far smaller job than rebuilding a whole trek. If you’d like a shorter option once access returns, take a look at the Short Manaslu Trek 8-day

Can Trekkers Travel to Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng and Namrung?

For now, please hold off. 

Here’s where each village stands:

• Machha Khola: Hit hard. Bazaar damage was reported, a nearby footbridge was lost or damaged, and some groups were seen returning from here on the day of the flood.
• Jagat: The checkpoint and registered groups were reported safe, but the village and the trail below it took damage. Several people were airlifted out by the army.
• Deng: Sits above the worst-hit stretch, but you can only reach it through Jagat, so it depends on that section reopening.
• Namrung: Had its own flood on 6 September, and a temporary bridge got people through within days. Access again depends on the lower route.

When these villages reopen, you’ll probably notice some changes: temporary bridges, short detours, maybe a few new lodge arrangements. Those are normal parts of mountain recovery, and they’re safe once your guide has checked them.

Are the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits and Trekking Routes Still Valid?

This is the question we hear most. We haven’t seen any official announcement about permit changes after the flood, so please don’t assume anything. Ask your operator whether your dates can be shifted, because permits are tied to specific dates and groups.

What we can tell you is how the system works. Manaslu is a restricted area, so you need a Restricted Area Permit plus Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permits, arranged through a registered agency. Your guide presents them at the Jagat checkpoint.

The route itself isn’t changing. You’ll still walk the same famous circuit, though expect temporary bridges and small detours in the lower valley at first. If you want to see how the Tsum extension fits in, our Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley itinerary shows the full plan.

When Will the Manaslu Circuit Trek Be Safe to Visit Again?

We can’t give you a confirmed date, and anyone who does is guessing. What we can give you are reasons for real optimism.

• The Namrung precedent: A washed-out bridge was replaced in about two days last month.
• Quick access recovery: Jeeps were back at Jagat within a month of the earlier flood.
• Active planning. Authorities are looking at Bailey bridges, and teams are on the ground assessing the terrain.
• Strong local will: Tourism in Chumnubri and Dharche supports whole communities, and they want you back.

Reopening will depend on bridge work, geological checks, river stability, and clearance from the district administration and MCAP. NepalNOW says the Rasuwa corridor has already been reopening progressively after the earlier disaster, which shows the pattern: assess, repair, reconnect.

Looking ahead, late autumn can still work once access returns, and spring (March to May) is another beautiful window. Our guide to the climate of Nepal helps you pick. If you want to budget for a later date, see our Manaslu Circuit trekking cost breakdown.

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Safety Tips for Trekkers Planning the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026

A few habits will keep you safe and relaxed, whenever you go.

1. Confirm the route before you leave Kathmandu. Ask your operator for a same-week update, not an old email.
2. Build in two or three spare days. Padding lets your guide choose the safest option without rushing.
3. Stay away from riverbanks and damaged crossings. Never test a bridge your guide has ruled out.
4. Follow your guide’s decisions. They know the valley and the latest local reports.
5. Carry proper insurance. Make sure it covers high altitude above 5,000 m, trip delays and helicopter evacuation.
6. Skip non-refundable flights until your dates are confirmed.
7. Pack for snow near Larkya La. Our trekking equipment list covers it.
8. Carry a local SIM and an offline map, and save emergency numbers: Nepal Police 100 and Tourist Police 1144.
9. Check updates daily. NepalNOW publishes a live conditions map, and your operator should too.
10. Travel light on expectations. Delays happen in the Himalaya, and a calm attitude helps everyone.

Our Trekkers on the Manaslu Trail Are Safe

We know the first question on your mind is about people, so we’ll start there. Our trekkers and their guides were in the Manaslu region when the Budhi Gandaki flood struck on 11 October, and we’re relieved to say every one of them is safe and accounted for.

Our team stayed in contact with our guides, and we also spoke to our trekkers’ families, and we’ll keep updating them.

