Manaslu Circuit Trek Closed After Flood | October 2026 Update

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Open? October 2026 Flood Update

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is currently closed following major flood damage in the Budhi Gandaki Valley, Gorkha, on October 11, 2026.

A sudden flood caused by a landslide dam outburst severely damaged sections of the trekking route between Machhakhola and Jagat. Several bridges, roads, houses and sections of the trekking trail were washed away. Trekkers who were already in the affected area were stranded and required rescue assistance.

At present, no official reopening date has been announced. Travellers should not attempt to enter the Manaslu Circuit until the route has been repaired, inspected and officially declared safe.

At Approved Holidays, we are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as reliable information becomes available.

What Happened in the Manaslu Region on October 11?

The flood occurred before dawn on October 11 in northern Gorkha District. Importantly, authorities reported no rainfall in the upper Budhi Gandaki catchment during the 24 hours before the flood.

Preliminary information indicates that a landslide blocked a mountain tributary, creating a temporary natural dam. Water accumulated behind the blockage before the dam repeatedly broke, sending powerful surges of water, mud and boulders downstream.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause and location of the landslide dam.

The sudden nature of the event caused significant damage along the Budhi Gandaki Valley and disrupted access to several villages and the Manaslu trekking route.

Which Parts of the Manaslu Circuit Were Damaged?

The most significant damage occurred in the lower section of the Manaslu Circuit.

Villages and settlements including Machhakhola, Jagat, Dobhan, Khorla Besi, Salleri, Sirdibas, Nyakchet and Arughat were affected.

Several houses were destroyed or placed at risk, while roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure and communication facilities were also damaged.

For trekkers, the most important concern is that parts of the actual trekking trail have been washed away. The trail between Yaru Bagar and Jagat was reported to be severely damaged, meaning there is currently no safe continuous route through the lower gorge.

How Many Bridges Were Destroyed?

Bridges are a critical part of the Manaslu Circuit because the route crosses the Budhi Gandaki River and its tributaries many times.

According to the official count, six bridges were swept away, including two motorable bridges and four suspension bridges. Other counts that include smaller crossings put the number higher.

Damaged crossings include areas around:

• Arughat
• Soti Khola
• Dobhan
• Khorla Besi
• Machhakhola
• Thadobharyang
• Nyakchet
• Ghattekhola
• Philim

Because several of these crossings are essential to the trekking route, simply finding an alternative path is not currently possible.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Open Now?

No. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is closed as of October 11, 2026.

The lower section of the route has suffered extensive damage, including destroyed bridges, damaged road access and washed-away sections of trail.

Travellers should not attempt to begin the trek until an official reopening announcement has been issued.

When Will the Manaslu Circuit Reopen?

There is currently no confirmed reopening date.

Several important steps need to be completed before the route can safely reopen:

1. Temporary bridges must be constructed.
2. Road access to the affected area must be restored.
3. Damaged sections of the trekking trail must be rebuilt.
4. The route must undergo a safety inspection.
5. Authorities must confirm that the surrounding slopes and river sections are stable.

The flood also occurred during the Dashain holiday period, which may slow the initial response and repair process.

For this reason, anyone giving a specific reopening date at this stage should be treated with caution.

Is Larkya La Pass Still Safe?

The famous Larkya La Pass at 5,106 metres has not been reported as damaged by the October flood.

However, the problem is access.

The lower trekking route leading toward Larkya La has been damaged, so trekkers cannot currently reach the pass safely. The pass can only become accessible again once the entire route has been repaired and officially reopened.

Is Tsum Valley Trek Open?

No. Tsum Valley is also currently closed.

The route beyond Lokpa has been affected by flood debris, while important bridges around the Philim and Nyakchet junctions have been destroyed.

Travellers planning a Tsum Valley Trek should therefore wait for an official reopening announcement before travelling to the region.

Does the Manaslu Flood Affect Other Treks in Nepal?

No. The October 11 flood is concentrated in the Budhi Gandaki Valley of Gorkha District.

Many of Nepal's other major trekking destinations remain operational, including:

• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek
• Mardi Himal Trek
• Upper Mustang Trek
• Pikey Peak Trek
• Khopra Ridge (Danda) Trek

According to the supplied October 11 update, these regions were operating normally, while Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley remained closed. Langtang and Gosaikunda require separate condition checks because they were affected by an earlier flood.

Is Nepal Safe to Visit in October and November 2026?

Yes, most of Nepal remains open for visitors.

