More than 100 foreign trekkers stranded following Nepal floods

More than 100 foreign trekkers have been stranded in central Nepal after severe flooding swept away sections of hiking trails and bridges, disrupting access to the popular Manaslu trekking region. 

The flooding struck Gorkha district, approximately 100km west of Kathmandu, on Sunday 11 October. Preliminary assessments reviewed by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) suggest that a landslide temporarily blocked the Budhi Gandaki River before the accumulated water was released downstream. 

Nepalese authorities have rescued 96 people, including nine foreign nationals, Reuters reported, while military personnel continued search and rescue operations on Monday. 

Bhuwan Raj Ojha, an official with the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, said more than 100 foreign trekkers were unable to return because sections of the route had been destroyed. 

He told Reuters that trekkers wishing to leave affected areas would require assistance, while those in safe locations could continue their journeys. 

Rescue operations and travel disruption 

Nepal’s army has deployed four helicopters to support rescue efforts, according to the BBC. 

The country’s disaster management authorities reported that more than 200 homes had been damaged and over 650 people were affected. Floodwaters also destroyed suspension bridges and damaged hydroelectric infrastructure. 

Some communities have become inaccessible by road or foot, increasing reliance on aerial access for emergency operations. 

The incident follows devastating flooding along the Nepal–Tibet border in August, underscoring the continuing exposure of Himalayan communities and travellers to sudden natural hazards.