Tourism has begun to recover in the Manaslu Conservation Area after floods in the Budhi Gandaki river on October 11 damaged trekking trails and disrupted visitor access to the region.
Tourists began returning on October 16, according to Bhuwan Ojha, information officer at the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). A total of 116 tourists entered the conservation area through its Jagat checkpoint between October 16 and Sunday.
“This is the main tourist season, but the floods damaged trekking trails, preventing tourists from visiting the Manaslu region for several days,” Ojha said. “Tourists have started arriving again since October 16. They are travelling from Jagat through Philim towards the Nubri Valley and Larkya La pass. The trail to the Tsum Valley will take another eight to 10 days to reopen.”
The Manaslu region attracts trekkers to both the Nubri and Tsum valleys. While visitors can now travel through Jagat and Philim towards Nubri and Larkya La, the route to Tsum remains disrupted.
A section of the trail near Sardibhir, close to Lokpa in Chumnubri Rural Municipality-6, was damaged, making it difficult for tourists to reach the Tsum Valley. Floodwaters also swept away a cantilever bridge at the site, cutting off access.
MCAP has urged trekkers travelling from Jagat through Philim and the Nubri Valley towards Larkya La to proceed with caution. The main access problems had been along the stretch between Khorlabesi and Salleri, Ojha said. Vehicles can now reach Khorlabesi, from where travellers can walk cautiously to Jagat. Trekkers reaching Philim can continue towards Nubri and Larkya La.
Around 30 to 35 tourists have been entering the conservation area daily, Ojha said. By midday on Sunday, 24 trekkers planning to cross Larkya La had registered at the Jagat checkpoint. Local residents said the trail from Nyak Phedi to the pass remained in good condition.
Ganesh Karki, a hotel operator in Jagat, said between 35 and 40 tourists were arriving in the area each day. Hotels have been able to provide food and accommodation, he said, but damaged trails have disrupted the transport of essential supplies.
“Tourists are coming, and there is no problem with food or accommodation at hotels,” Karki said. “But although people can walk along the trail, mules cannot pass. The route needs to be reopened quickly so that essential goods can be transported.”
Access to the Tsum Valley is expected to remain disrupted for several more days. A temporary wooden bridge is being installed near Sardibhir, and repair work is under way to restore the trail. MCAP expects tourist access to the valley to improve once the repairs are complete.
Hariram Upreti is the Gorkha correspondent for Kantipur Publications.
