What we know
- A government report, Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi Flood 2083: Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, indicates extensive damage to bridges.
- Online Khabar English reported that 37 motorable bridges were damaged by floods from the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
- Thirty-three motorable bridges were completely washed away, with a combined length of 2,792 meters, according to Online Khabar English.
- Nuwakot experienced the greatest damage by length, with 14 bridges totaling 1,480 meters completely swept away.
- Additionally, 68 suspension bridges were damaged, affecting 10,670 meters of access across river areas.
What this means if you are travelling
- Travellers planning to use routes through Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, or Gorkha should anticipate disruptions due to bridge damage.
- Motorists and those relying on road transport in these districts may face detours or delays.
- Those planning treks or travel requiring crossing rivers in the affected areas should confirm access with their operators.
- Areas outside of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha, such as Pokhara, are not directly impacted by these specific bridge damages.
- It is advisable to contact your trekking or tour operator for the latest information on specific routes and accessibility.
Recent floods originating from the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers, passing through the Rasuwagadhi border point, have caused significant infrastructure damage across several districts. A government-commissioned report, titled Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi Flood 2083: Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, has detailed the extent of the destruction.
Online Khabar English reported on September 14, 2026, that a total of 37 motorable bridges were damaged by these devastating floods. Of these, 33 bridges were entirely swept away, representing a combined loss of 2,792 meters of bridge length.
Details of Bridge Damage
The government report outlines the distribution of damage across four districts: Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading, and Gorkha. While Rasuwa saw a considerable number of bridges affected, the overall length of damage was higher in other areas.
- In Nuwakot, 14 motorable bridges were completely washed away, accounting for 1,480 meters of bridge length. This represents approximately 40.5 percent of the total damage to motorable bridges by length, according to Online Khabar English.
- Rasuwa district lost 13 bridges, with a combined length of 566 meters. The report noted that bridges in Rasuwa were generally shorter.
- Dhading experienced the loss of 5 bridges, totaling 613 meters in length.
- Gorkha had one bridge washed away, which amounted to 133 meters of damage.
- Four additional motorable bridges sustained partial damage, collectively measuring 240 meters.
Beyond motorable bridges, the floods also impacted pedestrian infrastructure. Online Khabar English stated that 68 suspension bridges were damaged, with the total length of damage to these structures reaching 10,670 meters.
Impact on Travel and Access
The widespread damage to both motorable and suspension bridges has significantly disrupted access across river areas in the affected districts. The report indicates that this has cut off various locations.
Efforts are reportedly underway for the reconstruction of suspension bridges in several locations, aiming to restore pedestrian access.
Guidance for Travellers
If your travel plans involve routes through Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, or Gorkha, particularly those connecting via the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors, you should prepare for potential disruptions. This includes road closures, detours, and difficulties in crossing rivers where bridges have been damaged or destroyed.
It is crucial to consult with your trekking or tour operator for the most current information regarding route accessibility. They will have the latest updates on conditions specific to your itinerary. Travellers to other regions, such as Pokhara, are not directly affected by these particular bridge damages.
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
Which areas are most affected by the bridge damage?
The areas most significantly affected by bridge damage are the districts of Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dhading, and Gorkha, specifically along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river routes. Online Khabar English highlighted Nuwakot as having the greatest damage by bridge length.
How many bridges were completely destroyed?
According to the government's rapid assessment report, 33 motorable bridges were completely washed away by the floods. Additionally, 68 suspension bridges suffered damage, as reported by Online Khabar English.
Does this affect travel to Pokhara?
The reported bridge damage is concentrated in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha. Areas like Pokhara are not directly mentioned as being affected by these specific bridge losses, so travellers to Pokhara should not anticipate direct impacts from these particular incidents.
What should I do if my trek or travel involves these regions?
If your itinerary includes travel or trekking in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, or Gorkha, it is essential to contact your trekking or tour operator immediately. They can provide specific, up-to-date information on route conditions and advise on any necessary adjustments to your plans.