KATHMANDU: Nepal's major trekking destinations remain largely safe for visitors despite disruptions to several access routes following the August 26 flash floods, according to the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN).

In its latest “Trails (Destinations) Safety Status - 4” update issued on Thursday, TAAN said the flood damage in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli corridors had not affected several major trekking destinations, although landslides and damaged roads continue to pose access challenges ahead of the autumn trekking season.

The Langtang, Kyanjin Valley and Gosaikunda areas are safe, but the road section from Battar-Dhunge-Betrawati-Kalikasthan-Dhunche-Syabrubesi remains closed. TAAN has recommended an alternative trekking route through Kathmandu-Sundarijal/Helambu-Thadepati-Ghopte-Gosaikunda-Thulosubru-Lamahotel-Langtang-Kyanjin, with trekkers returning by the same route until road repairs are completed.

The Ganesh Himal and Ruby Valley areas are also unharmed, although access through Dhunche and Syabrubesi is closed. Alternative approaches are available through Dhadingbesi or Arughat.

The Manaslu region, including Tsum Valley, Nubri and Larke Pass, is safe. The Ghap-Namrung section, which had been blocked by flooding, has reopened after local residents built two wooden bridges. A landslide-blocked section at Chaurikharka has also been repaired. TAAN, however, has advised trekkers not to ride horses or use mules in the area for safety reasons.

Access to Manaslu has also been affected by the collapse of the Malekhu bridge. Travellers have been advised to avoid the Malekhu-Dhadingbesi route and use alternative approaches through Galchhi-Sunaulabazaar-Dhadingbesi-Salyantar-Arughat-Lapubesi or Benighat-Arughat-Lapubesi.

In the Pokhara, Annapurna, Manang and Mustang sections, destinations are reported to be safe. A 5.3-magnitude earthquake in Upper Mustang damaged some private homes and monasteries, but TAAN said tourist infrastructure, including trails, teahouses and communication networks, remains operational.

However, the Prithvi Highway's Krishnabhir section has been affected by a landslide, disrupting the Kathmandu-Pokhara road connection. TAAN has suggested flying to Pokhara or using alternative road routes through Benighat-Fujel-Laxmibazaar-Anbu Khaireni or Galchhi-Sunaulabazaar-Dhadingbesi-Ghyampesal-Gorkha Bazaar-Anbukhaireni. Travellers can also reach Pokhara via Hetauda and Chitwan National Park.

The Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest and Rolwaling areas have not been affected, while the Dhaulagiri, Dolpo, Rara and Jumla, and Humla and Far West sections, including Khaptad, Badimalika, Api and Saipal, are also reported to be unaffected.

For Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route is completely closed. The Kodari-Tatopani route is open only for returning pilgrims entering Nepal, while the Simkot-Hilsa route remains open for both entry and exit. Travellers can also use the Lhasa alternative, flying to Lhasa and travelling to Kailash via Shigatse and Saga.

TAAN said travellers and operators should continue to plan carefully as the monsoon season has not yet ended.