The Tsum Valley trekking route has reopened after the October 11, 2026 flood on the Budhi Gandaki River cut it off at Lokpa. Local crews built four wooden bridges and rebuilt the trail around Sardi Khola. Trekkers can now walk up to Chhekampar and Mu Gompa again. Here is what changed, what is still fragile and how to plan your Tsum Valley trek right now.
Written by Nim Bhatta, a trekking guide licensed by the Nepal Department of Tourism who has led treks on the Manaslu Circuit since 2009. Last updated October 26, 2026. Facts in this update come from the TAAN safety advisory and MCAP statements of October 25, 2026 (sources listed below). Trail conditions after a flood change week by week, so check with us before you set off.
Is the Tsum Valley Trek Open Now?
Yes. The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) confirmed on October 25, 2026 that the Tsum Valley route is open again. Community crews installed four wooden bridges and repaired the trail near Sardi Khola, so trekkers can reach Chhekampar and Mu Gompa. The repairs are temporary, so walk with care and check conditions locally.
| Route | Status (Oct 25, 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tsum Valley (Lokpa to Chhekampar and Mu Gompa) | Open, temporary repairs | Four wooden bridges and rebuilt trail around Sardi Khola |
| Manaslu Circuit via Larkya La | Open, partly repaired | Trekkers have reached Samagaun and Dharamsala |
| Road from Kathmandu | Open to Machha Khola | Trek starts on foot from there |
| Yaru Bagar section | Bypass in use | Short 10-minute alternative trail around a damaged stretch |
| Permits (RAP and MCAP) | Being issued | Confirmed by the Department of Immigration and MCAP |
What Happened: The October 11 Budhi Gandaki Flood
Early on the morning of October 11, 2026, a flash flood tore down the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district. It hit at the busiest point of the autumn trekking season. The flood took out road and trail bridges along the lower valley that every Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek must pass through.
Tsum Valley took one of the worst hits. The flood swept away the cantilever bridge at Sardibhir, near Lokpa village in Chumnubri Rural Municipality-6. That bridge clings to a cliff above the river. It was the only practical way into the valley, and there is no easy detour through that gorge.
How the Tsum Valley Route Was Reopened
The reopening came from local people, not a big government project. Villagers in Chumnubri built the repairs by hand while the main circuit was already back in use.
- Four wooden bridges now replace the lost crossings on the Tsum side.
- Trail sections around Sardi Khola were rebuilt so trekkers can pass the damaged cliff stretch.
- The route is verified by Chumnubri Rural Municipality Chairperson Nima Lama and local youth leader Serap Gurung, according to the TAAN advisory.
Tsum Valley Reopening Timeline
| Date (2026) | What happened |
|---|---|
| October 11 | Flash flood on the Budhi Gandaki. Sardibhir cantilever bridge near Lokpa washed away. Tsum Valley cut off. |
| October 16 | Trekkers start entering the Manaslu Conservation Area again through the Jagat checkpoint, heading for Nubri and Larkya La. |
| October 25 (morning) | MCAP says a temporary wooden bridge is going in near Sardibhir and Tsum could take another 8 to 10 days. |
| October 25 (later) | TAAN advisory says the Tsum Valley route is open to Chhekampar and Mu Gompa after community repairs. |
Notice the two reports from the same day. Officials expected a longer wait, then local crews finished faster. That gap is normal after a flood. It is also why you should check the latest status the week you travel, not the week you book.
Manaslu Circuit Status After the Flood
The main Manaslu Circuit reopened first. The Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) said 116 trekkers entered through Jagat between October 16 and 25, with about 30 to 35 arriving each day. On October 25 alone, 24 trekkers heading for Larkya La had registered at Jagat by midday.
- Repaired sections: trekkers have crossed Khorlabesi, Jagat, Philim and Nyak Phedi on the way to Samagaun and Dharamsala.
- Upper trail: locals report the trail from Nyak Phedi up towards the pass is in good shape.
- Lodges: teahouses in Jagat are serving food and beds as normal.
- Supplies: people can walk the trail, but mules cannot pass some sections yet. Expect some items to cost more or run short.
