Latest Annapurna Circuit Trek update for 2026: landslides, road closures, Manang, Thorong La, Tilicho Lake, Jomsom and current trekking conditions.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Update 2026: Landslides, Road Conditions, Closures & Safety
Last Updated: September 28, 2026
If you are planning an Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal, it is important to check the latest local conditions before travelling.
Following several days of heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides across parts of Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi and Mustang, several sections of the Annapurna Circuit have been affected. Roads have been damaged, bridges have been washed away, landslides have blocked important access points, and communication has temporarily stopped in some remote areas.
The situation is changing quickly. Some lower areas are already seeing improving weather and clearance work, but the normal Annapurna Circuit should currently be treated as closed or restricted until the affected sections are confirmed safe by local authorities and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
This page will be updated as new information becomes available.
Latest Annapurna Circuit Status — September 28, 2026
Area / Section | Current Situation | Trekking Status |
|---|---|---|
Besisahar | Accessible in parts, but onward route affected | 🟡 Check locally |
Besisahar–Chame | Landslides, flooding and road damage | 🔴 Affected |
Kharkhare Bhir | Major landslide and road damage | 🔴 Blocked/affected |
Khotro | Landslide and road disruption | 🔴 Affected |
Tache–Bagarchhap | Flood and infrastructure damage | 🔴 Affected |
Chame | Flood damage; weather improving | 🔴 Restricted |
Chame–Manang | Trail/road and communication concerns | 🔴 Restricted |
Upper Manang | Communication disruptions reported | 🔴 Not recommended |
Nar-Phu | Remote access and communication concerns | 🔴 Not recommended |
Tilicho Lake | High-altitude access affected | 🔴 Not recommended |
Thorong La | High-altitude weather/trail concerns | 🔴 Not recommended |
Jomsom–Muktinath | Latest ACAP information indicates closure | 🔴 Closed |
Jomsom–Korala | Several landslide blockages | 🔴 Affected |
Beni–Jomsom | Landslides, flooding and bridge damage | 🔴 Affected |
Important: A section being affected does not necessarily mean that every village or trail in that area is completely inaccessible. Conditions can differ from one location to another and can change within hours.
Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek Open or Closed?
As of September 28, 2026, the normal Annapurna Circuit should not be considered fully open.
The latest information from ACAP indicates that the Annapurna Circuit, Manang route and Jomsom–Muktinath route have been closed because of adverse weather and unsafe conditions.
This is a temporary safety measure following heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides.
It is important to understand that this does not mean the Annapurna region is permanently closed.
The Annapurna Circuit remains one of Nepal's major trekking destinations, and local authorities, communities and road crews are working to restore damaged infrastructure.
What Happened on the Annapurna Circuit?
Several days of intense rainfall caused rivers and streams to rise and triggered landslides across the region.
The damage includes:
- Landslides blocking roads
- Sections of road washed away
- River erosion
- Damaged bridges
- Flooding around settlements
- Damage to electricity infrastructure
- Internet and telephone disruptions
- Difficult access to remote villages
- Increased risk of rockfall and additional landslides
Because the Annapurna Circuit crosses several valleys and high mountain passes, one damaged section can affect the entire journey.
Besisahar to Chame Road Conditions
The Besisahar–Chame road is one of the most important access routes to the Annapurna Circuit.
Recent landslides and flooding have affected several locations along the road.
Among the reported problem areas are:
Kharkhare Bhir
A major landslide has affected the road around Kharkhare Bhir.
Reports indicate that a substantial section of the road was damaged, making normal vehicle movement difficult.
Khotro
Khotro, in Naso Rural Municipality, has also experienced repeated landslide problems.
This area has previously experienced temporary road blockages, and recent rainfall has created additional instability.
Tache–Bagarchhap
Flooding and landslides have also affected the Tache–Bagarchhap area, including communication infrastructure.
Chame
Chame, the administrative centre of Manang, experienced significant flooding and infrastructure damage.
Several structures and bridges were affected, while roads, electricity and communication services were disrupted.