We’re grateful to the Nepali Army, local communities, and rescue teams for their work in saving people throughout Nepal. Our thoughts remain with those still missing.

Tsum Valley Trek After the Budhi Gandaki Flood

If you were dreaming about the Tsum Valley trek, we’d love to tell you it’s ready. It isn’t yet. The route beyond Lokpa into the valley is currently blocked by severe obstructions, and the junction bridge near Philim is among those reported damaged. 

Around 40 trekkers were reported in Chhekampar when the flood struck, and teams are working on their safe return.

Tsum is worth the wait. It’s a sacred, remote valley of monasteries, prayer walls and warm hospitality, and it’s nowhere near as crowded as the big-name routes. Because it shares the same river corridor, its recovery will move alongside the main circuit. 

When it reopens, the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley gives you both in one journey. Until then, please wait for official clearance and don’t enter on your own.

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Should You Postpone Your Manaslu Circuit Trek After the Floods?

If your dates fall in the next few weeks, our honest advice is yes, shift them, or at least stay flexible. It takes pressure off you, and it gives the valley time to repair and be inspected properly. Here are your options:

• Wait and stay flexible: Keep your booking and let your operator move you once the trail reopens.
• Move to spring: March to May is a lovely season for the circuit.
• Swap to another trek this autumn. The Everest and Annapurna regions are outside the flood corridor. Check current local conditions first, since NepalNOW notes some other routes still need care after September’s rain. Options include the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Pikey Peak Trek.

Not sure which fits? You can plan your trip with us or customize an itinerary around your dates.

Conclusion: Is It Safe to Trek the Manaslu Circuit in 2026?

Yes, it will be, once the lower valley has been repaired and cleared. Right now the Manaslu Circuit Trek is paused while teams rebuild and inspect, and we’d rather you wait than rush into a damaged corridor. The Budhi Gandaki flood hurt people and places we care about, but it did not take away the mountains, the culture, or the spirit of this region. The upper circuit is reportedly intact, repairs are starting, and this valley has shown again and again how fast it recovers.

Be patient, stay flexible, and keep your dream alive. When the trail reopens, it will be ready to welcome you. For the latest on-the-ground update, contact our team any time, and explore our Manaslu region treks while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek open after the Budhi Gandaki flood?

New departures are paused as of 14 October 2026 while bridges and trails are assessed, and no official reopening date has been announced. Trekkers already above the affected area may continue over Larkya La if their guide judges it safe. Check with your operator for the latest update before you travel.

How long will repairs on the Manaslu trail take?

Nobody can give a firm timeline yet, because geological checks and bridge planning are still underway. The encouraging precedent is Namrung, where a temporary bridge was built in about two days after the 6 September flood. We expect similar quick fixes in the lower valley, with Bailey bridges planned as longer-term replacements.

Can I still trek the Tsum Valley this year?

Not right now, since the route beyond Lokpa is blocked and the Nyakchet–Philim bridge link has been reported damaged. Tsum shares the same river corridor as the Manaslu Circuit, so its reopening will follow the same repair work. Wait for official clearance and confirm with your operator before you plan.

Will my Manaslu permits still be valid?

We haven’t seen any official announcement about permit changes, so please don’t assume either way. Permits are tied to specific dates and groups, so the safest step is to ask your operator whether your dates can be moved. The Restricted Area Permit and conservation area permits are arranged through a registered agency.

Should I cancel my flights to Nepal?

Not just because of this flood, if your plans don’t depend on the Manaslu corridor. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Everest and Annapurna are outside the affected area and operating normally. If you do plan to trek Manaslu, avoid non-refundable tickets until your dates are confirmed.

Is the rest of Nepal safe to visit this autumn?

Yes. The flood is a localised event along the Budhi Gandaki corridor and not a Nepal-wide disruption. Conditions vary from route to route, so check your specific destination, keep a spare day or two, and follow your guide’s advice.