Kathmandu, October 11, 2026. A debris-laden flash flood tore down the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district early on Sunday. It swept away an estimated 35 to 40 houses, several bridges and a hydropower construction camp, and it has disrupted the lower Manaslu Circuit trek route. Four people are reported missing, and authorities have warned of flood risk far downstream.
What Happened
The flood hit Chumnubri and Dharche rural municipalities before sunrise. Residents heard loud roaring from the Ungilung and Syar rivers from around 4 a.m., and floodwater reached settlements within the hour. Locals and tourists fled to higher ground.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology says satellite images show a large landslide near Chumchet, believed to have occurred on Saturday. The leading theory is that it blocked a tributary, the Ungilung, which then released its water suddenly. Some residents suspect an avalanche on Mount Shringi, but this is unconfirmed. The cause is still preliminary.
Damage Reported So Far
- Houses: About 35 to 40 houses were swept away in Jagat Bagar, Salleri and Ghattikhola. Around 20 to 22 more houses in Salleri (Dharche-3) are at risk.
- Bridges: The flood destroyed the suspension footbridges linking Nyakchet with Sirdibas, and Machhakhola with Kerauja. It also took the motorable iron bridge at Soti and the Aarughat bridge connecting Gorkha and Dhading. The Home Minister reported damage to a bridge between Nyakchet and Philim Bazar.
- Hydropower: A construction camp and equipment at the 341 MW Budhi Gandaki project site in Salleri were swept away.
- Missing: Four people living in a shed on the Ungilung riverbank in Chumchet are unaccounted for. Four to five herders travelling from Sirdibas toward Chumling are also out of contact.
- Rescue: The Nepali Army airlifted six people from Jagat by helicopter, and police evacuated Arughat Bazaar. No deaths or injuries had been confirmed in the preliminary reports.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Status
Jagat, Salleri, Sirdibas, Machhakhola and Soti are all on the lower Manaslu Circuit route. Travel through the Budhi Gandaki valley is badly disrupted, and the loss of the Aarughat bridge affects the usual approach to the trail.
This is the second flood on this river in five weeks. On September 6, a flash flood near Namrung destroyed bridges higher up the valley. Together, the two events mean the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley routes are at risk of delays and closures.
I found no official closure notice yet, so we are describing the trek as disrupted rather than closed. Check the latest status with the Gorkha District Administration Office and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project before travelling.
Downstream Warning
The Flood Forecasting Division has issued alerts along the river down to Trishuli Dobhan. Authorities say the Trishuli corridor as far as Benighat remains at very high risk. Residents around Mugling, Chitwan and Nawalparasi have been urged to stay alert.
Advice for Trekkers
- If you are on the trail, contact your agency and local police now. Move away from the river and follow official instructions.
- If you are booked to trek Manaslu soon, talk to your agency about delaying, rerouting or switching regions.
- Stay away from riverbanks, low-lying areas and damaged bridges, and never cross floodwater.
- Allow extra days in any itinerary, since road and bridge repairs may take time.
- Check your travel insurance for trek cancellation and evacuation cover.