The Manaslu flood should not be interpreted as a nationwide closure. Kathmandu, Pokhara and many of Nepal's major tourist destinations continue to operate, while several trekking regions remain accessible.

The most important thing is to check the specific destination and trekking route, rather than assuming that conditions in one region apply to the entire country.

What Should I Do If I Have a Manaslu Trek Booked?

If you already have a Manaslu Circuit Trek booked, we recommend speaking with your trekking agency before making a final decision.

Option 1: Change Your Trekking Dates

If your international flights are flexible, you may postpone your Manaslu trek until the route has officially reopened.

However, because there is currently no confirmed reopening date, travellers should remain flexible.

Option 2: Choose an Alternative Trek

If your international flights are fixed, you can consider another Himalayan trekking route.

At Approved Holidays, we can help you choose an alternative based on your:

• Travel dates
• Fitness level
• Trekking experience
• Preferred altitude
• Number of trekking days
• Accommodation preferences
• Budget

Popular alternatives include Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, Upper Mustang and Mardi Himal.

Option 3: Wait for Official Reopening

If Manaslu is your dream trek and your schedule allows flexibility, waiting for the official reopening may be the best option.

Important: Do Not Attempt an Unofficial Route

Please do not attempt to cross damaged bridges, use makeshift ropes or walk through unstable sections of the trail.

The lower Manaslu route has suffered significant damage, and conditions can change quickly.

Why Choose an Alternative Trek in Nepal?

Changing from Manaslu does not mean missing out on the Himalayan experience.

Nepal offers many spectacular trekking routes with different landscapes and levels of difficulty.

Everest Base Camp Trek

A classic Himalayan adventure leading to the world's most famous mountain. It is an excellent alternative for travellers looking for high-altitude scenery, Sherpa culture and spectacular mountain views.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

One of Nepal's most diverse trekking experiences, combining mountain scenery, traditional villages, dramatic valleys and the Thorong La region.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

A shorter Himalayan adventure that takes you directly into the Annapurna sanctuary, surrounded by some of the world's most impressive peaks.

Mardi Himal Trek

A shorter and less demanding option with excellent views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the Annapurna range. It is particularly suitable for travellers with limited time.

Manaslu Circuit Trek: What Happens Next?

The Manaslu region has experienced significant disruption, but the trekking route will eventually be rebuilt.

The exact timeline remains uncertain because the October damage is extensive and several bridges, roads and sections of trail require reconstruction.

The supplied October 11 report confirms that no official reopening date has yet been announced.

At Approved Holidays, we recommend waiting for reliable information from the relevant authorities rather than relying on rumours or social media posts.

Latest Manaslu Trek Status – Quick Summary

Frequently Asked Questions About the Manaslu Flood

Is Manaslu Circuit Trek open in October 2026?

No. As of October 11, 2026, the Manaslu Circuit is closed following extensive flood damage to bridges, roads and sections of the trekking trail.

When will Manaslu Circuit reopen?

No official reopening date has been announced. Bridge construction, road repairs, trail reconstruction and safety inspections must be completed first.

Is Larkya La Pass damaged?

The pass itself has not been reported as damaged, but the trails leading toward it are currently inaccessible because of damage lower on the route.

Is Tsum Valley open?

No. Important sections and bridges around the route have been damaged.

Does the flood affect Everest Base Camp?

No. Everest is in a different river system and is not affected by this Budhi Gandaki flood.

Does the flood affect Annapurna?

No. Annapurna trekking routes are in different river systems and were not affected by this particular flood.

Should I cancel my Nepal holiday?

Not necessarily. If Manaslu is closed during your travel dates, you can consider postponing the trek or choosing another trekking region that is confirmed open.

Conclusion

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is currently closed following the severe Budhi Gandaki flood of October 11, 2026, which caused extensive damage to bridges, roads and sections of the trekking trail. No official reopening date has been announced yet, and travellers should wait for proper repairs, safety assessments and official clearance before attempting the trek.

However, this situation affects only the Manaslu region and should not be considered a closure of tourism across Nepal. Many popular destinations and trekking routes, including Everest, Annapurna, Mardi Himal and Upper Mustang, remain available for travellers.

At Approved Holidays, we understand how disappointing it can be to have your Himalayan adventure affected by unexpected natural events. Our team is ready to help you change your Manaslu trekking dates or choose a suitable alternative trek according to your travel schedule, interests and fitness level.

Your safety comes first, but your Nepal adventure does not have to end. The Himalayas are still waiting, and we are here to help you discover the right route.

Contact Approved Holidays for the latest Manaslu update or to plan an alternative Nepal trekking adventure.