KATHMANDU: Hundreds of domestic tourists have been stranded in the popular tourist village of Ghandruk after floodwaters washed away a section of road along the Modi Khola in Kaski on Sunday.
The flood swept away a paved road near Syaulibazar, on the border of wards 8 and 10 of Annapurna Rural Municipality, disrupting traffic along the Nayapul–Birethanti–Ghandruk road.
According to local authorities, the Modi Khola swelled after flooding caused by the blockage of the Kimrung Khola in Ward 11 of Annapurna Rural Municipality, washing away the road and cutting off vehicular access to Ghandruk.
While trekking routes remain open, tourists who travelled by vehicle have been unable to leave the village.
Krishna Gurung, treasurer of the Ghandruk Tourism Entrepreneurs’ Committee, said around 300 tourists who had travelled to Ghandruk during the weekend are currently stranded.
“The road has been washed away, so vehicles cannot operate,” Gurung said. “Most visitors came in their own vehicles and are waiting for the road to reopen. We are also looking for an alternative route for smaller vehicles.”
The rural municipality said repair work is underway on an unpaved alternative route linking Ghandruk with Birethanti via Khulibang, Mohariya and Tamu to facilitate the movement of motorcycles and scooters.
Annapurna Rural Municipality Chair Bishnu Bahadur KC said local authorities, technical teams and district officials have reached Syaulibazar to assess the damage and restore access.
“We are discussing whether tourists can be evacuated through the repaired alternative road,” KC said. “As rainfall has eased and the river’s water level has receded, we are also exploring the possibility of reopening the damaged section for one-way traffic in coordination with the district administration.”
Ghandruk, located in Ward 11 of Annapurna Rural Municipality, serves as a major gateway for trekkers heading to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Ghorepani–Poon Hill trails.
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