Manaslu Trek Update 2026: Trails Reopen After Flood

The Manaslu Region Trek is open again after the Budhi Gandaki flood occurred on 11 October 2026, tearing through trekking trails, bridges, and teahouses.

Dharche and Chumnubri Rural Municipalities, MCAP, Nepal Army, and Nepal Police are building temporary bridges, clearing debris from trekking trails, reestablishing the local supply chain, and making sure trekking access is restored.

Manaslu Circuit-bound trekkers can drive to Machha Khola, trek through Jagat, Samagaun, Dharamsala, cross Larkya La Pass, and complete the trek. However, the reopening is only partial. Trekkers may need to take short detours and shortcuts.

Similarly, the Tsum Valley Trek was closed until October 23 due to the destruction of the cantilever bridge (between Lokpa and Chumling) by flood.

After the community-led repairs, the Tsum Valley reopened and welcomed trekkers from the evening of October 25. It is completely open for trekkers as of October 2026.

Manaslu Trek Reopens After the October 2026 Budhi Gandaki Flood

According to TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal), the Manaslu Circuit Trek has officially resumed from October 23, and the Tsum Valley opened from October 25 after the Budhi Gandaki River flood on 11 October made the trekking trails impassable.

The Manaslu circuit is possible with caution and necessary safety measures adopted. The drive to the Machha Khola trailhead can be made by jeep, but the trekking trail between Khorlabesi, Tatopani, and Salleri is under repair.

Thus, trekkers are requested to proceed with a 10-minute alternative route through Jagat, Nyakphedi, and Larkya La pass.

Likewise, the Tsum Valley leading trail was also affected by the Budhi Gandaki flash flood. Lokpa is the exact point where the Tsum Valley trail separates from the main Manaslu circuit trail.

Sections of the trail and a cantilever bridge near Sardibhir and Sardi Khola (near Lokpa in Chumnubri-6) were washed away, cutting off initial access to Tsum Valley and leaving trekkers stranded.

What Happened During the Budhi Gandaki River Flood in 2026?

In the Morning of October 11, 2026, a high-altitude rock avalanche or ice/debris blockage formed on Siyar Khola (river) near Shringi Himal in Chumnubri Rural Municipality, which formed a temporary natural dam that burst in the predawn hours at around 4 A.M. local time.

A massive surge in water level traveled downstream in a series of violent, debris-choked pulses, dramatically raising the river’s height to 8.43 meters (27.6 ft).

What Were the Infrastructural Damages Caused by the Budhi Gandaki Flood?

The flood damaged Paiyu and Bagar villages in Chumnubri Rural Municipality and also damaged the Dovan, Ghattekhola, Jagat, and Salleri, which are the major villages on the Manaslu Circuit trail.

These areas have suffered heavy infrastructure and property damage, including Salleri Bazaar and Jagat Bazaar.

The impact of the flood also extended through Sirdibas, Machha Khola Kerauja, Soti, and the sections of Tsum Valley Lokpa and Chumling.

Several critical suspensions and motorable bridges were swept away, including the Dovan Bailey bridge, the bridge leading to Kerauja, and the motorable bridge between Soti and Manbu.

Major trekking trails are disrupted as the flood has hit the paths between Yaru Bagar and Jagat, the Nyakchet-Philim junction, and the route onward from Lokpa.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Safe After the Flood?

Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley, both major treks of the Manaslu region, are safe as of October 27, 2026, with a minor detour in the Manaslu Circuit. However, trekkers and guides are advised to exercise extreme caution and follow instructions issued by the local authority of Manaslu.

• Move away from the Budhi Gandaki River and other swollen waterways, seeking higher ground in a safe location.
• Stay off riverbanks, suspension bridges and river crossings. Never try to ford a flooded river, even if the water looks knee-deep or calm.
• Follow instructions from local authorities and cooperate fully if you are asked to evacuate or relocate to another lodge or village.
• Before you set out, check out the latest trail conditions with your agency, the local ward office, your guide or your teahouse owners.
• Keep off landslide-prone slopes and washed-out sections of trail, especially during rain or after dark.
• Watch for warning signs: a rapid rise in the river, a deep roaring or rumbling sound, falling rocks, or debris flows coming down the slope. Any of these can signal imminent danger, so move away immediately.
• If you get stranded, stay calm and get to a safe spot. Call your guide, the local administration, Nepal Police or the Tourist Police for help. Don’t attempt a risky river crossing to rescue yourself.

What Should Trekkers with Existing Bookings Do?

Trekkers who have already deposited the amount and confirmed their booking for the Manaslu circuit or Tsum Valley Trek should reach out to their trekking agency immediately and discuss.

• Whether the itinerary they confirmed is still accessible or not? Or what changes should be made in the itinerary?
• Whether transportation to the trailhead (Machha Khola) and accommodation throughout the trails remain available.
• Whether a detour or an additional day is required?
• What arrangements can your agency make if an authority closes a section, and you are stranded in the middle of nowhere?
• Also discuss whether postponement of the Manaslu trek or a different trek is a better option if you have a time constraint.