The weather in Chame has since improved, but improved weather does not mean that the entire trekking route has reopened.
Is Chame Safe to Visit Now?
Chame has reported improving weather after the worst of the rainfall.
However, trekkers should not make a decision based only on the weather in Chame.
The journey from Besisahar to Chame and onward toward Manang involves multiple sections that may have different conditions.
Before travelling, trekkers should confirm:
- Road clearance
- Bridge conditions
- Trail conditions
- Local weather
- Landslide risk
- Availability of accommodation
- Communication
- Current instructions from local authorities
Communication and Mobile Network Problems
One of the biggest concerns after the recent flooding is communication.
Parts of Manang temporarily lost telephone and internet connectivity.
Reports indicated communication problems affecting areas including Manang Ngisyang and Narpa Bhumi.
Telecommunication infrastructure was damaged during the bad weather, and service was temporarily unavailable in some areas.
For trekkers, this is an important safety issue.
Do not assume you will have mobile network throughout the Annapurna Circuit.
Even when network coverage normally exists, a landslide, damaged fibre connection, electricity failure or damaged communication tower can suddenly disconnect a village.
If travelling in the region when routes reopen, we recommend carrying:
- A fully charged phone
- Power bank
- Offline maps
- Emergency contact numbers
- First-aid supplies
- Appropriate trekking equipment
- Travel insurance
- A licensed local guide
For remote itineraries, additional emergency communication equipment can be valuable.
Are Manang and Nar-Phu Accessible?
The upper Manang region has been particularly difficult to assess because communication has been disrupted in some areas.
This is why we recommend not relying on reports from several days earlier.
A route that was passable yesterday may become unsafe after another period of rain.
For Nar-Phu, the situation requires additional caution because the valley is remote and evacuation and communication can be more difficult than on the main Annapurna Circuit.
Trekadviser will only recommend travel to these areas after receiving reliable local confirmation of trail and access conditions.
What About Tilicho Lake?
Tilicho Lake should currently be treated as temporarily unavailable for normal trekking.
The route reaches high altitude and includes exposed sections where weather and trail conditions can change quickly.
After heavy rainfall and ongoing instability in the lower Manang region, trekkers should wait for confirmation that the route is safe.
Do not assume that because the weather is sunny in Chame or Besisahar, the Tilicho route is also safe.
What About Thorong La Pass?
Thorong La is one of the highest points on the Annapurna Circuit at approximately 5,416 metres.
Conditions at the pass can be completely different from conditions in the lower valleys.
Heavy precipitation can result in:
- Snow at higher elevations
- Poor visibility
- Strong winds
- Slippery trails
- Difficult crossings
- Increased risk of altitude-related problems
For this reason, Thorong La should not be attempted until the route is officially and locally confirmed safe.
Jomsom and Muktinath Route Update
The western side of the Annapurna Circuit has also experienced significant disruption.
The latest ACAP information indicates that the Jomsom–Muktinath route is closed because of the current conditions.
Several landslides have also affected the Jomsom–Korala road.
This means trekkers should not assume that they can simply approach the Annapurna Circuit from Mustang while the Manang side is affected.
Both sides of the classic circuit need to be assessed.
Beni–Jomsom Road Conditions
The Beni–Jomsom road has also experienced landslides, flooding and river damage.
Parts of the road and bridges have been affected by the rising Kaligandaki River.
Because this road is an important connection between Myagdi and Mustang, damage here can affect transportation and supplies to the upper Mustang region.
Is the Entire Annapurna Region Closed?
No.
This is an important distinction.
The current restrictions concern specific routes and areas affected by weather, flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage.
The Annapurna region is very large.
Conditions can be:
Safe in one location → damaged only a few kilometres away → completely different again at higher altitude.
Therefore, travellers should avoid general statements such as:
"The whole Annapurna region is closed."
The more accurate description is:
Several major trekking and transportation routes are currently affected or temporarily closed, particularly around the Annapurna Circuit, Manang and Jomsom–Muktinath corridors.
