Heavy monsoon rainfall since 11 July has triggered flooding along the Modi River in Nepal’s Annapurna region, damaging several sections of the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trail. Trekking agencies and local authorities are urging travelers to exercise caution and check current trail conditions before setting out, as the disruption comes during the peak of Nepal’s monsoon season.
What Happened
According to the Gandaki chapter of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), continuous rainfall over several days caused the Kimrong Khola and Modi River to swell sharply in Annapurna Rural Municipality, wards 10 and 11, in Kaski district. Local officials believe a landslide temporarily blocked the river upstream before the blockage gave way, sending a surge of water downstream.
The flooding swept away a suspension bridge crossing to Ghurjung along the main ABC trekking route and eroded sections of the trail near Syauli Bazaar. A separate section of the Nayapul–Birethanti–Ghandruk road, the main vehicle route into the region, was also washed out, cutting off direct road access to Ghandruk. Two hotels at Banthanti, in Ghandruk, sustained damage, and at least two riverside restaurants near Syauli Bazaar were destroyed or damaged.
Areas Affected
The worst-affected areas lie along the Modi River corridor between Nayapul, Birethanti, Syauli Bazaar, and Ghandruk — all key stops on the route toward Annapurna Base Camp. Ghandruk itself, a major gateway village for both the ABC trek and the Ghorepani–Poon Hill trail, has been cut off from vehicle access, though the trail higher up toward Chhomrong, Bamboo, and the Annapurna Sanctuary has not been reported as directly affected so far.
Impact on Trekkers and Local Communities
Hundreds of trekkers and tourists heading to or from Ghandruk have been left stranded by the road closure, according to local reports. Guides and porters currently on the trail have also been affected, with TAAN Gandaki describing the situation as difficult for both foreign and domestic visitors caught in the affected wards.
For local communities, the damage extends beyond tourism. Homeowners along the riverbanks have been warned that their properties remain at risk should rainfall continue, and business owners who lost restaurants and hotels face an uncertain recovery during what is typically a quieter, but still active, trekking season.
Safety Advisory for Travelers
Authorities and trekking agencies have issued a joint appeal for caution:
- Avoid non-essential travel through affected sections of the Annapurna region until conditions stabilize.
- Check updated weather forecasts and trail status daily before departing on any leg of the ABC Trek.
- Guides and porters currently in the field are advised to maintain regular contact with the TAAN secretariat or their respective agencies.
- Trekkers should coordinate with the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and tourist police in case of emergency.
- Residents and visitors near the Modi River have been told to avoid entering the river, fishing, or collecting firewood while water levels remain high.
Officials have reiterated that safety takes priority over business operations during this period, and trekkers are encouraged to postpone travel if conditions along their planned route are unfavorable.
Current Trail Status
As of this report, the suspension bridge to Ghurjung and sections of the trail near Syauli Bazaar remain damaged, and the main road to Ghandruk is closed to vehicles. Annapurna Rural Municipality has begun repairing an alternative, unpaved route connecting Ghandruk, Khulibang, Mohariya, and Tamu to Birethanti, intended mainly for motorcycles and scooters while the main road is restored. Local officials say rainfall has eased in some areas and river levels have started to decline, raising the possibility of a partial, one-way reopening of the damaged road section. However, full restoration of the trekking trail and bridge infrastructure has not yet been officially confirmed.
Advice from Trekking Agencies and Authorities
TAAN Gandaki has called on the government and relevant authorities to prioritize repairs to the damaged bridge, road, and trail sections. A joint team including local government officials, Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and ACAP has been deployed to assess the damage and coordinate rescue and repair efforts. Trekking agencies have echoed the advisory that anyone planning an Annapurna trek in the coming days should confirm current conditions directly with their operator or with ACAP before departure.
Conclusion
The flooding along the Modi River is a reminder of how quickly monsoon conditions can affect trekking routes in Nepal’s hill regions. While repair work is already underway, sections of the Annapurna Base Camp Trail and the road to Ghandruk remain disrupted, and full restoration timelines have not been officially confirmed. Trekkers planning trips to the Annapurna region this monsoon season are advised to stay in close contact with local authorities and trekking agencies, monitor weather updates closely, and remain flexible with their itineraries until conditions improve.
