Ghandruk Modi Khola Nepal Travel Annapurna Base Camp Road Closure Flood Damage Kaski District

Ghandruk Road Cut Off: Floods and Erosion Block Access to Nepal's Iconic Annapurna Gateway

Heavy rainfall has triggered a massive flood in Modi Khola, washing away a bridge and severing the road to Ghandruk. Tourists and locals face a complete halt in vehicular access to this popular Annapurna destination.

Apple Nepal

Travel plans to Nepal's scenic Ghandruk have been abruptly halted as heavy rainfall in Annapurna Rural Municipality caused the Modi Khola to flood, severing the critical road connecting Nayapul, Birethanti, and Ghandruk. The floodwaters were forceful enough to wash away a bridge and destroy a restaurant near Seulibazar, while inflicting significant damage on another local business.

Complete Disruption of Tourist Access

This infrastructure failure has completely cut off vehicular access to Ghandruk, a premier tourist destination and a key gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp trail. The road erosion specifically occurred at the border of wards 8 and 10 in Kaski district, creating a total blockage for vehicles. Authorities confirm that the Nayapul-Birethanti-Ghandruk road section is now impassable, leaving travelers stranded and halting direct transport links from Pokhara.

Impact on Local Economy and Safety

The destruction extends beyond the road itself, with the floodwaters eroding a section near Syauli Bazaar and removing essential infrastructure like the bridge. Local residents and business owners are facing immediate economic losses as the flow of tourists and goods is stopped. Officials have urged locals to remain vigilant as flood conditions persist in the Modi Khola and surrounding areas, including the Kimrung river.

Historical Context: A Recurring Challenge

This is not the first time Ghandruk has faced such isolation; the road was previously closed for two and a half months due to landslides in July 2024, requiring a Rs 2.725 million repair investment to reopen. While the road was successfully restored then, the current erosion caused by the 2026 floodwaters presents a fresh and severe challenge for the Annapurna region's connectivity.