Flood Hits Gorkha: Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking Routes Under Concern

GORKHA, NEPAL, October 11, 2026 — New reports of flooding along the Budhi Gandaki corridor in Gorkha have raised concerns about trekking access in the Manaslu region, including sections of the Manaslu Circuit and routes leading towards Tsum Valley.

Reports emerging on Sunday indicate possible damage around Salleri and Jagat, with communities along the river corridor, including Dovan, Tatopani, Khorlabesi and Machha Khola, also facing concerns. The full extent of the damage and the condition of individual trekking sections have not yet been independently confirmed.

Trekkers planning to visit the region are advised to check the latest information with local authorities, trekking guides and accommodation providers before setting out.

Flooding Raises Concerns Along the Budhi Gandaki Corridor

The Budhi Gandaki corridor is a key access route for trekkers travelling into northern Gorkha. The trail passes through remote settlements, river valleys and mountain communities before connecting with the Manaslu Circuit and the route towards Tsum Valley.

Flooding in this area can affect footbridges, riverside trails, local settlements and transport access. Even after floodwaters recede, damaged riverbanks, unstable slopes and missing trail sections can continue to pose risks.

As of October 11, the precise condition of every affected section remains unclear. Travellers should not assume that all routes are open or safe until current conditions have been verified locally.

What Does This Mean for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal’s most popular remote trekking adventures, attracting visitors with dramatic Himalayan landscapes, traditional mountain villages and views of Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain.

However, the region has already experienced significant disruption this autumn. A flash flood near Namrung on September 6 damaged infrastructure and washed away two bridges, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend trekking along the Manaslu and Larke Pass route.

The Nepal Tourism Board subsequently reported on September 11 that damaged structures near Namrung had been restored sufficiently for trekking and that the earlier restriction on that section had been lifted.

The latest reports of flooding in the lower Budhi Gandaki corridor raise a separate concern: even when upper sections have been repaired, access routes further downstream can remain vulnerable to new weather events.

Trekkers should therefore obtain an updated, stage-by-stage assessment before beginning or continuing the Manaslu Circuit. A previous reopening announcement should not be treated as confirmation that every section remains safe following new flooding.

Is Tsum Valley Trekking Also Affected?

Tsum Valley is a remote Himalayan destination in northern Gorkha, known for its Tibetan Buddhist heritage, ancient monasteries, traditional villages and peaceful mountain scenery.

Although the Tsum Valley route branches away from the main Manaslu Circuit, access to the region shares parts of the wider Budhi Gandaki approach. Damage to lower trails, bridges or access roads could therefore affect travel towards the valley, even if the upper valley itself has not sustained direct damage.

At present, the full impact of the latest reported flooding on Tsum Valley access has not been independently established. Travellers should confirm conditions along their intended approach rather than assume that the entire valley is either closed or operating normally.

Because Tsum Valley is a restricted trekking area, visitors should also ensure that their permits, licensed guide and itinerary arrangements are in order before departure.

Safety Advice for Trekkers Visiting Gorkha

October is normally one of Nepal’s most attractive months for trekking, with post-monsoon mountain views and favourable conditions across many Himalayan destinations. Nevertheless, heavy rainfall and sudden flooding can create localised hazards.

Travellers planning a Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley trek should take the following precautions:

• Check the latest trail conditions: Contact local authorities, experienced trekking guides and accommodation providers in the affected area.
• Confirm bridge access: Do not attempt to cross damaged bridges or swollen rivers.
• Avoid unstable riverbanks: Floodwaters may undermine trails and banks even after water levels fall.
• Allow additional travel time: Damage to roads and walking trails may cause delays or require itinerary changes.
• Follow official instructions: Respect any temporary closures or restrictions issued by the local administration.
• Keep emergency contacts available: Share your itinerary with your guide or trekking agency and maintain communication wherever possible.

Trekkers already in the region should seek local guidance before moving through potentially affected sections. Attempting an improvised detour around damaged infrastructure can expose travellers to greater danger.

What Travellers Should Know Before Visiting Manaslu

The situation in Gorkha highlights the importance of checking local conditions before travelling in Nepal’s remote mountain regions. Conditions can change quickly, and information from earlier in the trekking season may no longer reflect the situation on the ground.

Visitors with upcoming departures should contact their trekking agency to confirm the status of the approach route, accommodation, bridge crossings and any required itinerary changes.

Travellers who have not yet departed should consider postponing their start until reliable local information is available for the sections they intend to cover.

The latest flooding reports do not, by themselves, establish that the entire Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley is closed. Equally, the absence of a confirmed closure should not be interpreted as proof that every section is safe.

Final Update: Verify Before You Trek

Gorkha’s remote mountain communities depend on trekking and tourism for livelihoods, making accurate information important for both visitors and local residents.

As assessments continue, the priority is to establish which sections have been affected, whether bridges and trails remain passable, and what guidance local authorities are providing.

TravellingNepal.com will continue to monitor developments and update this report as more reliable information becomes available.

Planning a Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley trek? Check the latest local conditions before departure and prioritise safety over your planned itinerary.

Editorial note: The reported October 11 flooding and its precise impact remain subject to confirmation. This report distinguishes emerging information from previously published official updates. Readers should check with local authorities before travelling.