Nepal is going through a very difficult time after a devastating flood hit the Rasuwagadhi area near the Nepal–Tibet border on 26 August 2026.
The sudden flood caused major damage to roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure in Rasuwa District. It has also seriously affected the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border route, one of the main overland connections between Nepal and Tibet.
For everyone at Approved Holidays, this is not just a travel update. Rasuwa is part of Nepal's northern Himalayan region, and many people have personal connections with the communities living there. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who are still waiting for information about missing family members, and everyone affected by this disaster.
We are closely following the situation and will continue to update our travellers as reliable information becomes available.
What Happened at the Nepal–Tibet Border?
Rasuwagadhi is an important border point between Nepal and Tibet. It is located in Rasuwa District, along the route connecting Kathmandu with Kerung in Tibet.
On 26 August, a powerful flash flood swept through the area, carrying water, mud, rocks and debris. Rasuwagadhi, Timure and surrounding areas were among the places seriously affected.
Several roads and bridges were damaged or washed away, while buildings, businesses and other infrastructure also suffered significant damage.
The disaster also affected the area on the Tibetan side of the border, making it a serious situation for communities on both sides.
Rescue and recovery work is continuing, and authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage.
Is the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung Border Open?
At present, normal travel through the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border is severely disrupted.
The damage to roads and bridges means travellers should not plan to use this route until safe access and normal border operations are officially confirmed.
The situation is changing day by day as rescue and recovery teams work in the affected areas. Therefore, if you have an upcoming Tibet–Nepal overland journey, we recommend checking with your tour operator before travelling towards the border.
We will also continue monitoring official updates and share important information with our clients.
What Does This Mean for Tibet–Nepal Overland Travel?
The Kerung–Rasuwagadhi route is an important route for travellers between Tibet and Nepal. Many tourists use it when travelling between Kathmandu and destinations such as Kerung, Shigatse, Lhasa, Tibet Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
Because of the current damage, travellers with upcoming journeys through this border may need to change their travel dates or make alternative arrangements.
If you have already booked a trip, we recommend staying in close contact with your travel company. They can monitor the situation and advise you about the best option based on the latest information.
At this stage, we do not recommend making independent travel arrangements towards the affected border area.
Is Nepal Still Open for Tourists?
Yes. Nepal is not closed to tourism because of this flood.
The most serious damage is concentrated around Rasuwa and the northern border area.
Popular tourist destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini and Nagarkot are outside the directly affected area and continue to receive visitors.
However, Nepal is still experiencing the monsoon season, and heavy rainfall can sometimes cause landslides, road blockages and delays in different parts of the country.
For this reason, travellers should always check the latest road and weather conditions before starting a journey, particularly when travelling by road.
What About Trekking in Nepal?
Travellers planning to visit Langtang and the Rasuwa region should check the latest conditions before starting their trek. Road access and local infrastructure have been affected, and conditions can change.
This does not mean that trekking across Nepal has stopped.
Popular trekking regions such as Everest and Annapurna are in different parts of the country and are not directly affected by the Rasuwagadhi flood. However, weather conditions can still affect individual trekking routes during the monsoon season.
If you are unsure about your trekking plans, it is best to speak with your trekking agency before travelling.
What Should Travellers with Upcoming Tibet–Nepal Trips Do?
If you are travelling between Tibet and Nepal through Rasuwagadhi, there is no need to panic, but you should remain flexible.
We recommend:
Stay in Contact with Your Tour Operator
Your travel company can follow border announcements, road conditions and recovery work and advise you accordingly.
Avoid the Affected Area
Please do not travel independently towards Rasuwagadhi while rescue and recovery operations are taking place.
Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
Depending on the progress of recovery work, you may need to postpone your journey or change your itinerary.
Follow Reliable Information
There is a lot of information circulating on social media at the moment. Some of it may be incomplete or inaccurate. We recommend following official announcements and information provided by your trusted travel company.
When Will the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung Border Reopen?
At present, there is no confirmed date for the full reopening of the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border for normal tourist travel.
The damage is extensive, and restoring roads, bridges and other infrastructure will take time.
The priority at the moment is the safety of local communities, rescue operations and recovery work. Once the authorities confirm that the route is safe and operational, we expect further information about the resumption of normal border movement.
We will update this article as soon as reliable information is available.
Is It Safe to Travel to Nepal Now?
For most popular tourist destinations, travel can continue, but conditions should be checked according to your specific route.
The flood near Rasuwagadhi does not mean that Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini or the entire country is unsafe.
At the same time, travellers should remember that Nepal's monsoon season can bring unpredictable weather. Road conditions can change quickly, particularly in mountainous areas.
Responsible travel means staying informed, following local advice and being prepared to adjust your plans when necessary.
Approved Holidays Travel Update
At Approved Holidays, the safety of our guests, guides, drivers and local partners is always our first priority.
Our team is closely monitoring the situation around:
- Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border
- Rasuwa road conditions
- Tibet–Nepal overland travel
- Langtang and northern Nepal
- Monsoon weather and road conditions
- Official government announcements
- Possible alternative travel arrangements
If you already have a trip booked with us and the current situation affects your itinerary, we will stay in contact with you and help you make the necessary arrangements.
If you are planning a Nepal tour, trekking trip or Tibet–Nepal overland journey, you are welcome to contact our team for the latest information before you travel.
Our Thoughts Are With the Affected Communities
This has been a heartbreaking disaster for many people in Nepal and across the border in Tibet.
Many families have lost homes, businesses, livelihoods and, most painfully, loved ones. Others are still waiting for news about family members who remain missing.
At this difficult time, our thoughts are with everyone affected by the disaster and with the rescue teams working in challenging conditions.
Nepal is a country of resilient people, and we hope the affected communities can recover and rebuild in the days and months ahead.
Approved Holidays will continue to monitor the Nepal–Tibet border situation and update this page whenever reliable new information becomes available.
Planning a Trip to Nepal?
If you are planning a Nepal tour, trekking adventure or Tibet–Nepal journey, our team can help you understand the current travel situation and plan your trip accordingly.
Approved Holidays – Your Trusted Nepal Travel Partner
