New flooding in Nepal’s Manaslu region, this time caused by monsoon rains, has swept away houses and bridges. The district is now closed to trekkers, prompting Manaslu climbers to fly to Base Camp by helicopter.
Yesterday, Nepal celebrated a national mourning day for the thousands who died in the flood two weeks ago. Rescuers and volunteers have managed to recover many bodies, but some remain missing.
Manaslu route cut
Heavy rains before dawn on Sunday caused the Therang Khola River to swell and flood the Namrung forest area, sweeping away four houses and the two suspension bridges needed to cross between valleys. The damage has severed the route of the so-called Manaslu Circuit, one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Local authorities have urged trekkers heading toward Manaslu and Larke (sometimes spelled Larkya) Pass, the high point of the tour at 5,106m, to postpone their trips.
Meanwhile, local workers are hurrying to prepare an old trail that could provide an alternative connection to the Nubri Valley, Everest Chronicle reports.
Larke Pass, near Manaslu Base Camp. Photo: Adventure Vision Treks and Travels
While the height of the trekking season is typically October and November, those already in the area should ask the status of their proposed route from their local operators or a tourism office in cities like Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Heavy rains continue
Heavy rains are expected to continue all this week, raising alerts not only around Manaslu but also along most Nepalese riverbeds, including the Bagmati River, which crosses Kathmandu. It is currently running high above the alert level. That should not affect tourism, but those living in nearby flood-prone areas must be cautious. Some areas of Kathmandu are apparently already flooded.
The swollen rivers are due to heavy rain and not a GLOF (glacial lake outburst flood) like the one that caused the catastrophe in Rasuwa, near Langtang and the Tibetan border.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority updated the death tally of that event to 1,357 bodies recovered until today. Around 5,300 people are still missing, including 587 foreigners.
After the tragedy, Chinese authorities have warned about two other glacial lakes that have formed below Langtang Lirung on the Tibetan border. While concerning, the enhanced vigilance may save lives if a new GLOF occurs.
Fall climbing begins
Meanwhile, the fall climbing season on Manaslu has begun. Most commercial outfitters will welcome their teams in Base Camp this week. Nearly everyone will use a helicopter as far as Samagaon village. Here, they will start acclimatizing by hiking up nearby peaks before heading to Base Camp.
Manaslu climbers ready to board the helicopter. Photo: Alpine Ascents
According to the latest update from Nepal’s Department of Tourism, 348 foreign climbers have applied for a Manaslu climbing permit so far. The final figure might grow slightly within the next few days.
Meanwhile, at the end of last week, the Sherpa rope-fixing team was preparing the route to Camp 2.
The rope-fixing team on Manaslu. Photo: EOAN
