U.S. Issues ‘Do Not Travel’ Warning for Flood-Ravaged Corridor in Nepal
Trishuli in Nuwakot after flooding in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa, Nepal. Photo: Dipendra Dhungana/NepYork
The United States has urged Americans to avoid a flood-ravaged corridor in northern Nepal near the China border, warning of continuing dangers from damaged roads and communications networks, landslides and other hazards following major flooding.
The warning covers the Rasuwagadhi-Timure-Syafrubesi corridor in Rasuwa district, including the Nepal-China border crossing. The area was hit by severe flooding on Aug. 26, affecting communities along the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers.
The U.S. State Department said the broader travel advisory for Nepal remains at Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution,” because of the possibility of civil unrest as well as the country’s exposure to earthquakes, monsoon flooding and landslides.
The department’s travel guidance says heavy monsoon rains from June through September can trigger flash floods and landslides, block roads and make emergency assistance difficult to reach. It also warns that earthquakes can occur with little warning, including in the Kathmandu Valley.
Level 4 Warning for Rasuwa Corridor
The area-specific Level 4, “Do Not Travel,” warning applies to the Rasuwagadhi-Timure-Syafrubesi corridor, a mountainous route north of Kathmandu that connects Nepal with China.
The State Department warned that travel to disaster-affected areas could interfere with emergency operations and expose travelers to rapidly changing conditions. Flooding and landslides can cut off roads, isolate communities and delay access to medical care and rescue services.
The warning does not call on Americans to leave Nepal. Instead, the department continues to advise travelers nationwide to exercise increased caution, particularly because demonstrations and local unrest can occur with little warning.
Flood Damage Raises Further Risks
The Aug. 26 flooding damaged transportation and communications infrastructure in the affected region and disrupted search-and-rescue and recovery operations.
Authorities have continued working in flood- and landslide-affected areas, where unstable slopes and damaged infrastructure remain potential hazards.
The State Department’s broader Nepal guidance advises travelers to avoid riverbanks and areas affected by flooding and landslides and to follow directions from local authorities during emergencies.
The department also advises Americans not to enter disaster areas independently to search for missing people, particularly where rescue and recovery operations are underway.
Unrest Risk Remains
The State Department said nationwide demonstrations that began in September 2025 have stopped and that Nepal’s security situation is stable. However, it warned that demonstrations and local unrest can still occur, particularly in cities, and can turn violent quickly.
Americans in Nepal are advised to monitor local media for breaking developments, avoid demonstrations and large crowds, and follow instructions from local authorities, according to the department.
Monsoon, Earthquake and Medical Concerns
The State Department identifies flooding and landslides as recurring hazards during Nepal’s monsoon season. Heavy rains can damage buildings and roads, block travel routes and make emergency assistance difficult to reach.
Medical services are also limited in Nepal, particularly outside Kathmandu. The State Department says hospitals in the capital are generally better equipped than those elsewhere but can be crowded and may lack some medicines or specialized equipment. Hospitals may also require payment before treatment.
The department recommends that Americans traveling to Nepal bring necessary medications and obtain travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage. It warns that people requiring serious medical treatment may need to travel to another country for care.
State Department Urges Travelers to Monitor Conditions
The State Department recommends that Americans traveling to Nepal enroll in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, so the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can provide security updates and contact travelers or their emergency contacts during an emergency.
The department also advises travelers to monitor local news and official announcements and be prepared to adjust their plans because of changing weather, road conditions or other emergencies.
For people planning to trek or travel in remote mountainous areas, the State Department advises checking local road, trail and weather conditions and sharing itineraries with family or friends. Its Nepal travel guidance also warns that monsoon flooding can complicate search-and-rescue operations and medical evacuations.
The Rasuwa warning is specific to the flood-affected corridor. The broader U.S. travel advisory for Nepal remains at Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution.”