Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026: Gorkha Flood Update, Route Conditions & Alternatives

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the popular Himalayan trekking adventures in Nepal that offers breathtaking mountain scenery, traditional villages, and challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). Trekkers from all over the world visit Nepal for the Manaslu Circuit trek to enjoy the scenic landscape and rich Himalayan cultures and traditions and make every day adventurous. 

However, the recent Gorkha flood on October 11, 2026, in the Budhi Gandaki River has severely disrupted the Manaslu Circuit trekking route. The flash flood damaged bridges, trails, roads, and even houses along the riverside. 

As of October 13, 2026, the Manaslu Circuit Trek route remains disrupted with no confirmed reopening date, while authorities and locals are working to open possible routes. 

In this blog, we provide information about the Gorkha flood on the Budhi Gandaki River on October 11, 2026. The information about the affected section, route, and alternative trekking routes is also provided. 

What Happened During the Recent Gorkha Flood in October 2026?

On the day of October 11, 2026, the northern Gorkha region was hit by a sudden flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki River. The flood destroyed several suspension bridges, motorable bridges, local infrastructure, settlements, and trails. But what was the cause of the sudden flash flood?

According to preliminary reports, a landslide near Chumchet in the Chumnubri rural Municipality blocked a river and created a natural dam. And as the water pressure increased, the burst of the dam is believed to trigger the destructive flood. The flood affected several settlements along the Budhi Gandaki corridor, including Jagat, Salleri, Dobhan, and surrounding areas.

Several reports published on October 12 indicate that:

• At least six bridges, including motorable and suspension bridges, were swept away.

• Approximately 35 houses were destroyed, according to early assessments.

• Several trekking trails and access roads suffered significant damage.

• Five local residents were reported missing.

• Rescue operations were conducted to evacuate stranded residents and trekkers.

The flood also damaged hydropower infrastructure and disrupted transportation between several settlements in northern Gorkha. As damage assessments continued, the reported number of destroyed houses and bridges increased. Therefore, the initial figures should not be considered final.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Open After the Gorkha Flood?

No, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is closed as of October 13, 2026, as the route is not accessible through its lower-valley route. The October 11 flood damaged several important sections of the trekking trail and destroyed bridges connecting villages along the Budhi Gandaki River.

The Manaslu Circuit generally begins with a drive from Kathmandu towards Machha Khola, followed by trekking through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, and Samdo before crossing Larkya La Pass. However, the recent flood has disrupted the lower access corridor, particularly around Machha Khola, Dobhan, Yaru Bagar, and Jagat. The major reasons for the disruption include damaged suspension bridges, washed-away walking trails, unstable riverbanks, and affected road connections.

The destruction of the trail between Yaru Bagar and Jagat is particularly significant because this section forms part of the standard approach to the upper Manaslu region. Although some higher sections of the circuit may remain physically intact, trekkers cannot assume that the complete route is accessible.

Which Sections of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Are Affected?

The October 2026 Gorkha flood primarily affected the lower Budhi Gandaki corridor, which provides access to the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trekking routes.

Machha Khola to Jagat

The trekking route between Machha Khola and Jagat is among the most significantly affected sections. This section of Manaslu Circuit normally takes trekkers through settlements such as Khorla Besi, Tatopani, Dobhan, Yaru Bagar, and Jagat.

According to reports following the flood, the trail between Yaru Bagar and Jagat was severely damaged, while several nearby river crossings were destroyed. Floodwaters also damaged infrastructure around Dobhan, Salleri, and Jagat. These disruptions have made the usual trekking route unsafe or impassable in affected locations.

Damaged Bridges and Road Access

The Gorkha flood swept away several motorable and suspension bridges along the Budhi Gandaki corridor. Early reports identified damage to bridges connecting Arughat, Soti-Manbu, Machha Khola-Kerauja, and settlements around Jagat and Philim.

The destruction of these crossings has disrupted local transportation, trekking access, and the movement of emergency supplies. Road connections towards the lower Manaslu trekking region have also been affected, making it difficult to reach the usual trekking starting points. Trekkers should not assume that road access to Machha Khola is available until local authorities confirm the condition of the relevant bridges and roads.

Access to Upper Manaslu and Larkya La Pass

The Upper Manaslu Circuit includes destinations such as Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, Samdo, and Larkya La Pass. Although the October flood primarily affected the lower Budhi Gandaki corridor, damage to the access route has disrupted travel towards these higher-altitude destinations. 

There is no confirmed report that Larkya La Pass itself was damaged by the October 11 flood. However, the disruption of the lower trekking route means that travelers cannot currently rely on the standard itinerary to reach the pass. 

Trekkers already in the upper Manaslu region should follow instructions from their trekking guides, local authorities, and rescue personnel rather than attempting to cross damaged sections independently.

Are There Alternative Routes to Complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

There is no publicly confirmed, officially approved alternative route that allows trekkers to bypass all the damaged sections and complete the standard Manaslu Circuit Trek. Following an earlier flood near Namrung in September 2026, local communities constructed a temporary alternative trail and wooden bridge, allowing trekking activities to resume.

However, the October 11 flood caused more extensive damage across several sections of the lower Budhi Gandaki corridor. Temporary diversions may become possible after damaged trails and bridges are repaired, but travelers should not attempt unofficial shortcuts or river crossings.

