A major flash flood swept down the Budhi Gandaki River before dawn, damaging settlements, markets and bridges along the valley used by the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trekking routes. Early reports say that riverside residents and visitors had to move to safer ground. No deaths had been reported by mid-morning when the initial accounts were prepared, but rescue work and damage assessments were still underway.
Because key bridges and trail-access points are reported damaged, trekkers should not begin or continue travel through the affected Gorkha corridor until local authorities and relevant tourism agencies confirm which routes are safe. This is a precautionary recommendation, not a statement that an official trekking closure has been issued.
Key Updates at a Glance
- The flood was first reported at around 4:00 a.m. in Ward 6 of Chumnubri Rural Municipality. It moved downstream through the Budhi Gandaki valley towards Jagat, Machha Khola, Soti and Arughat.
- Chumnubri Rural Municipality’s deputy chair, Laxmi Gurung, reported that 35 homes in Paiyu and Bagar were swept away. Heavy damage was also reported in Dobhan, Ghattekhola, Jagat and Salleri.
- Several bridges are reported to have been destroyed, including the Dobhan Bailey bridge, the bridge on the route to Kerauja, and the motorable bridge between Soti and Manbu.
- No casualties had been reported by mid-morning in the initial reports. The number of people affected and the full extent of the damage were not yet confirmed.
- Helicopters were reportedly mobilised for aerial assessment and rescue support. The Home Ministry emergency number cited in the reports is 1234.
- Visitors in the Lokpa and Chumling area were reported to have moved away from the rising water.
What Happened?
Residents of Wards 6 and 7 in Chumnubri said they heard a powerful roar at about 4:00 a.m. Gorkha’s Chief District Officer, Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, was informed of a major flood at around 4:35 a.m. People in Lokpa described the sound as coming in waves, leading to concerns that water may have been held back before being released.
According to early accounts, police were informed at about 5:30 a.m. that a landslide had blocked the river between Lokpa and Chumling. Water reportedly began passing through the blockage again at around 6:15 a.m., followed by a large surge downstream. A later local administration update said the river may have become blocked again, with no visible flow for approximately 15 minutes.
The flood reportedly reached Soti Bazaar at around 7:30 a.m., washing away a bridge and temporary structures. These times are based on early reports and may be revised as the investigation continues.
Possible Cause
The cause has not been officially confirmed. A preliminary assessment by disaster-management authorities suggests that a landslide may have temporarily dammed the river, before the natural barrier failed and released a sudden surge of water. The same preliminary account noted that no rainfall had been recorded in the upper catchment at the time.
News reports have identified different possible sources or locations, including the Ungilung stream, the Syar stream, Chumke Khola and a dry landslide area near Chekampar. These locations are reported to be in Ward 6 of Chumnubri, upstream of Jagat. The exact blockage site and cause remain unverified.
Preliminary Damage Report
| Location | Damage reported in early accounts |
| Paiyu and Bagar | 35 houses reportedly swept away. |
| Jagat | Early reports mention around 5–7 houses swept from the riverbank area; the market was badly damaged. |
| Salleri | A local resident reportedly said the market was swept away; police accounts also describe houses being washed away. |
| Dobhan | The Bailey bridge was reportedly destroyed, with heavy damage in the area. |
| Ghattekhola | Muddy floodwater reportedly entered houses and hotels. |
| Nyakphedi | Hotels were reportedly swept away. |
| Machha Khola | The market area was reported to have suffered extensive damage. |
| Kerauja route | A suspension bridge was reportedly swept away. |
| Nyakchet crossing (Chumnubri-3) | A bridge was reportedly destroyed. Accounts differ on the exact connection: one statement names Philim Bazaar, while police accounts refer to Sirdibas market. |
| Masi River, Dharche | A bridge was reportedly washed away. |
| Soti | A bridge and temporary structures were reportedly swept away; the motorable Soti–Manbu bridge was also reported destroyed. |
Important: This is a preliminary summary of information attributed to local officials, residents and news reports. Figures and details may change as rescue teams reach affected settlements.
