Flash Floods Leave Over 100 Foreign Trekkers Stranded in Nepal’s Gorkha Region

Rescue operations continue after flash floods destroyed homes, bridges, and sections of the Manaslu trekking trail.

Published On 13 Oct 202613 Oct 2026

More than 100 foreign trekkers remain stranded in central Nepal’s Gorkha district following flash floods that ravaged the region yesterday, sweeping away bridges, hiking trails, and hundreds of homes.

Bhuwan Raj Ojha, an official with the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, confirmed to Reuters that the trekkers were marooned across various points along the popular Manaslu trekking route after a section of the trail was completely washed away.

“Those hikers who want to return due to the flooding need to be rescued. Those who wish to continue their trek can do so from safe locations,” he stated from Gorkha. “There are restaurants and tea houses along the route, and they are safe.”

The floods struck on Sunday when a predawn landslide obstructed the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district, approximately 100 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Authorities successfully evacuated 321 people, including 12 foreigners, on Monday. The army announced it would extend rescue operations into Tuesday despite receding water levels.

The Budhi Gandaki River feeds into the Trishuli River, downstream from where a glacier collapse triggered a devastating flood in August, resulting in 1,457 fatalities with thousands still unaccounted for.

While no casualties have been reported in this latest incident, five villagers remain unreachable after mud and debris destroyed over 200 homes and damaged critical infrastructure, including three hydroelectric facilities, according to national disaster authorities.

Md Shahadat Hossain, a Bangladeshi trekker trapped in Jagat village, spoke to Anadolu news agency about the group’s situation. “Nine Bangladeshis are awaiting possible helicopter evacuation,” he said. “We’ve been stranded since yesterday when a flash flood swept through the village’s lower area.”

“We are safe, but there has been no electricity since yesterday, communication lines are down, and our food supplies are running low,” he added.

Gorkha district officials have urged residents along downstream riverbanks to evacuate immediately. National disaster authorities have also issued alerts for communities along the river in Gorkha, Tanahun, Chitwan, East Nawalparasi, and West Nawalparasi districts.

Source link