What we know
- The Kathmandu Post reported that the Krishnabhir landslide has disrupted 150 tourist buses.
- Bus services on the route connecting Pokhara and Kathmandu remain idle due to the highway collapse.
- Daily air passenger numbers have climbed toward 3500 as travelers shift to flights.
- Tourism operators are currently looking into an alternative route across the Trishuli.
What this means if you are travelling
- Travelers scheduled to take tourist buses between Kathmandu and Pokhara face disruptions.
- Those needing to travel between these two cities should expect road delays and consider flying.
- Air travel demand is very high, with passenger totals approaching 3500 per day.
- Tour operators are working on an alternative route across the Trishuli for road transport.
A significant road collapse along a major travel corridor has halted scheduled tourist bus services between two of the country's most prominent destinations. The disruption stems from an incident at Krishnabhir, which has blocked the standard roadway connection utilized by visitors moving between the capital and the lake city. According to The Kathmandu Post, this obstruction has left a substantial fleet of vehicles unable to complete their regular journeys.
Highway Disruption Impacts Road Transport
The blockage directly affects 150 tourist buses that normally operate along the connection linking Pokhara and Kathmandu. With the tarmac impassable at the site of the landslide, operators have been forced to keep their fleets grounded rather than attempting the standard journey. This leaves a primary overland artery temporarily closed for leisure travelers moving between these hubs.
- The Krishnabhir landslide caused the collapse of the Prithvi Highway.
- A total of 150 tourist buses on the Pokhara-Kathmandu route are currently idle.
- Tourism operators are exploring an alternative route across the Trishuli.
Surge in Air Travel Demand
As overland transit remains halted by the damaged roadway, passenger numbers for domestic flights have experienced a sharp upward movement. Daily air passenger figures have climbed toward 3500 individuals as visitors and residents seek viable alternative ways to complete their journeys between the two destinations. This heavy reliance on aviation highlights the immediate pressure placed on remaining transport options.
Alternative Routes and Operator Actions
In response to the blocked roadway, tourism operators are actively looking into an alternative route across the Trishuli. Finding a safe detour allows the industry to seek a resumption of bus services while repair work is evaluated. Travelers planning to move through this corridor should stay in close contact with their service providers to confirm any changes to their itineraries.
What This Means For Your Travel Plans
Anyone currently in the country or holding bookings that require traveling by road between Kathmandu and Pokhara should verify their arrangements immediately. Because the standard highway is impassable, bus schedules are disrupted, and flights are seeing much higher demand than usual. Checking directly with your operator will provide the most accurate guidance on whether to seek a flight or wait for the alternate route across the Trishuli to open.
Reported by
This update summarises reporting from the outlets below and adds our own planning guidance. Follow the links for the original reports.
Questions travellers are asking
Are tourist buses running between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
No, tourist bus services on this route are currently idle. The Kathmandu Post reported that a highway collapse at Krishnabhir has disrupted 150 tourist buses.
How are travelers getting between Kathmandu and Pokhara instead?
Many travelers are turning to aviation as an alternative. Daily air passenger numbers have pushed toward 3500 following the road closure.
Are tour operators doing anything to fix the bus travel issue?
Yes, tourism operators are actively exploring an alternative route across the Trishuli to bypass the damaged section of the highway.