Nepal Trekking Update: Major Trekking Regions Continue to Operate

Nepal Trekking and Tour Update: Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu and Mustang Continue to Welcome Trekkers

Recent floods have caused serious damage in parts of Nepal, affecting communities, roads and other infrastructure. The impact has been particularly significant along sections of the Trishuli river corridor, where damage to the Prithvi Highway has disrupted the main road connection between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The disruption is real. However, it is important to distinguish between localized transport damage and the wider condition of Nepal's trekking destinations.

Nepal has not stopped trekking.

The country's major trekking regions continue to operate, with local conditions being monitored and transportation arrangements being adjusted where necessary. Nepal Tourism Board continues to list Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Mustang, Helambu, Kanchenjunga and other regions among Nepal's established trekking destinations and routes.

At Nepal Hiking Team, we are following conditions across individual trekking regions and trailheads rather than treating the entire country as a single destination. Our approach is straightforward: where a route remains appropriate for travel, we continue operating it; where access has been affected, we adjust the logistics; and where conditions require greater caution, we recommend an alternative.

Major Trekking Routes Continue to Operate

The country's major trekking regions remain available, including Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu and Mustang.

This includes some of Nepal's best-known trekking journeys, such as:

• Everest Base Camp Trek: The Everest region remains one of Nepal's principal trekking destinations. Nepal Tourism Board continues to list Everest Base Camp among the country's major trekking routes, with the classic journey approaching Everest through Lukla, Namche Bazaar and the Khumbu Valley.
• Annapurna Circuit Trek: The Annapurna Circuit continues to operate as one of Nepal's major trekking routes. The route crosses the Annapurna region from the lower Marsyangdi Valley toward Manang and Thorong La before continuing toward Muktinath and the Kali Gandaki Valley.
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek: The Annapurna region remains open for trekking, including routes toward Annapurna Base Camp. Nepal Tourism Board identifies Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill-ABC among the established trekking routes in the region.
• Manaslu Circuit Trek: The Manaslu region remains an established trekking destination, with the Manaslu Circuit Trek continuing to be recognised by Nepal Tourism Board as a major trekking route.
• Mustang Treks: Mustang remains available for travellers seeking the Trans-Himalayan landscapes of northern Nepal. Nepal Tourism Board highlights both Mustang and Upper Mustang as established destinations, with Upper Mustang recognised as a restricted-area trekking route requiring the appropriate permit.

These are not the only options. Nepal's trekking network extends across numerous Himalayan regions, including Helambu, Gokyo, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Dolpo and other established routes.

Prithvi Highway Disruption: A Road Problem, Not the End of Your Trek

One of the most significant current travel disruptions is the damage to the Prithvi Highway at Krishna Bhir section, which affects the main road connection between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Following the flood damage, authorities have mobilised technical teams and are working to restore the affected section. Current reporting indicates an expected restoration effort of approximately 15 days, although the actual reopening time will depend on field conditions and the progress of the work. Alternative and local routes are also being considered and used during the disruption.

Note: Regarding Prithvi Highway Disruption: Kathmandu-Pokhara Road Condition

The trekking programme will remain unchanged, including the trekking days and included services. Any additional transportation cost will be communicated in advance.

Annapurna Treks: We Are Changing the Transport, Not the Trek

For travellers booked on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Poon Hill Trek or other Pokhara-based trekking itineraries, Nepal Hiking Team is arranging alternative transportation where required.

Where road conditions make the Kathmandu-Pokhara journey impractical, trekkers may fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and continue by road from Pokhara toward the relevant trailhead.

This approach allows the trekking programme to continue without waiting for the highway to reopen.

Where an alternative flight or transportation arrangement creates an additional cost, that cost will be clearly communicated in advance.

The trekking duration, included trekking services and planned experience will not be reduced because of this transportation adjustment.

Langtang Valley Trek: New Bookings Temporarily Paused

The situation is different in parts of Langtang.

The Langtang Valley Trek begins from Syabrubesi, and recent flooding and road damage have affected access to the area.

Some areas of the Langtang region remain affected by recent damage and ongoing recovery work. Because access conditions are still being assessed, Nepal Hiking Team is temporarily not accepting new bookings for the Langtang Valley Trek.

This is a precautionary decision based on current access and local conditions. It does not mean that the entire Langtang region is closed.

Travellers who have already booked the Langtang Valley Trek, as well as those who were planning to travel there this autumn, are encouraged to consider an alternative route while the affected areas undergo recovery.

Helambu: A Practical Alternative for Langtang Travellers

For travellers who originally selected Langtang, Helambu is one of the most practical alternatives.

Located closer to Kathmandu, Helambu offers Himalayan views, mountain villages, forest trails and strong cultural connections with local communities. Nepal Tourism Board separately recognises Helambu as a trekking region and lists the Helambu Trek among the routes requiring a guide and TIMS card.

For existing Langtang clients, we recommend a suitable alternative based on the original travel dates, trekking duration and interests.

The goal is to keep the journey moving, while selecting a route that is appropriate for the current conditions.

Trekking in Nepal is still Safe

The recent disaster has created genuine challenges. Some roads are damaged. Some communities are recovering. Some routes require changes. But it is important to distinguish between affected areas and Nepal as a whole.

And there are many other trails across Nepal.

Everest remains open. Annapurna remains open. Manaslu remains open. Mustang remains open.

Our approach at Nepal Hiking Team is straightforward: monitor conditions, communicate honestly, adapt logistics and choose the right route for every traveller.

Where a road is affected, we look for another way to reach the trailhead. Where a particular trekking area requires additional caution, we recommend another route.

Where a trek remains accessible, we continue operating it. Nepal Tourism Board's latest national update has made the position clear: Nepal is not closed.

The trails continue. The mountains remain. And Nepal continues to welcome trekkers.