What This Means for Trekkers
The Budhi Gandaki valley is the main access corridor for the Manaslu Circuit and the approach to Tsum Valley. Damage to bridges, trails, roads and lodges could affect both trekking routes. The status of individual sections must be confirmed on the ground.
| Trekking area | What trekkers should know |
| Lower valley: Arughat, Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Khorlabesi, Tatopani and Dobhan | This is a common road and trail approach for Manaslu treks. Several bridges, including those at Soti and Dobhan, are reported damaged or destroyed. Access may be interrupted, and travel should be avoided until authorities and local teams confirm safe passage. |
| Jagat to Salleri and Sirdibas | Jagat is a regular overnight stop and permit-checkpoint area on the Manaslu Circuit. Damage has been reported at Jagat and Salleri, so do not assume that lodges, shops, bridges or trail sections are operating normally. |
| Lokpa and Chumling | The reported landslide blockage was between these villages. Lokpa is the junction for the Tsum Valley route, making this area particularly important for trekkers heading into Tsum Valley. |
| Beyond Philim: Deng, Namrung, Samagaun and Larkya La | The initial reports do not confirm damage in these higher sections. However, access depends on crossings around Philim and Nyakchet, where bridge damage has been reported. The condition of the upper Manaslu Circuit has not yet been confirmed. |
Recent Flood Context
This is reported to be the second major flood event in the Budhi Gandaki valley within five weeks. On 6 September, flooding on the Therang Khola near Namrung reportedly damaged homes and a bridge. The district administration suspended the Manaslu Circuit and Larkya La route at that time. Trekking resumed within days after temporary wooden bridges were installed, and the Nepal Tourism Board was reported to have lifted its restriction on 11 September.
The current event is separate and has been described in early reports as more extensive. It also follows the deadly Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa on 26 August. Any figures or comparisons should be checked against official updates as investigations continue.
Authorities’ Response
- Home Minister Sudan Gurung said Nepal Police and Armed Police Force helicopters, together with local authorities, had been mobilised for rescue, relief and relocation. He also said he was travelling to the affected area.
- Police urged people in Khorlabesi, Machha Khola, Soti, Arkhet and Arughat, as well as parts of Sirdibas and Dharche, to move to safer locations. The Home Minister’s appeal also named Jagat and Salleri.
- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority warned that areas including Sirdibas, Jagat, Yari, Tatopani, Machha Khola, Soti, Arkhet and Arughat could be affected. Police advised people to stay away from the river downstream towards Trishuli Dobhan.
- The Flood Forecasting Division reportedly sent SMS warnings to people living near the river.
- Ekantipur separately reported that floodwater swept away the camp of a 341 MW hydropower project under construction. The full report was not available for verification, so the details and any impact on workers remain unconfirmed.
Advice for Our Trekking Clients
- Upcoming departures: Treat trips using the Gorkha corridor—including the Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley, Larkya La and Manaslu Base Camp—as on hold until the relevant authorities confirm route conditions. We will contact affected clients directly with options to change dates or rebook.
- Trekkers already on the trail: Keep away from riverbanks, flood channels and low-lying ground. Follow instructions from police, local authorities and your trekking guide. Let your guide or our office know your location and condition. The emergency number cited in the reports is 1234.
- Future departures: Do not rely only on the river level appearing normal. A blocked or partially blocked river can release water suddenly. Before restarting trips, trail sections, bridges, road access and accommodation need to be checked.
- Other trekking regions: The initial reports do not identify damage to Everest or Annapurna routes. However, this does not confirm that every trail is safe or unaffected. Check current local conditions with your trekking operator before travelling.
What Is Still Unknown?
- The final number of deaths, missing people and injured people, and how many trekkers, guides and porters were in the affected area.
- Whether the river remains blocked, partly blocked or at risk of another sudden release.
- Which trail sections, bridges and lodges between Jagat and Philim can be used safely.
- Whether an official closure or reopening notice will be issued for the Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley.
- The exact cause of the flood and the precise location of the landslide or river blockage.
Before You Travel
Before travelling to Gorkha or starting a trek in the Manaslu or Tsum Valley region, confirm the latest route status with the Gorkha District Administration Office, the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, the Nepal Tourism Board and your registered trekking operator. Do not cross damaged bridges or enter closed areas, even if other trekkers appear to be doing so.
Disclaimer
At the time this advisory was prepared, an official notice confirming the status of the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trekking routes had not been reported. This article is a rewrite of preliminary information provided for publication and is not an independent confirmation of the event. Details may change as authorities assess the damage. Please check official updates and contact us before booking or travelling.
Posted on
