Nepal’s monsoon season has caused widespread disruption to transportation and trekking routes, raising safety concerns for tourists and trekkers traveling across the country. Heavy rainfall, landslides, floods, and river erosion have damaged major highways and trekking infrastructure in popular tourist destinations.
Dharapani–Larkepass Trail Damaged in Manang
The Budebagar section of the Dharapani–Larkepass Trail in Tilche, Nasho Rural Municipality of Manang, has suffered severe damage following heavy rainfall on August 5 and 6. Floods have destroyed sections of the trekking trail and damaged a suspension bridge over the Surkhi Khola, making the route unsafe for trekkers.
Local authorities have advised travelers to avoid the affected section until repair works are completed and the route is officially declared safe. The damage comes at a time when Manang remains an important destination for domestic and international trekkers exploring the Annapurna region.
Nepal Police Issues Nationwide Travel Alert
Amid continuous monsoon rainfall, Nepal Police has issued a nationwide travel alert after landslides, road collapses, mudslides and swollen rivers disrupted vehicular movement along several major highways.
According to the police update issued Monday morning, severe weather conditions have resulted in road blockages and travel restrictions in different parts of the country. Authorities have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel along affected routes, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Major Highways Affected
In Kavre, a fresh debris flow completely blocked the BP Highway at Roshi Rural Municipality–9 on Monday morning. Night-time travel along the Khurkot–Nepalthok–Katunjebesi section has also been suspended from 6:00 PM to 4:00 AM until further notice because of flood risks.
The Araniko Highway has been completely disrupted at Zerokilo, Kodari and Liping in Sindhupalchok following massive landslides and road subsidence. The route is particularly important for travelers heading toward the northern tourism areas and border regions.
Similarly, landslides have obstructed the Mid-Hill Highway at Bimire Bhanjyang in Lamjung, the Mechi Highway at Rajduwali in Ilam and the Bheri Corridor at Rijegard Khola in Rukum West. Alternative routes are reportedly available in Lamjung and Ilam.
River Erosion Closes Key Tourism Corridor
River erosion has also affected the Pasang Lhamu Highway at Khalte in Rasuwa, where the Trishuli River has damaged the road and halted transportation. The highway serves as a major access route for travelers heading toward popular trekking destinations in the Langtang region. Meanwhile, Kanti Lokpath in Makwanpur has been placed under a night-time travel restriction from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM due to monsoon-related risks.
Tourism Sector Urged to Prioritize Safety
The latest disruptions highlight the vulnerability of Nepal’s tourism infrastructure during the monsoon season. Roads and trekking trails serve as critical links to destinations across the Himalayas, and sudden landslides, floods and bridge damage can leave travelers stranded or force changes to planned itineraries.
Tour operators, trekking agencies, hotels and travelers are therefore advised to monitor local weather and road conditions before beginning journeys to affected destinations. Trekking routes should only be used after receiving confirmation from local authorities or relevant tourism and trail-management bodies that they are safe.
Nepal Police has urged commuters to avoid unnecessary travel on affected routes and contact the police control room at 100 or the toll-free number 16600141516 for the latest information. The situation remains subject to change as monsoon rainfall continues across the country. Travelers planning road journeys or trekking trips in Nepal are advised to check route conditions immediately before departure and follow instructions from local authorities.
