The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating flash floods of August 26, 2026, which caused significant loss of life, injuries, displacement and widespread destruction across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Nepal-China border areas and communities along the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli corridor. While extending condolences to families who lost loved ones, NMA said its immediate priority is to support affected communities, visitors and rescue personnel and to contribute to ongoing search, rescue and relief operations.
NMA Deploys Mountain Guides and Rescue Personnel
NMA has actively joined rescue efforts in the flood-affected areas by deploying experienced mountain guides and rescue personnel trained to operate in challenging terrain and emergency conditions. The rescue operation is being led by NMA Board Member Bikram Karki and Jenjin Sherpa, alongside Dawa Tseri Lama. The team is assisting ongoing rescue operations in difficult-to-access locations where specialized mountain skills and experience are required.
NMA said it remains prepared to deploy additional personnel and resources depending on the situation and in coordination with government authorities and other agencies involved in the emergency response. The association also expressed gratitude to the Government of Nepal, security agencies, local authorities, rescue teams, medical personnel, volunteers and local communities for their continued efforts in the affected areas.
Flood Impact Remains Concentrated in Specific Areas
NMA has emphasized that the devastating floods have primarily affected particular areas and do not represent the overall situation across Nepal. According to the association, many of Nepal’s major tourism and mountaineering destinations are geographically separate from the affected flood zones and continue to operate normally.
However, visitors traveling in or around Rasuwa, Nuwakot and the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli corridor have been urged to strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities and security agencies. Travelers have also been advised to stay away from flooded roads, rivers and riverbanks, unstable slopes, damaged bridges and other locations affected by floods and landslides.
Langtang and Some Road Routes Affected
NMA said some routes and access areas have also experienced disruptions caused by flooding and landslides. Certain road sections toward Mustang from the Malekhu side have been affected, while the Langtang trekking area has also experienced impacts from floods and landslides.
The association said it will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates as access routes and local conditions improve. Travelers have been advised to regularly check weather, road, flight, and trekking-route conditions before and during their journeys and maintain communication with professional trekking and expedition operators.
Major Himalayan Regions Remain Operational
With Nepal’s important autumn trekking and mountaineering season approaching, NMA has clarified that available information indicates that major mountain regions remain operational for the upcoming season. Key destinations including Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Dolpo and Far-Western Nepal, along with other mountain areas unaffected by the floods, are currently expected to remain open for trekking and mountaineering activities. NMA said it will continue monitoring mountain access, weather conditions, trekking routes and climbing conditions across the country’s major Himalayan destinations.
NMA to Issue Safety Updates if Conditions Change
The association said it will promptly communicate any significant changes if trekking or climbing destinations become unsafe because of severe weather, heavy snowfall, avalanches, landslides or damaged access routes. NMA stressed that the safety of climbers, trekkers, mountain guides, high-altitude workers, porters and visitors remains its highest priority. The association will coordinate with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders before issuing updates regarding changes in the safety or accessibility of particular destinations.
Call for Verified Information and Responsible Travel
NMA has urged international media, tourism businesses, expedition companies and travelers to rely on verified information from government authorities and recognized tourism organizations when assessing travel conditions in Nepal. The association has cautioned against generalizing the impact of the floods across the entire country, stressing that conditions can vary considerably between individual destinations and routes. Travelers are encouraged to assess conditions according to their specific destination, trekking route and travel plans rather than assuming that disruption in one region applies nationwide.
Nepal Continues to Welcome International Travelers
Despite the devastating disaster in the affected areas, NMA said Nepal continues to welcome international tourists, trekkers, mountaineers and adventure travelers. Visitors are encouraged to remain informed, travel responsibly, follow official safety instructions and coordinate closely with professional trekking and expedition operators.
NMA said it will continue working with government authorities, security agencies, local governments, tourism organizations and expedition operators to monitor the situation and provide updates if conditions materially change. The association reiterated that Nepal remains committed to offering safe and responsible Himalayan experiences while standing in solidarity with the families and communities affected by the tragedy.
Safety Remains the Priority
NMA said its immediate responsibility is to stand alongside the families and communities affected by the disaster and support the teams working on rescue and relief operations. At the same time, the association emphasized that many of Nepal’s major trekking and mountaineering regions remain unaffected and operational. It has called on visitors to stay informed, travel responsibly and follow official safety guidance while planning their journeys during the upcoming autumn season.
