KATHMANDU, 31 August 2026: PATA Nepal Chapter released an operational update on 29 August 2026 following the devastating flash flood that destroyed villages with more than 2,400 people missing after part of a glacier collapsed near the border between Nepal and China.
On Wednesday, 26 August, a colossal flash flood surged down the Bhote Koshi River and into the Trishuli River, destroying Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts and affecting 10,000 households. The death toll has exceeded 700, while 3,000 people are missing, including 320 foreigners. Nepal Tourism Board reported 250 foreigners have since been rescued.
Search and rescue efforts continue in the steep valleys and gorges, with over 18,000 rescuers deployed to a disaster region extending 100 km downstream of the Gyirong border gate. “Our thoughts are with every family still waiting for news of their loved ones and our first priority is to support that response,” said the PATA Chapter statement.
“Our thoughts are with every family still waiting for news of their loved ones and our first priority is to support that response,” said the PATA Chapter statement.
“Our second priority is accuracy. International coverage has not distinguished between one river corridor and a country of 147,000 sq km, and travellers are drawing conclusions the facts do not support.”
Map: Flood-Affected Zone – Bhote Koshi–Trishuli River Corridor, Nepal (August 2026)
Disaster region
The Langtang, Rasuwa, and Bhote Koshi corridor is closed. Search and rescue is active, and authorities have warned of further flooding from a barrier lake upstream. Travel there is not possible. The Galchhi–Syabrubesi road is closed.
Operating normally
- Overland movements between Kathmandu–Pokhara and Kathmandu–Chitwan are operating normally.
- Tribhuvan International Airport and all domestic airports
- Kathmandu Valley — hotels, restaurants and heritage sites
- Everest and Khumbu region, including Lukla flights
- Annapurna region and Pokhara
- Chitwan and Bardiya
- Lumbini and the Terai
Autumn is Nepal’s principal trekking season, which will open in four weeks. The Everest and Annapurna regions, where the great majority of autumn arrivals travel, are outside the affected river system and were not in the flood path. PATA Nepal Chapter will confirm operating conditions in the affected region in subsequent updates as the situation stabilises.
The Nepal Tourism Board is issuing numbered situation updates on the Bhote Koshi flood, the latest being Situation Update No 6, 28 August. It includes verification of the whereabouts and safety of travellers. See: Latest Travel Updates | Nepal Tourism Board.
(Source: PATA Nepal Chapter, BBC)
