Is Manaslu Circuit Open in 2026? If you are planning a Manaslu Circuit Trek in autumn 2026, you may have seen recent news about flash floods, damaged bridges, and trekking route closures in Nepal. Understandably, many trekkers are asking: Is the Manaslu Circuit open? Is it safe to trek? And has the recent flooding affected the route?
The latest update is encouraging: the Manaslu Circuit Trek is open for trekking.
However, it is important to understand what happened, because the recent flooding in Nepal involved more than one affected area, and the Rasuwa floods and the Manaslu flood were separate incidents.
Is the Manaslu Circuit Open in 2026?
Yes. The Manaslu Circuit is currently accessible for trekking.
Following flash-flood damage around Namrung in the Manaslu region on September 6, 2026, the District Administration Office in Gorkha temporarily restricted trekking along the affected section of the Manaslu Circuit and Larkya Pass.
Local communities, together with the Manaslu Conservation Area Project and local authorities, worked to restore access through the damaged section. Temporary crossing arrangements and an alternative trail allowed movement to resume.
The Nepal Tourism Board subsequently reported that the damaged structures along the route in Chumnubri Rural Municipality–4, Namrung had been restored to a condition suitable for trekking and that the earlier restriction had been lifted.
This means trekkers can continue planning their Manaslu Circuit journeys, while remaining aware that conditions in the affected area may differ from normal.
What Happened to the Manaslu Circuit? Is Manaslu Circuit Open in 2026?
The situation developed in two stages.
On August 26, 2026, a devastating flash flood affected areas around Rasuwa and the Trishuli–Bhote Koshi corridor. The disaster caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and settlements in the region.
The Manaslu Circuit itself is located in Gorkha District, along the Budhi Gandaki Valley, rather than in the Rasuwa flood corridor.
A separate flash flood then occurred on September 6 near Namrung, within the Manaslu region. The flooding damaged important bridge crossings and temporarily disrupted movement along the trekking route. The Gorkha District Administration Office responded by temporarily suspending trekking while the affected section was assessed and access was restored.
After local restoration work, the route was reopened.
Rasuwa Floods vs. Manaslu Flood: What’s the Difference?
This distinction is particularly important for international trekkers because headlines about the Nepal floods can make it appear that the entire Himalayan trekking region has been affected.
The August Rasuwa disaster and the September Manaslu incident were separate events in different areas.
| Area | 2026 Situation |
| Rasuwa / Bhote Koshi corridor | Severely affected by the August flash flood |
| Langtang access corridor | Access conditions affected and subject to current local updates |
| Manaslu / Namrung | Temporarily disrupted by a separate September flash flood. Temporary bridge made |
| Manaslu Circuit | Reopened for trekking |
| Larkya Pass route | Accessible following restoration of the affected section |
For Manaslu trekkers, the most relevant development is therefore the September flood near Namrung, rather than assuming that the August Rasuwa disaster directly closed the Manaslu Circuit.
Has the Manaslu Trail Been Repaired? Is Manaslu Circuit Open in 2026?
Access through the affected Namrung section has been restored.
Reports following the temporary closure described local residents and the Manaslu Conservation Area Project working to establish an alternative route and temporary crossing after the original bridge infrastructure was damaged.
The Nepal Tourism Board’s September 11 situation update confirmed that the damaged structures had been restored to a condition suitable for trekking and that the restriction had been lifted.
Trekkers should nevertheless expect that the affected area may not look exactly as it did before the flood. Temporary structures, altered trail sections, loose ground and changing river conditions are all possibilities following a major weather event.
For this reason, current local information should always be checked shortly before departure.
What Does This Mean for Autumn 2026 Trekkers? Is Manaslu Circuit Open in 2026?
The reopening is particularly relevant for travelers planning the popular October and November trekking season.
The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal’s classic high-altitude trekking routes, combining remote Himalayan landscapes, traditional mountain villages and the challenging crossing of Larkya La Pass at approximately 5,106 meters.
The recent flood does not mean that autumn Manaslu trekking has been cancelled.
Instead, trekkers should approach the journey with the understanding that mountain conditions can change quickly.
Before starting the trek, your trekking agency should confirm:
- The latest condition of the trail around Namrung
- Current bridge and river-crossing conditions
- Road access to Machha Khola
- Weather and rainfall forecasts
- Accommodation availability along the route
- Any new instructions from local authorities
- Current conditions around Larkya La
Is It Safe to Trek the Manaslu Circuit Now? Is Manaslu Circuit Open in 2026?
The reopening means the relevant authorities have lifted the temporary restriction and determined that the affected section is suitable for trekking.
However, reopening does not mean that mountain travel is completely risk-free.
The Manaslu region is a remote Himalayan environment. Heavy rain can cause landslides, rockfall, river-level changes and temporary road or trail disruptions even when a route is officially open.
Trekkers should therefore avoid relying solely on an older online article or social-media post. Conditions can change within hours during the monsoon transition period.
At Treks Planner Nepal, we recommend checking the route condition immediately before departure and maintaining communication with our local team throughout the trek.
What About the Road to Manaslu?
One-point trekkers should keep in mind is that trail conditions and road conditions are different issues.
Most Manaslu Circuit itineraries begin with a drive from Kathmandu toward the Budhi Gandaki Valley and the trailhead around Machha Khola.
The approach road is rugged and can be affected by monsoon rainfall, landslides and road maintenance. Therefore, even when the trekking trail itself is open, the exact driving route and travel time may change.
Your guide and local operations team can adjust the transportation plan according to the latest road conditions.
This flexibility is especially important during September, when weather conditions can still change rapidly.
Should You Cancel Your Manaslu Trek? Is Manaslu Circuit Open in 2026?
For travelers who already have a Manaslu Circuit Trek booked, the latest official information does not indicate a continuing closure of the route.
The Nepal Tourism Board has confirmed that the restriction on the affected Namrung section was lifted after restoration work.
There is therefore no need to assume that every Manaslu trek has been cancelled simply because Nepal experienced serious flooding.
At the same time, trekkers should remain flexible. Mountain routes can be temporarily modified or restricted if new weather events create unsafe conditions.
Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026: Current Status at a Glance
Route: Manaslu Circuit Trek
Region: Gorkha, Nepal
Highest point: Larkya La – approximately 5,106 m
Current status: Open for trekking
Recent disruption: Flash flood near Namrung, September 6, 2026
Current access: Restored
Important consideration: Conditions around affected sections should be checked before departure
Planning Your Manaslu Circuit Trek? Is Manaslu Circuit Open in 2026?
The Manaslu Circuit remains one of Nepal’s most rewarding high-altitude trekking experiences, taking you through remote villages, Buddhist cultural landscapes, dramatic mountain scenery and the spectacular Larkya La crossing.
Following the recent floods, the most important thing is not simply asking whether the trek is “open” or “closed.” Current, on-the-ground information matters.
If you are planning to trek in September, October or November 2026, speak with your trekking agency before departure so that the latest trail, road, weather and accommodation conditions can be confirmed.
At Treks Planner Nepal, we continue to monitor the Manaslu region and coordinate with our local guides and partners to keep our trekkers informed about changing conditions.
Planning a Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2026? Contact Treks Planner Nepal for the latest route information, itinerary options and departure arrangements.