The situation in Nepal

Nepal is facing yet another nightmare weather event. A fresh wave of heavy rain and landslides has killed about 30 people, adding to the absolute tragedy of August’s flooding, which claimed 1,400 lives and left thousands missing.

So far, over 1,900 families have been displaced since late last week. With more than 240 homes destroyed and critical infrastructure like roads and bridges washed away, the situation is highkey dire. Local residents are currently sheltering in leaky tents, with many having lost everything. "We used to live in a hut, but now there is nothing," said resident Buti Tamang, who is currently living in a tent near Kathmandu.

Trekking chaos

If you were planning a trip to the Annapurna Circuit, it's giving major travel anxiety right now. The circuit, which is usually the main character of Nepal’s tourism industry, has been hit hard. Hundreds of trekkers have been helicoptered out of Manang and Mustang, while about 700 others are currently stuck in Pokhara, being told they cannot start their hikes.

For those already on the mountain, the return journey was absolute survival mode. Jake Stacy, a 21-year-old traveler from Suffolk, described how he and his guide had to hack their own paths through steep, muddy slopes to avoid active landslide zones. Other hikers, like Australian Andrew Graham, reported having to scramble across dozens of landslides just to find a safe way down. Some trekking groups had to camp in the jungle after villages like Chame were evacuated.

The current outlook

While officials say no trekkers have been killed in the main circuit area, the region is still reeling. An avalanche near Himlung Peak has left four people dead and 12 still missing.

Local authorities are holding firm on keeping the circuit closed, despite major pressure from the tourism industry to reopen the routes. For now, the focus remains on recovery and getting people to safety—real talk, it’s a situation where human lives are rightfully being prioritized over trekking revenue.

Why it matters

This is a brutal reminder of the climate crisis in action. Nepal’s reliance on landscapes that are increasingly unstable due to extreme weather isn't just a local issue—it's a global concern that is hitting local communities and travelers alike. It’s a sobering reminder to always check disaster alerts before traveling to high-risk zones.