Last updated: October 14, 2026. Conditions are changing daily. Confirm with a licensed operator before you travel.
No, the Manaslu Circuit trek is not completely safe to start right now. A flash flood on the Budhi Gandaki River on October 11, 2026 destroyed bridges and trail sections in the lower valley, and no reopening date has been announced. If your Manaslu trek is in the next few days, postpone it or switch to another route.
What Happened on the Manaslu Circuit?
In the early hours of Sunday, October 11, 2026, a landslide blocked the Budhi Gandaki River near Chumchet in Gorkha district. When the blockage gave way, a flash flood rushed down the valley, sweeping away bridges, the trail, and more than 35 homes. More than 100 foreign trekkers were stranded, and the army began helicopter rescues. Early reports put the number of missing people between five and ten.
The route had flooded before. The September 6 flood destroyed a bridge near Namrung, and locals built a temporary wooden crossing within days.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Open Right Now?
No, the Manaslu Circuit trek is currently closed to trekkers. Tourist movement has been halted on the damaged sections, and no reopening date has been announced.
The damage is in the lower Budhi Gandaki valley, which every Manaslu trekker has to pass through. The upper trail to Larkya La (5,106 m) is not damaged, but new trekkers can't reach it. Tsum Valley is closed for the same reason.
Ignore any "Manaslu Circuit reopened" page dated before October 11. Those describe the September flood, not this one.
Which Bridges Were Damaged by the Floods?
Gorkha's Assistant Chief District Officer reported six bridges swept away: two motorable bridges and four suspension bridges. The disaster authority's first count was lower, and the Kathmandu Post also lists a Bailey bridge and a cliffside cantilever bridge, so the exact number is not settled.
The main crossings for Manaslu trekkers:
- Soti bridge, linking Soti and Manbu, on the road toward the trailhead.
- The cantilever bridge between Arughat and Sirdibas. Its loss cut ground access to Jagat and Salleri.
- The suspension bridge between Machha Khola and Kerauja.
- The suspension bridge between Thado Bharyang and Jagat.
- The suspension bridge between Ghattethola (Sirdibas) and Philim.
The trail from Yaru Bagar to Jagat was swept away, and the Jagat to Salleri path, normally a 30-minute walk, is gone. No repair timeline has been announced.
Is It Safe to Trek Manaslu After the Floods?
No, it is not completely safe to trek Manaslu right now. The danger is the river gorge, not the mountain. After a landslide dam breaks, slopes stay loose, and rain can trigger more rockfall or another surge. Bridges that survived may be weakened.
Once repairs are inspected and the route formally reopens, the risk drops a lot. Manaslu is still remote with limited rescue access, so use a licensed guide and carry travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
Should You Postpone or Change Your Manaslu Trek?
If your trek is in the next few days, yes, postpone or switch. Contact your agency now about new dates. Here are a few options to consider:
- Keep your Manaslu Trek flexible: Authorities are working to restore access to the affected areas. So, check for updates before deciding whether to postpone your trek or keep your original dates.
- Switch to the Annapurna Circuit Trek: This is another trek with a similar length and a well-established trekking route.
- Choose Upper Mustang Trek or Upper Dolpo Trek: These are some of the best treks if you want to go somewhere remote. Permits and availability vary.
- If you're already in Nepal and have a gap, the Everest region and Annapurna Base Camp have reported no flood damage.
For now, you can also explore other parts of Nepal like Pokhara, Chitwan, and more, while the Manaslu route is being sorted out. Authorities are working to restore access, and repairs could come within days or weeks, but no official timeline has been announced, so don't plan around a specific date.
How to Check Manaslu Trail Conditions Before You Go
- Ask your trekking agency for the confirmation of the bridges and trail on your exact dates.
- Check notices from the Manaslu Conservation Area Project and the Gorkha District Administration Office.
- Read the Nepal Tourism Board updates and your embassy's travel advisory.
- Call your insurer before you book or rebook. Many policies exclude events that were already public when you bought them.
When Is the Best Time to Trek Manaslu After the Floods?
Spring (March to May) is the next main window for the Manaslu Circuit. Autumn (September to November) is the other, but Larkya La gets colder and snowier as November goes on, and no repair schedule exists yet. Book with flexible terms and ask your agency to confirm the route a month before you fly.
