The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Gandaki has urged trekking agencies, guides, porters and tourists to exercise high caution and use alternative routes after heavy rainfall and severe flooding caused extensive damage to roads and travel routes in parts of Kaski. In a notice dated August 14, 2026 (Shrawan 29, 2083), TAAN Gandaki said the situation had disrupted transportation and movement in areas that serve as important gateways to some of the region’s major trekking destinations.
Severe flooding disrupts key trekking gateway
According to TAAN Gandaki, areas including Birenthanti in Kaski, regarded as a major gateway to the Annapurna, Poon Hill and Ghandruk trekking routes, have been severely affected by the heavy rainfall. The intense rainfall triggered a major rise in the Modi River, resulting in significant damage to road infrastructure and transportation routes in the area.
The association said the New Bridge (Nayapul) Ghandruk road section and the road connecting toward Muktinath have been completely washed away in the affected areas. As a result, transportation and movement in the region have been completely disrupted, creating serious challenges for tourists, trekking workers and local communities dependent on these routes. The damage has raised concerns for the movement of trekkers heading toward popular destinations in the Annapurna region, particularly as the affected roads and trails provide important access to trekking areas and local settlements.
Safety given priority over tourism activities
TAAN Gandaki emphasized that, under the present circumstances, the safety of tourists and trekking workers must take priority over commercial activities. The association has therefore called on all trekking and tourism businesses to take the changing weather and damaged transportation infrastructure seriously before sending clients or staff into the affected areas.
It requested tourism companies to provide clear and accurate information about weather conditions, road conditions and the current status of trekking routes to trekkers, guides and support staff before they begin their journeys. The association stressed that proper information and caution are essential to prevent tourists and trekking workers from being exposed to unnecessary risks.
Guides and porters asked to remain in contact
TAAN Gandaki has also appealed to all guides and porters working in the affected areas to remain in regular contact with their respective trekking agencies. Maintaining communication with agencies will allow companies to monitor changing conditions, receive updated safety information and make timely decisions about trekking routes and travel arrangements.
The association has further requested guides and trekking workers to coordinate with local authorities, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the Tourism Police whenever necessary. Such coordination, it said, will help ensure that trekkers are directed toward safer routes and that travel decisions are made according to the latest information available on the ground.
Alternative routes recommended
With several road sections affected by flooding and landslides, TAAN Gandaki has urged tourism operators and trekking workers to use safe alternative routes wherever necessary instead of attempting to travel through damaged or dangerous sections. The call comes as continued monsoon rainfall can rapidly change conditions in mountain areas, where rivers can swell, roads can collapse, and trekking trails can become hazardous within a short period. The association has therefore asked trekking agencies to remain particularly vigilant when planning and conducting trips in the affected parts of Gandaki Province.
Call for immediate restoration of damaged routes
TAAN Gandaki also expressed sympathy over the losses and damage suffered by tourism entrepreneurs and other businesses because of the floods and landslides. The association said that the disruption of roads and trekking routes is likely to affect tourism-related activities and the movement of visitors and workers in the region.
It has consequently made a strong request to the concerned government agencies to undertake the immediate repair and maintenance of blocked and damaged roads and trekking trails and restore them to safe and convenient operation as soon as possible. Timely restoration, according to the association, is important not only for tourism but also for the communities and businesses that depend on these routes for transportation and economic activity.
Important message for trekking operators and visitors
The warning is particularly relevant to trekking companies operating trips toward Annapurna, Poon Hill and Ghandruk, as well as routes connecting toward Muktinath. TAAN Gandaki has effectively called for tourism activities to be carried out only after assessing the latest conditions, with the safety of visitors, guides, porters and local communities remaining the primary consideration.
The notice was issued by Gopal Krishna Sangroula, Secretary of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Gandaki. The association said continued coordination among tourism businesses, local authorities, ACAP and Tourism Police, together with prompt government action to restore damaged infrastructure, will be essential for safely resuming normal tourism and trekking movement in the affected areas.
