What the Rasuwa floods mean for travellers
The recent floods have caused serious damage, but it is important to understand the geography of what has happened.
The most severe impact is concentrated along the Bhote Koshi–Upper Trishuli river corridor in Rasuwa. This is not a nationwide transport shutdown.
There are disruptions on some important highways, and travellers should allow more time and remain flexible. Most major destinations and trekking regions remain accessible.
LANGTANG TREK – NOT RECOMMENDED
🔴 Severely affected
The road north towards Syabrubesi and the Langtang trekking region has been severely affected.
More importantly, this corridor is currently being used for rescue, relief and the movement of essential supplies into affected communities.
We strongly recommend that travellers do not use this route for tourism at present.
This is not simply about inconvenience. Keeping unnecessary tourism traffic away allows responders and supplies to move more effectively.
Langtang will welcome travellers again. For now, it needs space to recover.
KATHMANDU – POKHARA | ACCESSIBLE, EXPECT DELAYS
🟠 Disrupted but accessible
Sections of the main Kathmandu–Pokhara highway have been affected, so road journeys are taking longer and delays should be expected.
This does not mean Pokhara is inaccessible.
For travellers wanting to avoid the road disruption, Kathmandu–Pokhara is also a short flight of approximately 25 minutes. Airfares for foreign travellers are around USD 125, with lower fares available for Nepali citizens.
KATHMANDU – CHITWAN | ACCESSIBLE
🟠 Disrupted but alternatives available
The normal road journey towards Chitwan initially follows the same highway as Pokhara, so it is also affected by the disruptions.
However, alternative road routes are available. They take somewhat longer, but Chitwan remains accessible.
There are also flights of approximately 20 minutes, with fares in a similar range to Pokhara.
MANASLU TREK – ACCESSIBLE WITH A DIVERSION
🟠 Possible, with additional travel time
Access towards the trailhead of the Manaslu Circuit has also been affected by road disruptions.
A diversion is available, which means the Manaslu trekking region can still be reached. Travellers should simply expect a longer journey and some flexibility in transfer times.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT – ACCESSIBLE, EXPECT DELAYS
🟠 Disrupted but accessible
The road journey towards the Annapurna Circuit initially follows the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway before branching off after approximately 100 km.
Because this first section has disruptions, travellers should expect delays.
However, access to the Annapurna Circuit remains possible.
MOST OTHER HIGHWAYS ARE FUNCTIONING
🟢 Operating
The important point is that these disruptions should not be interpreted as Nepal’s entire road network being affected.
Most other major highways and tourism regions remain functional.
Nepal has suffered a major disaster, concentrated primarily along one river corridor. The response and recovery effort there is substantial, and that corridor should be given priority for relief operations.
Elsewhere, Nepal continues to function.
For travellers already here or planning to visit, the message is simple:
Avoid the Langtang/Rasuwa corridor for now.
For Pokhara, Chitwan, Manaslu and the Annapurna Circuit, travel remains possible — just build in additional time and flexibility.
For most of the rest of Nepal, travel continues.
Road conditions can change quickly following major flooding. Travellers should check the latest local information before beginning any long road journey.
