Rain and Landslides Disrupt Nepal as Annapurna Trekkers Turn Back

Kathmandu, Nepal: The journey along Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit has become difficult for trekkers after heavy rain and snowfall triggered landslides and damaged roads and bridges in the mountain districts. Some trekkers have turned back, while others have been moved to safer areas as authorities restrict travel in high-altitude parts of the route.

The disruption comes as Nepal is already dealing with the effects of floods and landslides in other parts of the country. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 542 rain-related incidents were recorded between September 24 and 27. At least 27 people were killed, four were reported missing and eight were injured during that period. More than 1,000 families were affected, while hundreds of houses and dozens of bridges were damaged.

The official figures cover the four-day period and may change as authorities receive new reports from affected districts. The incidents included 304 landslides, 87 floods and 151 cases of heavy rain. Twenty people died in landslides, four in floods and three in other rain-related incidents.

The weather has caused particular problems in Manang, one of the main districts along the Annapurna Circuit. Roads and bridges have been damaged, making it difficult for trekkers and local residents to move between settlements. In some places, people have had to use alternative paths after sections of the regular road and trekking route became difficult to pass.

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project office in Dharapani said 246 foreign tourists returned from Manang towards Lamjung between September 22 and 28. The number of visitors travelling towards Manang has also fallen sharply since the weather worsened. Authorities have advised trekkers in high-altitude areas to move towards safer locations and have restricted trekking around several high passes and trails.

Among those caught by the weather was Jake Stacy, a 21-year-old trekker from Suffolk, Britain. He became stranded with his guide at Yak Kharka in upper Manang after heavy snowfall. Rather than continue towards Thorong La, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit, he decided to turn back.

“We made our own paths on mountain slopes,” Stacy told the BBC after reaching Pokhara. He said the route was steep, muddy and wet, with a river below. His account shows the difficulties faced by some trekkers, although conditions have varied across different parts of the circuit.

Australian trekker Andrew Graham and his guide, Prem KC, told the BBC that they crossed more than 15 landslides after turning back from Manang village. They later became stranded in Chame and spent a night in a jungle. Another trekking guide, Tse Ring Doma, said her group crossed 28 landslides while returning from the area.

The situation in Chame has also affected local residents. Floodwater and debris have damaged parts of the road network, while a swollen river has affected a bridge linking Upper Manang with Chame. Officials and security personnel have been working to clear debris and restore access, but the work has been difficult because of the river and unstable ground.

The damage has raised concerns among tourism businesses in the Annapurna region. Guides, porters, hotels, restaurants and transport operators depend on trekkers during the main tourism season. A prolonged closure of the trekking route could therefore affect local incomes.

At the same time, authorities face pressure to keep visitors away from areas where roads, bridges and trails remain unsafe. Reopening the route will depend on assessments of the damage and the condition of the trails and transport links.

The bad weather has also caused a serious incident in the high mountains. An avalanche struck the Himlung Himal area of Manang on September 27 while Nepali workers were preparing a base camp for the autumn climbing season. Seven bodies had been recovered by September 30, while nine people remained missing, according to reports from the area.

The latest rain has also affected people who were already living in temporary shelters after earlier disasters. In several districts, families who lost their homes have been forced to remain under tarpaulins or in public buildings while they wait for more permanent arrangements. Continued rain has made conditions in some temporary shelters more difficult.

In Jajarkot, for example, families displaced by a landslide have been living under temporary shelters. Some have sought refuge in a nearby school during periods of rain, according to local reports.

The effects of the weather are also being felt beyond the trekking industry. Damaged roads have affected the movement of local residents, traders and pilgrims travelling to mountain settlements and religious sites. Some roads have reopened after debris was cleared, but repairs are still under way on other sections.

The disruption comes during one of Nepal’s main tourism periods. The months from September to November usually bring large numbers of trekkers to the country's mountain regions. The Annapurna Circuit is an important source of income for communities along the route, making the current disruption a concern for the local economy.

For authorities, however, the immediate priority is restoring safe access and helping affected communities. Roads and bridges need to be cleared or repaired, displaced families need shelter, and people in isolated settlements need access to food, health services and other basic supplies.

Nepal is now dealing with the latest damage while continuing to recover from earlier floods and landslides. The extent of the impact will become clearer as authorities complete assessments in the affected districts.

For trekkers and local communities in the Annapurna region, much will depend on the weather in the coming days and the speed with which damaged roads, bridges and trails can be made safe again.