Nepal Trail Conditions

The remains of Cyclone Arnab brought rain and heavy snow to Nepal from 29 to 31 October. The trekking agencies' association (TAAN) and district authorities in Mustang told trekkers to stay away from high passes, base camps and high-altitude areas for those days, and the Department of Immigration said it would not issue restricted-area permits for high-altitude areas during the forecast period. About 250 trekkers sheltered in Olangchung Gola, Ghunsa and Yamphudin on the Kanchenjunga routes after heavy snow.

The weather was forecast to improve from 1 November, though light rain and snow were still expected in the Himalaya that day. We have not found a notice that restricted-area permits are being issued again, so confirm that with your agency before you travel. On any route that crosses a high pass, expect fresh snow and ask your guide whether the pass has been crossed since the storm.

Around 11 October a flood on the Budhi Gandaki swept away bridges and damaged the trail around Khorlabesi, Jagat and Philim, the only way into the Manaslu and Tsum valleys.

The Manaslu Circuit reopened after temporary repairs. Trekkers have walked from Jagat through Philim towards Samagaon and the Larkya La since about 16 October, and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project and the Department of Immigration are issuing permits. Jeeps reach Machha Khola (one report says Khorlabesi), and a 10-minute bypass trail avoids a damaged section at Yaru Bagar. The trail is walkable but mules cannot yet pass, so lodges further up may be short of supplies.

Reports on the Tsum Valley disagree. On 25 October TAAN said community-built wooden bridges near Sardi Khola had reopened the route to Chhokangparo and Mu Gompa, while the conservation area's information officer said the Tsum trail needed another eight to ten days. Until that settles, ask your guide to confirm the Tsum trail is passable before you set off.

On 26 August floods on the Bhote Koshi swept away the road bridges at Betrawati and Syabrubesi, cutting the usual road to the Langtang trailheads.

The Langtang valley, Kyanjin Gompa and Gosainkunda are open for trekking. A temporary footbridge over the Bhote Koshi at Syabrubesi reopened the Tamang Heritage Trail and the Ruby Valley route around 24 October, but none of the reports we found says vehicles can reach Syabrubesi yet. A temporary bridge at Betrawati carries jeeps towards Dhunche, so many groups start walking from Dhunche or Thulo Syabru instead. Ask your guide which way in they plan to use before you arrange transport.