Is It Safe to Trek Tsum Valley Now?
It is open, and people are trekking it. But temporary wooden bridges and freshly cut trail are not the same as the old route. Treat the lower section with respect.
- Cross one at a time on the wooden bridges, and wait for your guide’s call.
- Stay on the marked trail. Do not take shortcuts along the cliffs or riverbed.
- Ask locals each morning. TAAN advises trekkers and crews to check route conditions with residents as they go.
- Watch the weather. Heavy rain or a late-season storm can loosen slopes again in the gorge.
- Build in one or two buffer days in case a section closes again for repairs.
What This Means If You Have a Tsum Valley Trek Booked
Getting There
Vehicles now reach Machha Khola, the usual trailhead. Road conditions in the lower valley can still slow you down, so leave Kathmandu early. Our ground transport guide for Manaslu and Tsum Valley covers the bus and jeep options.
Permits
Permits are being issued as normal. Tsum Valley needs its own Restricted Area Permit, separate from the Manaslu one, plus the MCAP. A registered agency must apply for you, and you must trek with a licensed guide. See our Tsum Valley permit guide and the full Nepal trekking permits guide for 2026.
Before You Fly
- Ask your agency for the trail status the week you arrive, not just today.
- Check your travel insurance covers helicopter evacuation and trip delays.
- Carry extra cash in rupees. Supply problems can push up lodge prices for a while.
- Keep a flexible flight home in case the route needs an extra day.
New to the valley? Read our guide to the Tsum Valley trek to see what waits beyond the gorge.
Sources and How We Checked This Update
Flood news spreads fast and much of it is out of date within days. We built this update only from official advisories and named officials, and we note where reports disagree.
- TAAN safety advisory, October 25, 2026: route status for Tsum Valley and the Manaslu Circuit, vehicle access to Machha Khola, the Yaru Bagar bypass and permit availability. Reported by Nepal News.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP): trekker numbers at the Jagat checkpoint, damage at Sardibhir and the wooden bridge work, from information officer Bhuwan Ojha. Reported by The Kathmandu Post.
- Local verification: Chumnubri Rural Municipality Chairperson Nima Lama and youth leader Serap Gurung confirmed the Tsum Valley repairs, as stated in the TAAN advisory.
- Route knowledge: trail sections, villages and trek logistics come from our own Manaslu and Tsum Valley trips, led from Kathmandu since 2009.
Tsum Valley Reopening FAQs
Is the Tsum Valley trek open in October 2026?
Yes. TAAN confirmed on October 25, 2026 that the Tsum Valley route is open to Chhekampar and Mu Gompa after community crews built four wooden bridges and repaired the trail around Sardi Khola.
Why was the Tsum Valley trekking route closed?
A flash flood on the Budhi Gandaki River on October 11, 2026 swept away the Sardibhir cantilever bridge near Lokpa. That cliffside bridge was the main way into the valley, so the route had to close until it was replaced.
Is the Manaslu Circuit open after the flood?
Yes. Trekkers began entering through Jagat again from October 16, 2026. Repaired sections through Khorlabesi, Jagat, Philim and Nyak Phedi now lead on to Samagaun, Dharamsala and the Larkya La.
Can I still get a Tsum Valley permit?
Yes. The Department of Immigration and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project have confirmed that permits are available. A registered agency must apply for your Restricted Area Permit, and you must trek with a licensed guide.
Is it safe to trek Tsum Valley after the flood?
The route is open, but the bridges and some trail sections are temporary. Cross bridges one at a time, stay on the marked path, check conditions with locals each day and keep one or two buffer days in your plan.
Plan Your Tsum Valley Trek With Us
Our Kathmandu team follows every TAAN and MCAP advisory and will give you the latest trail status before you book. Pick the trip that fits you and check current dates and rates on the trip page:
- Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek: a focused trip into the hidden valley
- Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek: Tsum plus the full circuit over Larkya La
- Budget Tsum Valley Trek: the same valley with a leaner budget
- Tsum Valley Yoga and Meditation Retreat Trek: slower days in the monasteries
Want the latest trail status before you book? Email info@manaslucircuittreks.com or chat with us on WhatsApp:
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