Nepal’s major trekking destinations are preparing for the upcoming autumn season, with most popular trails reported to be safe and operational despite road disruptions in several areas, according to the latest update from the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). TAAN issued its latest destination and trail update on September 11, 2026, following the flash floods that affected the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors on August 26. While the major flooding has eased, some roads remain affected by landslides and flood-related damage, making careful travel planning important for visitors. The association has encouraged trekkers and tour operators to check access conditions before starting their journeys, particularly while the monsoon season is still continuing.
Most Himalayan Trekking Areas Remain Open
According to TAAN, several major trekking regions have not been affected by the recent disruptions. The Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, Rolwaling and Helambu areas remain suitable for travel. The Manaslu region, including Tsum Valley, Nubri and Larke Pass, is also open to trekkers. The trail between Ghap and Namrung, which had been disrupted by flooding, has reopened after local residents built two wooden bridges. A landslide-affected section at Chaurikharka has also been repaired.
TAAN has, however, advised trekkers to avoid using horses and mules on certain sections for safety reasons. The Pokhara and Annapurna areas, including Manang and Mustang, are also reported to be safe. In Upper Mustang, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake caused damage to some private houses and monasteries around Lo Manthang, but TAAN said trekking trails, teahouse lodges and communication facilities serving tourists remain operational. The Dhaulagiri, Dolpo, Rara, Jumla, Humla and Far West trekking areas, including Khaptad, Badimalika, Api and Saipal, have also remained unaffected.
Road Disruptions Require Alternative Routes
Although the trekking destinations themselves remain largely accessible, several approach roads continue to create challenges for travelers. For Langtang and Gosaikunda, the road connecting Battar, Dhunche and Syabrubesi remains affected. TAAN has recommended an alternative trekking approach through Sundarijal, Helambu, Thadepati, Ghopte, Gosaikunda, Thulosyabru, Lama Hotel, Langtang and Kyanjin, with trekkers returning through the same route until road repairs are completed.
The Ganesh Himal and Ruby Valley areas are also considered safe, but access through Dhunche and Syabrubesi is currently unavailable. Travelers have been advised to approach these destinations through Dhadingbesi or Arughat in Gorkha instead. Access to Manaslu has also been affected by the collapse of the Malekhu Bridge. TAAN has advised against using the Malekhu-Dhadingbesi route and suggested alternative road connections through Galchhi-Sunaulabazaar-Dhadingbesi-Salyantar-Arughat-Lapubesi or Benighat-Arughat-Lapubesi.
Pokhara and Kailash Travel Updates
The road journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara remains affected by a landslide at Krishnabhir on the Prithvi Highway. Travelers can avoid the affected section by flying to Pokhara or using alternative road routes. TAAN has suggested routes through Benighat-Fujel-Laxmibazaar-Anbu Khaireni or through Galchhi, Sunaulabazaar, Dhadingbesi, Salyantar, Arughat, Ghyampesal and Gorkha. Travelers can also travel south toward Hetauda and Chitwan National Park before continuing to Pokhara.
For visitors traveling to Kailash Mansarovar through Nepal, the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route remains closed. The Kodari-Tatopani route is currently available only to pilgrims returning to Nepal, while the Simkot-Hilsa route remains open for both entry and exit. Pilgrims using the Simkot-Hilsa route can fly to Simkot and continue toward Hilsa by helicopter or by road through Yalbang. Another option is to enter Tibet through Lhasa and travel overland toward Kailash via Shigatse and Saga.
With the autumn trekking season approaching, TAAN has emphasized that Nepal’s major trekking destinations remain largely accessible, but travelers should continue to plan ahead and check the latest road and trail conditions. The association also noted that conditions can change while the monsoon season remains active and said further updates will be provided as repair and reconstruction work progresses.
