A sudden flash flood hit Rasuwa on Wednesday morning, August 26, 2026.
The flood badly affected areas around Timure,Syabrubesi,Betrawati, and Trishuli. These are important settlements for people travelling towards the Langtang region.
The situation is still developing. Rescue teams are working in the affected areas.
We are updating this page as new information becomes available.
Important: If you are planning to travel to Langtang, please check the latest road and safety information before leaving Kathmandu. Do not rely on old trekking information.
What Happened in Rasuwa?
A large volume of water suddenly entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibetan side.
The flood reached Rasuwa at around 9:00 AM on August 26.
Timure, Syabrubesi and Trishuli Bazar were among the areas affected by the sudden rise in water.
Buildings, roads, bridges, Hydropower dam, and other infrastructure have been damaged.
Several hydropower projects in the area have also been affected.
Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage.
The Kathmandu Post is providing ongoing reports from the affected area.
Latest Langtang Flash Flood Update
Rescue and search operations are currently underway.
The Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been mobilised.
Both Army Helicopters and private sector’s Helicopter are being used for rescue operations where possible.
Several people have been rescued.
Sadly, deaths have also been reported.
The number of casualties and missing people may change as rescue teams reach more affected areas.
Radio Nepal is also reporting on the ongoing rescue and relief work.
Is Syabrubesi Affected?
Yes. Syabrubesi has been totally swept away by the flood.
This is important for trekkers because Syabrubesi is the main roadhead for the Langtang Valley Trek.
The road to Syabrubesi is normally used by trekkers travelling from Kathmandu.
Because of the current situation, travellers should not assume that the normal road route is safe or open.
Is the Langtang Valley Trek Open?
At the moment, travellers should wait for updated information before starting a Langtang trek.
We can use alternative way do the Langtang Trek but it takes more time than the usual one.
If you already have a Langtang trek booked, contact your trekking agency before travelling.
Your agency can check the latest road conditions and local information.
What Caused the Flash Flood?
The exact cause is still being investigated.
Early reports suggest that the flood may have originated on the Tibetan side of the border.
Some experts have suggested that an ice avalanche or a sudden blockage of a river may have played a role.
Authorities are still investigating what happened.
It is therefore too early to describe the event as a confirmed glacial lake outburst flood.
Areas Affected by the Flood
The main affected areas reported so far include:
- Timure
- Syabrubesi
- Mailung
- Betrawati
- Trishuli
- Other settlements along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers
The flood has also moved downstream towards areas of Nuwakot and Dhading.
People living near the Trishuli River have been asked to remain alert.
Live Flood Monitoring in Nepal
For real-time river and flood information, we recommend checking the official Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM).
Check the official DHM River Watch
DHM also provides rainfall monitoring and hydrological information.
These official sources are more reliable than unverified posts on social media.
Langtang Trek Travel Advice
If you are planning to trek Langtang in the next few days, please wait for confirmed information.
Check the road condition before travelling to Syabrubesi.
Also check local weather and flood warnings.
Do not travel close to swollen rivers.
Follow instructions from local authorities.
If your trek is already booked, speak with your guide or trekking company.
Is the Langtang Trek Route Safe 2026?
If we follow alternative way, the Langtang Trek is safe safe. It requires more days than the classic itinerary but we can trek in Lantang region safely. There is no way to start trek from Syabrubesi and ends their but we have option. Once road resume to Dhunche, we can start the trek from their. Optionally, we can also start trek form Kutumsang. This way, we will combine Langtang trek with Gosaikunda Pass.
Where to Get Reliable Updates
For the latest information, check these sources:
- Department of Hydrology and Meteorology – River Watch
- Department of Hydrology and Meteorology – Official Website
- Radio Nepal – Rasuwa Flood Update
- The Kathmandu Post – Rasuwa Flood Update
For now, the most important message, stay away from affected river areas and avoid travelling towards Rasuwa until the authorities confirm that the routes are safe.
Jayaram Thapaliya is the Executive Director of Base Camp Hike, a Nepal-based trekking company offering professionally guided treks across all major Himalayan regions of Nepal. With extensive on-trail experience, he helps travelers plan safe, well-organized, and authentic trekking adventures.