Latest Update: September 08, 2026
Within two days of the flood, TAAN has announced that the alternative trail and bridge has been developed in Therangkhola, Namrung. The bridge has been placed in new point, adding one more attraction: the perfect waterfall backdrop. The flood in Therang Khola swept away a suspension bridge, which is still in the making process. For now, alternative wooden footbridge has been consteucted under the leadership of the ward chairperson. The main goal to build the alternative pool was to help the stranded toursits in resuming the trek and reopen the trekking trail. Now you can compkete both Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek along with Larkya La Pass.
If you're planning a trip to the Manaslu region this autumn, here's the short answer: YES, the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Larkya La Pass are currently suspended, following a flash flood that hit northern Gorkha on September 6, 2026. The suspension is temporary as the authorities have already started to work on the bridge.
Below, we have mentioned everything confirmed so far, straight from official notices.
What Happened
In the early hours of Sunday, September 6, 2026, a sudden flash flood tore through the Budhi Gandaki and Therang Khola near Namrung, in Chumnubri Rural Municipality-4 of Gorkha district. The place is located along the Manaslu Circuit trekking trail on Day 5 near Namrung.
The flood destroyed the main suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki along with a second pedestrian bridge, swept away four homes, and damaged two local micro-hydropower plants.
Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported as the residents reached higher ground before the water hit.
Official Closure Notice
The closure isn't just caution from tour operators, it's a formal order from local authorities:
- District Administration Office (DAO), Gorkha issued a notice the same day, signed by Assistant Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma, suspending travel on both the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Larkya La route "until further notice."
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), which issues the permits required for the restricted region, issued a matching advisory telling trekkers to postpone their trips.
- Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), has also advised operators to hold departures.
- Both DAO Gorkha and MCAP confirmed the closure but, as of this writing, have not announced a reopening date.
Is Larkya La Pass Affected Too?
Yes. Larkya La Pass itself has not been affected by the flood, however, it isn't a separate trek. The pass is the highest point (5,160m) of the Manaslu Circuit trek itself. With the Budhi Gandaki bridge gone, there's currently no safe route to reach the pass, so it's effectively inaccessible until the lower trail reopens.
The Tsum Valley trek, which shares the same lower trail near Namrung, is also affected by the same flood.
Is This Flood Related to the Rasuwa Flood?
This is a separate event from the major flash flood that hit Rasuwa district on August 26, 2026 (which affected the Bhote Koshi/Trishuli area and Langtang region access, with a confirmed death toll). The Manaslu route follows the Budhi Gandaki valley, a different drainage system. So, the September 6 damage near Namrung is a different, more localized incident directly on the Manaslu trail itself.
When Might It Reopen?
There's no confirmed date yet, but some operators are estimating a rough recovery window of one week for local teams to assess damage and establish a temporary crossing. This may change due to weather and other conditions.
However, the closing is not that serious, only the trekkers who have already planned the trek around Sep 6 - Sep 12 may get affected. However, this timeline is an expectation, not a guarantee. The actual reopening depends on bridge repairs, weather, and DAO Gorkha's official word.
What Should Trekkers Do Right Now?
- Don't travel to the Manaslu region or start the trek until DAO Gorkha or MCAP issues a new notice.
- If you're currently booked, contact your trekking operator directly for the latest news on your specific departure.
- Reschedule your trekking plan if you are staying more in Nepal, change the trekking destination if you have not much time in Nepal.
- Keep checking official channels: DAO Gorkha notices and MCAP advisories.
Message from Hidden Trek Nepal
Your safety is our top priority. We won’t lead the trek knowing there is danger ahead. So, we request you to kindly stick with our decisions. If you have already booked Manaslu Trek with us, you can move it later into other seasons, with your deposit exactly as it is.
You can also switch to other trekking destinations on the same dates. Everest Base Camp Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek are two famous trekking destinations some of our clients have switched into. For destination suggestions, kindly contact us.
Note: This is a developing situation. Details, especially the reopening timeline, may change quickly. So, always confirm current status with DAO Gorkha, MCAP, or your trekking operator before finalizing travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Has Tsum Valley trek trail also been affected by the flood?
A: Yes. Tsum Valley goes through the same lower trail (Namrung) as of Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Q2: Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek permanently closed?
A: No. This is just a temporary closure caused by a flash flood damage to bridges along the route.
Q3: When will the trail reopen?
A: The reconstruction of the bridges are going on and the official has not yet confirmed the reopening date.
Q4: I have a Manaslu trip booked soon, what should I do?
A: Don't start the trek until an official update is published. Contact your trekking operator directly about your specific dates, since they'll have the most current information.
Q5: Can I still get a Manaslu permit right now?
A: MCAP has advised trekkers to postpone trips, so new departures are effectively on hold alongside the trail suspension. Check with your operator or MCAP directly before assuming permits are being processed as normal.