What Happened in Nepal Himalayas During Autumn 2025?

Many of us know October as the best trekking month of Nepal, but this year the scenario was different. In 2025, October has not been good in Nepal since the beginning. It had been a huge Nepal trek challenge. 

The weather in Nepal during October was hugely affected by the monsoon climate. Nepal faced a different kind of climate and changes this year.

What was the cause behind the season change?

In October 2025 in Nepal, the first week of the season change was caused by a collision of moisture from westerly winds.

But in late October, Cyclone Montha formed over the Bay of Bengal, causing huge damage and affecting the trekking routes badly.

It triggered continuous rainfall in the lower regions and snowfall in the higher regions. Due to this, the trekking routes as well as driving routes were hugely damaged.

Major Damages Caused

The beginning of Autumn season in Nepal hasn’t been nice this year. The cyclone Months caused massive damages in the trek region as well as roadways.

Ilam District (Eastern Nepal)

In early October 2025, Ilam district in the eastern part of Nepal experienced one of its worst landslides in recent times.

The rain in a few days led to landslides in Illam Region. Approximately 39 individuals lost their lives, others were injured, and others were missing.

There was burying of dozens of houses in the mud and blocking rural roads. The continuing rainfall and broken bridges slowed the rescue operations.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek route was also damaged, the trekkers had to face no communication issue.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Halt

During late October 2025, the Manaslu Circuit Trek had been closed down due to excessive snowfall. One of the most difficult and highest points, Larkya La Pass, was closed, at least temporarily.

The snow blocked their paths, and they were stuck at Samagaon and Shyala in hundreds. Rescue teams took days to rescue them from the low-lying villages.

The weather cleared, and the Larkya La Pass was reopened in November 3, 2025. Trekkers are advised to be careful because parts are still unstable and frozen.

This shutdown meant huge inconveniences in the high season and a delaying effect, cancellations, and safety issues for the trekking groups.

Even the routes from Deng, Nyakphedi and Machha Khola was damaged due to landslides and rocks falling. But now the path has been cleared.

Manang Region (Tilicho and Annapurna Circuit Area)

Snowfall was also excessive in the Manang region, particularly in Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass. Trails to the area were blocked, and over 1,500 people, both locals and tourists, were trapped.

Rescue teams and helicopters rescued hundreds of trekkers who had been stranded and were lying around in Tilicho Base Camp and a few villages.

Other trekkers had to wait to be assisted, and some of them caught altitude sickness. Communication lines and food supplies were also broken down by the storm in the Annapurna Circuit Area.

There were no serious casualties, and the abrupt weather indicated how volatile the conditions in the mountains could be towards the end of the fall. Many trekking companies cut short several trips or canceled them because of the safety issue.

Mustang Region (Upper Mustang and Kagbeni Area)

The upper part of Mustang, beyond Kagbeni Village, has two helipads.

Heavy rain and snow were very destructive on the major road in Mustang in late October. The road at the base of Kegbeni to Korala and parts of Tangbe and Chhusang were swept away by floods and landslides.

In one area, the road collapsed approximately 50 meters, and at least ten other areas with bridges included were collapsed.

It was estimated that the damage cost was more than Rs. 15million. Several tourists on their way to Muktinath and Lo Manthang have been stuck there for days without road links between Jomsom and these two destinations, cut off.

The local authorities used bulldozers and laborers to clean up the mess, but the subsequent rain and snow hindered the speed of work.

The trekking and vehicle routes in Upper Mustang were also closed temporarily until the beginning of November.

Langtang Valley (Rasuwa District)

Flooding and high precipitation hit Langtang and other locations along the Langtang, such as Gosaikunda and Bering Khola.

Four trekkers were swept away by a swollen stream, and their whereabouts were unknown; some were either rescued by local guides or police. Walking paths and bridges were destroyed, and the treks along deep valleys were dangerous.

Tiny cliffs on the Langtang Valley Trek and river trails were posing a threat even to experienced trekkers. Some of the areas were repaired by local authorities, and trekkers were discouraged from traveling without checking the weather updates.

Everest Region

At the beginning of October 2025, heavy rain and landslides were experienced in Everest. The trail down between Namche Bazaar and Jorsalle had been damagaed in days of incessant rain.

This route is one of the major routes of the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Trek. About a hundred trekkers, guides, and porters had been blocked.

The landslide resulted in delays and temporary food shortages at Namche due to the inability to deliver supplies at the right time.

Then, towards the end of the month, snowfall once again halted expeditions in high-altitude treks in Lobuche and Gorakshep, and flights in and out of Lukla were canceled for a few days.

Impact on Tourism

The weather events in October and November 2025 badly injured tourism, particularly trekking in Nepal.

Such areas as Manaslu, Manang, Mustang, Langtang, and Everest experienced closure, blocked access, and abandoned trekking staff. The impact on the teahouses, lodges, and businesses relying on trekking made many of the international visitors change plans or abandon trips, reducing their income.

Lukla flights were repeatedly canceled, and Mustang and Ilam roads were blocked.

The companies in the trekking sector were getting cancellations, delays, and adding increasing operating costs.

Generally, there was a decrease in tourist arrivals as well as the infrastructure of the regions affected, and the reality of uncertainty led to the small operators and local communities making losses.

Present Situation of trekking and Travel routes

Most trekking routes were opened by early November 2025; this was with caution, though.

However, the Larkya La Pass of Manaslu is clear, but the high passes are icy.

Trekking routes in Manang and Tilicho are somewhat cleared, and the trekkers can hike on the trail at lower altitudes.

The roads and trails in Mustang have also been fixed, although some areas are not stable, and they need to be monitored.

The Langtang Valley trails are well-maintained, with the exception of riverside directions, which are delicate.

Other upper routes through the Everest region are in operation between Namche and Jorsalle, and in Lukla, flights are flown depending on the weather.

Experts encourage tourist hikers to go on rigorous planning, avoid going alone and employ guides, as well as check local warnings to travel safely.

How did Himalayan Masters Handle the rescue during such condition?

Himalayan Masters did a great job handling all the clients stuck during such condition during the October season.

We managed the Heli Rescue flights in Manaslu, Everest regions. Many trekkers were stucked at Lukla, somehow Himalayan Masters managed to do a flyout via Lukla too. We always focus and prioritize the trekkers safety.

The team also coordinated reroutes and helicopter rescues for travelers unable to continue their treks due to landslides or blocked trails.

Even after the situation eased, Himalayan Masters helped trekkers adjust their itineraries and offered flexible rebooking options, showing strong dedication to safety, care, and responsible adventure travel.