Is the Annapurna Circuit open?
The road to Manang is open again, and the Annapurna Circuit trek has not been shut down. The Besisahar-Chame road, the only road into Manang district, resumed operation on 3 October after six days of closure. ACAP has also been letting trekkers continue towards Thorong La. One stretch is still unconfirmed: the motorable bridge at Chame market and the road beyond it towards Upper Manang. Ask your operator for the latest status on that section before you travel.
Key facts at a glance
- The reopening: The Besisahar-Chame road, the only road into Manang, resumed operation on 3 October after being blocked for six days.
- What was cleared: Debris from landslides at Khotro in Naso Rural Municipality-3 and at Koto in Chame Rural Municipality-5.
- Why it matters: Food, daily supplies and passengers can reach Manang again, and trekkers can return to the start of the Annapurna Circuit's upper section.
- Still unconfirmed: The motorable bridge at Chame market and the road from Chame towards Upper Manang. The last confirmed report, on 30 September, said both were blocked.
- High trail: Heavy snow fell around Thorong La during the same storm. Conditions need checking locally.
- Our advice: Travel with flexible dates, and confirm the latest status with a licensed operator before you leave Kathmandu.
Introduction: a week that tested Manang
For about a week, the road into Manang was cut off. On Sunday, 27 September, a debris-laden flood from the Ghatte Khola spilled into the Marsyangdi river at Chame and partly blocked it. A lake formed, a warning siren sounded along the river, and families left their homes for higher ground. Landslides across the Besisahar-Chame highway then closed the only road in or out.
That road has now reopened. Food and fuel can reach Manang, and trekkers can move along the lower section of the circuit again. This post explains what reopened, how it happened, what is still uncertain, and what it means for your trek. You can read what happened on the first day in our Manang flood and landslide report. For a village-by-village view of the route, see our Annapurna Circuit waypoint guide.
The reopening: what is confirmed
An information officer at the Dumre-Besisahar-Chame Road Project confirmed that the road resumed operation on 3 October. It reopened once crews cleared debris from landslides at Khotro in Naso Rural Municipality-3 and at Koto in Chame Rural Municipality-5. Several sections had been blocked by landslides, and other parts were damaged by the floods. With the road open, transport of food, essential supplies and passengers to Manang has become easier.
The reopening followed an intensive repair effort. The Department of Roads said it was cutting back the slope and building retaining walls where the road had washed away at Khotro. It was also blasting a hard cliff nearby with the Nepali Army, clearing mud and slides near Bagarchhap, and creating temporary diversions where floodwater had taken out wooden bridges.
Why this single road matters so much
The Dumre-Besisahar-Chame road is the only road access to Manang. The Annapurna Circuit now shares the Marsyangdi valley with this road, and trekkers use it to reach the trailheads. When the road closes, food and fuel supplies to lodges are interrupted, trekkers cannot easily move in or out, and rescue becomes harder. That is why this reopening is more than a transport update.
Practical tips for trekking the Annapurna Circuit now
- Build in spare days. The road was closed for six days, so a tight itinerary has no margin. Our tailor-made trip service can build in a buffer.
- Ask for a daily status. Ask your operator about the Chame bridge, the Upper Manang road and Thorong La the day before each leg.
- Take insurance that covers helicopter evacuation. Our travel insurance guide explains what to look for.
- Do not rush acclimatization. A delay should never push you to gain altitude quickly. Read about high altitude sickness.
- Carry offline information. Phone and power service can fail in heavy rain. Our essential travel checklist helps you pack for it.
- Use a licensed local guide. Local teams learn about closures before the internet does. See our general trekking information for how we run treks.
Where to find reliable updates
- Manang District Administration Office
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Manang and Dharapani offices
- Dumre-Besisahar-Chame Road Project
- Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (dhm.gov.np)
- Established news outlets such as The Kathmandu Post, OnlineKhabar, Republica and Radio Nepal
Frequently asked questions
Has the Annapurna Circuit reopened?
The Besisahar-Chame road reopened on 3 October. The status of the Chame bridge, the Upper Manang road and the high trail should be confirmed locally.
How long was the Besisahar-Chame road closed?
Six days, according to the Dumre-Besisahar-Chame Road Project.
What caused the blockage?
A debris flood from the Ghatte Khola partly dammed the Marsyangdi at Chame on 27 September, and heavy rain caused landslides along the highway.
Is the Marsyangdi river still blocked at Chame?
The lake dropped by about a metre by 28 September and crews have been widening the channel, but the area is being monitored.
Can I cross Thorong La Pass now?
Some trekkers were allowed to cross after the snowfall, while others turned back. Ask ACAP or your guide at Manang for the day's conditions.
Is it safe to trek the Annapurna Circuit this season?
It can be, with flexible dates, local guidance and good insurance. See our Nepal travel safety guide.
Were other Annapurna treks affected?
Treks outside the Marsyangdi valley, such as Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal, are in different river systems, though road access should be checked.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Besisahar-Chame road is a real step forward. Supplies are moving, and Manang is reconnected to the rest of the country. It is not yet a full all-clear for the whole circuit, and we will update this page as the Chame bridge, the Upper Manang road and the high trail are confirmed.
If you are planning the Annapurna Circuit, contact Outshine Adventure for current route information, or see the full Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary.
