Budhigandaki flood update: Tourists in Tsum Valley safe, trekking temporarily suspended

Tourists who had reached Gorkha's Tsum Valley have been stranded after Sunday's floods on the Budhigandaki River washed away bridges and trekking trails.

The Manaslu Conservation Area Project said all domestic and foreign trekkers in the area are safe, with more than 80 tourists currently in Tsum Valley. The trekking route from Machhakhola towards Jagat and Sallери was blocked after the cantilever suspension bridge at Sardibhir was completely swept away, with damage to the trail at several points between Machhakhola and Jagat.

The project has temporarily halted trekking in Tsum Valley. Those stranded in flood-affected areas are being rescued with government support. Ganesh Karki, coordinator of the local hoteliers' sub-committee, said Nepal Army helicopters have been carrying out rescues since Monday morning.

Assistant Chief District Officer Netra Sharma said the government has decided that helicopters do not need flight permission for rescue operations. According to Sharma, tourists' own trekking companies can arrange rescue in emergencies; otherwise the government will carry out rescues according to its own schedule.

According to Dorje Lama, a hotel entrepreneur in Chekampar, some tourists unable to travel are worried about their visas expiring.