Rasuwagadhi Flood 2026: Highway Cut, Langtang Trails Closed, Border Shut

Heavy flooding struck the Rasuwagadhi area in late September 2026, severing the Pasang Lhamu Highway (NH21) and closing Langtang National Park trails and the Rasuwagadhi–Timure border crossing. As of 28 September 2026, the cause remains under investigation. Researchers at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) raised a rock‑ice avalanche hypothesis in a preliminary briefing dated 26 September, but no official determination has been issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology or the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Major Nepali outlets including The Kathmandu Post and The Himalayan Times reported the event on 27 September, confirming the scale of disruption.

Note: This report draws on official statements released between 26–28 September 2026 from the Department of Roads, Rasuwa District Administration, Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Department of Immigration, Langtang National Park, and the Prime Minister's Office. Requests for comment sent to Hotel Association Nepal and TAAN on 26 September had not been returned by 28 September.

Highway and bridge status

The Pasang Lhamu Highway (NH21) is closed from Dhunche to Timure. The Department of Roads, Division Road Office Dhunche, confirmed on 27 September that a major Bhote Koshi bridge and the Trishuli bridge at Mailung are both impassable. A Nepal Army engineering company has been deployed for debris clearance; their daily situation report of 28 September states work is ongoing but no reopening estimate has been given. Downstream, the Dhading and Gorkha district administrations have issued flood warnings for the Trishuli mainstem, but no structural damage to bridges in those districts has been reported as of this check date.

Border crossing — Rasuwagadhi/Timure

The Timure–Rasuwagadhi immigration and customs facilities are non‑operational. The Armed Police Force border post at Timure reported on 27 September that the access road is washed out and the pedestrian crossing at the friendship bridge cannot be used. The Department of Immigration in Kathmandu confirmed on 28 September that no alternative crossing arrangements have been activated. No public update from Chinese‑side facilities at Gyirong (Kerung) was found as of 28 September; the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu was asked on 26 September about reported damage to Gyirong Port and had not responded by 28 September.

Park, trails and permit functions

Langtang National Park headquarters in Dhunche told this outlet on 27 September that all park entry permits are suspended until the highway reopens. The Langtang Valley trail, Gosaikunda route, and Tamang Heritage Trail are officially closed. No date for reassessment has been set.

Accommodation and local businesses

Lodges in Dhunche, Syabrubesi, and Timure are reachable only by foot or helicopter. Individual lodge owners in Timure contacted by phone on 27 September reported structural damage to ground‑floor rooms but declined to be named on the record. Until on‑the‑record statements are available, affected businesses are described only by category and location.

Downstream warnings — Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and India

Dhading District Police issued a flood alert for the Trishuli corridor on 27 September. Gorkha and Chitwan district administrations followed on 28 September with advisories for riverside communities. Indian authorities in Bihar have not issued a formal statement linked to this event; the Central Water Commission's daily bulletin of 28 September shows elevated levels on the Gandak (Narayani) but attributes them to seasonal monsoon inflow.

Casualty and damage figures — provisional

As of 27 September, the Rasuwa District Administration Office (CDO) reported 12 confirmed deaths, 34 injuries, and 18 people missing in the district. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) cited the same figures in its national situation report the same day, noting they remain provisional pending search‑and‑rescue updates. No official casualty figures have been released by authorities in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Figures circulating on social media and in some international outlets are unverified and are not reproduced here.

Relief and political response

The Prime Minister's Office press release of 26 September announced a relief package for Rasuwa district; the full text is available on the official website. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed on 27 September that Nepal Army and APF helicopters are conducting evacuations. No tourism‑specific loan or waiver measures have been announced by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation as of 28 September.

FAQ — what travellers are asking

• Can I still drive to Dhunche? No. The highway is closed at multiple points between Dhunche and Timure. No vehicles are passing.
• What happens to permits already issued for Langtang? All park entry permits are suspended. The park office says they will honor or refund permits once the highway reopens, but no process has been published yet.
• Is the Rasuwagadhi border open to third‑country nationals? The crossing is completely closed. No pedestrian or vehicle movement is permitted from either side.
• How do stranded trekkers get out? Nepal Army and APF helicopters are conducting evacuations from trailheads where weather allows. Contact your trekking agency or the Rasuwa CDO office (+977‑10‑540123) for coordination.

For permit details, see our Langtang permit guide. For border crossing procedures, see the Rasuwagadhi crossing guide.

Last checked 28 September 2026.