Helicopters have been used to rescue stranded people from the affected region. However, helicopter evacuation should not be confused with a regular alternative trekking route. Trekkers planning to visit Manaslu should wait for verified information from local authorities and their trekking operators before confirming travel arrangements.

Best Alternative Treks to the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal

Although the Manaslu Circuit has been disrupted, Nepal offers several other Himalayan trekking destinations for travellers seeking mountain scenery, cultural experiences, and high-altitude adventures. The following treks are possible alternatives, subject to confirmation of their individual trail and transportation conditions.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the closest alternatives to the Manaslu Circuit in terms of trekking experience. The route offers diverse landscapes, traditional mountain villages, and spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Its major highlight is crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes on Nepal's established trekking routes. The Annapurna Circuit is particularly suitable for trekkers seeking a challenging, multi-day Himalayan adventure similar to Manaslu.

Nar Phu Valley Trek

The Nar Phu Valley Trek is an excellent alternative for travellers interested in remote Himalayan villages and traditional mountain cultures. Located in the Annapurna region, the trek takes visitors through secluded settlements, narrow valleys, ancient monasteries, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Nar Phu Valley offers a relatively remote trekking experience, making it particularly appealing to those originally planning the Manaslu Circuit. 

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is another popular option for trekkers seeking a memorable Himalayan adventure. The journey takes travellers through the Khumbu region, passing Sherpa settlements, monasteries, suspension bridges, and spectacular mountain viewpoints.

The trek leads to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), with an optional hike to Kala Patthar (5,644 m) for panoramic views of Mount Everest and neighboring peaks. Although Everest Base Camp offers a different trekking experience from the Manaslu Circuit, it remains a rewarding choice for travellers interested in high-altitude trekking.

Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek is an alternative for travellers interested in unique landscapes, ancient Himalayan settlements, and Tibetan-influenced culture. Unlike other treks in Nepal, Uper Mustang is known for its dry valleys, dramatic rock formations, centuries-old monasteries, and the historic walled settlement of Lo Manthang. This trek does not require crossing a pass above 5,000 m on its standard trekking itinerary. However, it offers an immersive cultural experience in one of Nepal's most distinctive Himalayan regions. Upper Mustang is a restricted trekking area, and travelers must obtain the necessary permits and follow applicable trekking regulations.

When Will the Manaslu Circuit Reopen?

As of October 13, 2026, authorities have not announced a confirmed date for reopening the standard Manaslu Circuit Trek. The reopening will depend on several factors, including the restoration of damaged bridges, reconstruction of affected trekking trails, repairs to access roads, and assessments of landslide and flood risks. Local authorities will also need to evaluate whether the damaged sections are safe for trekkers. Although an earlier disruption near Namrung in September 2026 was resolved within a few days, the October flood caused more extensive damage across the lower trekking corridor. 

Therefore, the earlier reopening timeline should not be used to predict when the Manaslu Circuit will become accessible again. Trekkers should follow updates from the District Administration Office, Gorkha, the Nepal Tourism Board, and relevant conservation authorities before planning their departure.

What If the Manaslu Trek Is Already Booked?

If you have already booked the Manaslu Circuit Trek for October or the coming weeks, contact your trekking operator before travelling to the trailhead. Since the standard route remains disrupted, it is important to review your travel arrangements and discuss available options.

Depending on your operator's booking conditions, you may be able to postpone your trek, reschedule your departure, or choose another Himalayan trekking destination. Trekkers should also review their travel insurance policies to understand whether cancellations, itinerary changes, or additional travel expenses are covered.

Avoid travelling independently towards damaged trekking sections or attempting to complete the circuit without verified route information. The safest approach is to remain flexible and wait for official confirmation that the route is accessible.

Is Nepal Safe to Trek?

Yes, trekking activities can continue in other parts of Nepal that are not affected by the floods. It is important to know that safety depends on the specific destination, weather conditions, trail accessibility, and local advisories. The October 11 Gorkha flood primarily affected the Budhi Gandaki corridor in the Manaslu region. It does not mean that every trekking destination in Nepal is closed or unsafe.

Popular trekking regions such as Annapurna, Everest, and Mustang are geographically separate from the affected Manaslu corridor. Trekkers should not assume that every trail or access road in these regions is open without checking current conditions. Before beginning any Himalayan trek, travelers should review weather forecasts, confirm trail and transportation conditions, obtain the necessary permits, and follow guidance from experienced local trekking professionals.

Choosing a suitable trekking destination and maintaining flexibility in travel plans can help travelers enjoy Nepal's Himalayan landscapes while prioritizing safety.

Plan Your Next Himalayan Trek With Mountain Delights

The October 2026 Gorkha flood has significantly disrupted the Manaslu Circuit Trek, affecting important trails, bridges, and access roads along the Budhi Gandaki River. While the reopening date remains uncertain, trekkers can consider alternative Himalayan adventures, including the Annapurna Circuit, Nar Phu Valley, Everest Base Camp, and Upper Mustang.

At Mountain Delights, we help travelers explore Nepal's Himalayan destinations with carefully planned trekking itineraries and local guidance. Whether you are considering rescheduling your Manaslu Circuit Trek or exploring another trekking destination, contact Mountain Delights to discuss suitable trekking options and plan your next Himalayan adventure.