Latest Nepal Flood Update: Affected Areas and Alternative Travel Routes

Nepal is continuing search, rescue and recovery work after a major flash flood struck the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river system on August 26, 2026. The disaster started in the northern part of Rasuwa and extended to cover the areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading before the floodwater rolled downstream. As of August 31, authorities reported 903 deaths, 267 injuries and 4,347 people still missing. More than 10,459 people have been rescued, while search and relief operations remain active.

The information on how the floods have affected Nepal is particularly relevant to travellers because of the fact that there is a particular geographic coverage of flood damage in particular river corridors and road links. It does not imply that the entire nation should be off-limits to tourism.

Which Areas Are Affected?

The Bhote Koshi, Trishuli and Rasuwa corridor is the most affected area. The normal road access towards Syabrubesi, Langtang and Rasuwagadhi border is highly damaged. The Galchhi-Syabrubesi road is also closed and rescue and relief efforts are ongoing in the impacted area.

Several bridges and road sections have been washed out and normal road travel is hampered. Travellers should not make themselves at home in the restricted areas of the disaster only to reach the destinations of trekking or pilgrimage.

These two areas (Langtang and Gosaikunda) were classified as safe in the trekking sector update, but access from the Trishuli side is disrupted. This is significant to consider when making plans to visit during fall.

Nepal flood update

Are Other Parts of Nepal Safe for Travel?

Yes, there are some areas in Nepal which are open and suitable for visiting, but precautions as per normal monsoon are applicable.

As per the latest operational update from PATA Nepal Chapter, Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Annapurna and Everest and Khumbu, Chitwan, Bardiya, Lumbini and the Terai are operating fine. Also, Tribhuvan International Airport and domestic airports are operating. In that update, it was reported that Kathmandu to Pokhara and Kathmandu to Chitwan overland travel is normal.

This way, no travelers will need to cancel all their Nepal vacations simply due to the flood. Nepal trekking routes outside the impacted river system are also vital, with the Everest and Annapurna regions a favorite spot for trekkers.

Destination or route	Current situation	Travel guidance
Everest and Khumbu	Operating normally	Trekking can continue with regular weather checks
Annapurna and Pokhara	Operating normally	Suitable for planned tourism and trekking
Chitwan and Bardiya	Operating normally	Safari and tourism activities can continue
Kathmandu Valley	Hotels, restaurants and heritage sites operating	Suitable for sightseeing
Lumbini and Terai	Operating	Check local weather before road travel
Langtang and Gosaikunda	Destination areas reported safe, but normal access is disrupted	Use an approved alternative trekking approach or postpone
Rasuwagadhi and Kerung	Closed and severely affected	Do not travel through this border route

Alternative Travel Routes

Any travelers who are traveling to or coming from any affected or partially affected area should only travel on routes declared safe by authorities or local trekking organisations. Things can go from bad to worse in a hurry.

Travel purpose	Alternative route or option
Rasuwa and Dhunche	Kathmandu → Tokha → Chhahare → Gadkhar Bridge → Aapra → Narja → Lachyang → Sarmathali → Patikharka → Bogtitar → Kalikasthan → Dhunche. Light Four Wheel Drive vehicles are operating on this route.
Langtang and Gosaikunda	An alternative trekking approach can be considered through Sundarijal → Chisapani → Thadepati → Ghopte → Gosaikunda → Thulosyabru → Pairo → Lama Hotel → Langtang → Kyanjin, subject to current local conditions and confirmation before departure.
Kailash Mansarovar	The Rasuwagadhi and Kerung route is closed. TAAN has suggested alternatives through Kodari and Tatopani, Simikot and Hilsa, or flying to Lhasa and continuing toward Kailash.
Kathmandu to Pokhara	Operating normally according to the latest PATA update, but travellers should still check road conditions before departure.
Kathmandu to Chitwan	Operating normally according to the latest PATA update, with normal monsoon precautions.

A key note here is that it does not mean that an alternative route means normal travel conditions. The path to Dhunche is narrow, rough and winding in parts and police are still advising travellers to be careful in the risky areas.

What Should Travellers Do Now?

According to the latest update on floods in Nepal, the situation remains in a developing state. Nepal Tourism Board is working on an information desk where events related to affected and missing tourists/visitors have been coordinated with the tourism authorities, Tourist Police, TAAN and other tourism organisations.

Find out current road and weather conditions before you travel, make sure you have a registered local guide, confirm you have a route to trek and be flexible with the route. Avoid using information about old roads found on the internet.

Most importantly, Nepal should not be considered totally closed or unsafe due to this localized disaster. Bhote Koshi and Trishuli corridors are severely affected and there is a need to take extra precautions; however, many other trekking areas and tourism centres in Nepal are still open and operating. Even though the current situation is bad in certain parts, other places like Everest, Annapurna, Pokhara, Chitwan, Kathmandu and Lumbini are still viable for travel opportunities.

The situation can rapidly change during the rest of the monsoon season and travellers should make their decisions based on the latest official information and not on general reports issued about the country.