Why You Should Not Trek Based Only on Weather Forecasts
A weather forecast tells you about expected weather.
It does not necessarily tell you whether:
- A bridge has collapsed
- A road has been washed away
- A landslide is blocking the trail
- A village has electricity
- Mobile network is working
- A river crossing is safe
- A local trail has reopened
That is why local information is essential after a major weather event.
At Trekadviser, we monitor information from local guides, communities, authorities and conservation-area updates before making trekking recommendations.
Can the Annapurna Circuit Reopen Soon?
Possibly, but the reopening date should not be guessed.
Road crews and local communities are already working to clear landslides and repair damaged infrastructure in some areas.
However, reopening one road section does not automatically mean the entire circuit is safe.
Before reopening a normal itinerary, we need confirmation of:
- Besisahar–Chame access
- Chame–Manang conditions
- Trail conditions above Manang
- Tilicho access
- Thorong La conditions
- Jomsom–Muktinath access
- Accommodation availability
- Communication
- Local weather
- Current ACAP/local authority guidance
Trekadviser's Approach to Annapurna Circuit Safety
At Trekadviser, we believe that getting clients onto the trail is never more important than getting them home safely.
We do not recommend starting a trek simply because:
- The rain has stopped for one day
- The sky is blue
- Another group has started walking
- A social-media post says the trail is open
We verify the situation section by section.
If one part of the circuit remains unsafe, we may recommend:
delaying the trek, changing the itinerary, or choosing another trekking destination.
Our guides also stay in contact with local communities and monitor changing conditions during the trek.
What Should Trekkers Do If They Are Already in Nepal?
If your Annapurna Circuit trek is scheduled for the next few days:
Before leaving Kathmandu
Check the latest:
- ACAP information
- Local government notices
- Road conditions
- Weather
- Trail conditions
- Guide reports
If you are already in Besisahar
Do not automatically continue toward Chame.
Confirm the condition of the road and trail immediately before departure.
If you are already in Manang
Follow the instructions of your guide and local authorities.
Avoid unnecessary movement during periods of unstable weather.
If communication is unavailable
Remain with your group and follow local safety instructions rather than attempting to travel alone to find a network signal.
Annapurna Circuit Safety Checklist
Before starting the trek, make sure you have:
☑ Licensed local guide
☑ Travel insurance
☑ Emergency contact information
☑ Offline maps
☑ Fully charged phone
☑ Power bank
☑ Warm clothing
☑ Waterproof clothing
☑ Proper trekking shoes
☑ First-aid supplies
☑ Water purification method
☑ Sufficient cash
☑ Flexible itinerary
For high-altitude sections, proper acclimatization and weather assessment are essential.
Annapurna Circuit Trek: Live Update
Current status: September 28, 2026
🔴 Annapurna Circuit: Temporarily closed/restricted
🔴 Manang route: Restricted
🔴 Jomsom–Muktinath: Closed according to latest ACAP information
🔴 Besisahar–Chame: Major landslide/flood disruption
🔴 Chame: Weather improving, infrastructure affected
🔴 Upper Manang: Communication disruptions reported
🔴 Tilicho Lake: Not currently recommended
🔴 Thorong La: Not currently recommended
🔴 Jomsom–Korala: Landslide disruption
🔴 Beni–Jomsom: Road and bridge damage
🟡 Lower sections: Clearance and repair ongoing
This status can change quickly. Please check this page again before travelling.
Planning an Annapurna Circuit Trek?
If you are planning to trek the Annapurna Circuit in the coming weeks, do not cancel your Nepal trip automatically.
Instead, keep your itinerary flexible and allow time for conditions to improve.
Trekadviser can monitor the route and advise you about the latest conditions before departure.
Safety comes first. The mountains will still be here when the trail is ready.
Trekadviser — Where Trails Become Stories.
This article is a live information update based on available local reports and official/local tourism information. Mountain conditions can change rapidly, and information from one section of the circuit should not be assumed to apply to the entire route.