Himal Press 
Photo Courtesy: Trek to Mardi Himal Facebook Page.
KATHMANDU: The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has said that several major trekking regions of the country, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Rolwaling and Helambu, continue to operate normally after the August 26 flood.
Issuing a situation update on Friday, TAAN said western and far-western destinations such as Dhaulagiri, Dolpo, Rara, Jumla, Humla, Khaptad, Badimalika, Api and Saipal have also reported no impacts or disruptions.
“We are aware of the concerns over the devastating flash floods that struck the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors. Although the major Trishuli flood has already subsided, minor landslides and road disruptions exist along specific transit routes,” TAAN said in the situation update.
The autumn season of Nepal’s tourism begins in mid-September and continues through mid-December.
According to TAAN, although destinations such as Langtang and Gosaikunda are entirely safe, their standard access road through Battar, Dhunche and Syabrubesi is closed due to flood damage. “However, an alternate trekking route starting from Kathmandu through Sundarijal, Helambu, Thadepati, Ghopte, Gosaikunda, Thulosyabru, Lama Hotel and onward to Langtang and Kyanjin is operational,” it said.
TAAN also said the Ganesh Himal and Ruby Valley areas are safe, but advised trekkers to bypass the closed Dhunche-Syabrubesi road by taking alternative routes via Dhadingbesi or Arughat in Gorkha.
The Manaslu and Tsum Valley regions are safe following repairs to the Chaurikharka landslide and the construction of two wooden bridges by local residents between Ghap and Namrung. “For safety reasons, trekkers are advised not to ride horses and to avoid using mules for transport on this section of the trail,” it said.
Stating that the standard road access to the trailhead has been affected, TAAN has advised trekkers to use alternative access routes such as Galchhi–Sunaulabazaar–Dhadingbesi–Salyantar–Arughat–Lapubesi or Benighat–Arughat–Lapubesi to reach the Manaslu trailhead.
TAAN said that all trekking trails in Manang and Mustang are safe and fully operational. “Although a recent earthquake in Upper Mustang damaged some private homes and monasteries, tourist infrastructure, lodges, trails and communication networks are fully operational,” it said.
The association has advised trekkers to fly directly to Pokhara or use the Benighat or Galchhi bypass routes, or travel south through Hetauda and Chitwan National Park, to reach Pokhara due to the collapse of the Prithvi Highway at Krishnabhir in Dhading.
TAAN also said the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route for the Kailash-Mansarovar trip has been completely closed following the Bhotekoshi flood. “The Kodari-Tatopani route is open only for returning pilgrims entering Nepal,” it said. “Those heading to Kailash-Mansarovar can use the Simkot-Hilsa route via helicopter or road through Yalbang, or choose to fly into Lhasa and drive to Kailash through Shigatse and Saga.”
