The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki has issued an urgent safety advisory for trekkers, tourism entrepreneurs, guides, and porters following severe monsoon-induced floods and landslides that have caused significant damage along the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trekking route in Kaski.
Days of continuous rainfall have triggered flooding in the Kimrong Khola and Modi River, severely affecting Wards 10 and 11 of Annapurna Rural Municipality. According to TAAN Gandaki, the disaster has damaged key tourism infrastructure, disrupted trekking activities, and raised serious safety concerns for visitors currently in the region.
Key Trekking Infrastructure Damaged
The association reported that the floods damaged the suspension bridge at Ghurjung, one of the important crossings on the Annapurna trekking trail, while sections of the main route leading to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) were also affected.
Significant damage has also been reported around Syauli Bazar, a major stop along the trekking corridor, disrupting access to one of Nepal’s busiest and most popular trekking destinations. In addition, two hotels in Banthanti, Ghandruk, sustained damage from floods and landslides, affecting local tourism businesses that rely heavily on seasonal trekking activities.
TAAN Expresses Concern for Tourists and Trekking Staff
TAAN Gandaki said it is deeply concerned about the safety of tourists, trekking guides, and porters currently travelling or working in the affected areas. The association extended its sympathy to the affected hotel operators and called on the Government of Nepal and concerned agencies to immediately repair damaged infrastructure, restore trekking trails, and ensure safe movement for both visitors and local communities.
Safety Takes Priority Over Tourism Operations
Emphasizing that human life must come before business, TAAN Gandaki stated that the safety of tourists, local residents, guides, and trekking support staff remains its highest priority during the ongoing monsoon emergency. The association has urged all trekkers planning to visit the Annapurna region to carefully assess weather forecasts and local geographical conditions before beginning their journey. Trekkers who are already in high-risk areas have been advised to remain at safe locations until conditions improve rather than attempting to continue through hazardous sections of the trail. TAAN also appealed to trekking agencies and guides to avoid organizing or leading treks in vulnerable areas until authorities declare the routes safe.
Guides and Porters Asked to Stay Connected
TAAN Gandaki has instructed all trekking guides and porters working in the field to remain in regular contact with the TAAN Secretariat or their respective trekking agencies. In the event of an emergency, they have been urged to coordinate closely with local governments, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), and the Tourist Police to ensure timely assistance and safe evacuation if required.
The association has called on government authorities and relevant stakeholders to expedite restoration work on damaged bridges, trails, and other tourism infrastructure so that trekking activities can resume safely once weather conditions stabilize. With the monsoon season continuing across Nepal’s mountain regions, TAAN Gandaki has urged all tourism stakeholders to exercise maximum caution and strictly follow official advisories.
