KATHMANDU: Continuous monsoon rains have unleashed landslides across Nepal, blocking major highways and stranding travelers just as the autumn trekking season and Dashain festival travel surge begin.

Major routes affected

Narayangadh–Muglin Highway (Chitwan): Repeated slides at Tuin Khola since Friday evening have buried about 100 meters of roadway. Stones continue to fall from high cliffs, and crews with excavators and loaders are working from both sides. Authorities estimate traffic could resume later today if conditions stabilize.

Koshi Highway (Sankhuwasabha): Closed at Bhotkhola and near Ekua in Makalu Rural Municipality.

Siddhicharan Highway (Okhaldhunga): Blocked by a slide at Sirise, Katari Municipality–8.

Araniko Highway (Sindhupalchok): Closed at Kodari and Daklang in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality.

Rasuwa–China Border: Flooding has cut road access to the Miteri Bridge.

Some highways remain partially open: the Kaligandaki Corridor, Ratna Highway, East–West Highway, and Galchi–Trishuli Road are handling one-way traffic, Nepal Police reported.

Relief for Kathmandu departures

To ease pressure on valley exits, the Nagdhunga–Sisneri tunnel road will temporarily open for passenger vehicles leaving Kathmandu ahead of Dashain. Public transport entering the valley will also use the tunnel after the festival.

Government action

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising convened an emergency meeting Saturday, directing agencies to:

• Provide 24-hour road condition updates and manage a hotline for travelers.
• Deploy additional police patrols and security at Kathmandu’s New Bus Park and along major highways.
• Ensure the Tatopani border road and other key routes are cleared before the festival.
• Restrict 12-wheel heavy trucks on the Daunne section of the Butwal–Narayangadh road during Dashain to ease congestion.

Advice for tourists and trekkers

• Check road conditions before departing for trekking hubs or intercity travel.
• Allow extra time for airport transfers from Pokhara, Chitwan, or other regions, as alternative routes may be slow.
• Monitor updates from Nepal Police and the Department of Roads for reopening times.

With debris removal underway but rainfall continuing, officials caution that further slides are possible. Travelers—both domestic holidaymakers and international visitors heading for autumn treks—are urged to stay flexible and heed local advisories for a safer journey.