Nepal: Flash Flood Sweeps Away Bridges on Manaslu Trekking Route

October 12, 2026 — A flash flood in Nepal’s Gorkha district has swept away houses and several suspension bridges on the Manaslu trekking route, and the US Embassy has warned trekkers in the area to move to high ground. Kathmandu and its international airport are not affected.

What happened

Around 4 a.m. on Sunday, October 11, a landslide-triggered flash flood on the Budhi Gandaki River hit Chumnubri rural municipality (including Salleri and Jagat), Chumling and Lokpa, according to the Kathmandu Post.
Houses and suspension bridges were swept away, including the bridge between Nyakchet and Philim bazaar. Residents and tourists fled, and helicopters are evacuating people. No casualties had been reported as of the Post’s update.
Nepal’s Home Ministry set up a hotline (1234) for people affected.
The US Embassy in Kathmandu issued a security alert on October 11, as reported by ePardafas, telling trekkers to move to high ground, keep away from riverbanks and damaged bridges, and email the embassy with their status. It said more flooding is possible.

What it means for airline travelers

If you have a Manaslu-area trek planned in the coming days, check with your trekking agency before leaving Kathmandu; several bridges in the area were swept away.
Flights into Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport are operating normally.
Trekkers already in the area should follow the embassy’s advice, contact family, and check whether their travel insurance covers helicopter evacuation.
US citizens: enroll in STEP. Canadians: use Registration of Canadians Abroad.