Rasuwagadhi Bridge Collapse: New Routes for Kailash Yatra After Flood

Thousands of spiritual seekers and devout followers from Nepal, India, and beyond every year undertake the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, spiritual journey through the Himalayas to cross a spiritual circuit around this deity mountain and bathe at the spiritual banks of Lake Mansarovar decades, one of the most convenient of the several overland paths to Kailash from Nepal was through the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border, a doorway that joins Kathmandu directly Kerung.

In July 2025, a sudden glacial lake outburst flood in the Tibetan Himalayas caused severe damage along the Nepal-Tibet border. The flood destroyed the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung Friendship Bridge, an important link for trade and travel between Nepal and Tibet. The disaster disrupted border trade and energy transmission and also affected the travel plans of many pilgrims preparing for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

Here, we discuss the causes of the flood, its impact, and the current condition of the border infrastructure. Most importantly, we explore the new Kailash Yatra alternative routes. Whether you choose to travel by air, overland, or a combination of both, we explain the available options so you can continue your spiritual journey with reliable logistical support and professional planning.

Overview of Rasuwagadhi Bridge Collapse

Nepal China Friendship Gate of the Rasuwagadhi Kerung cross-border (pre-July 2025 flood). This most vital gateway (Bhote Kosi River) connected Kathmandu to Tibet’s Mount Kailash and Mansarovar, but was destroyed on 8th July 2025. Horrific debris flow (some 10 m high) scoured along the Bhote Koshi valley, washing away the international “Miteri” bridge and nearby infrastructure.

At least nine were dead, and around 19 were missing, including some travellers and truck drivers. The deluge swept away a section of Nepal’s lifeline: four major hydropower stations (Rasuwagadhi, Trisuli III, Trisuli, Benighat) were seriously disabled, taking some 230 MW (8%) of Nepal’s electricity infrastructure. Some 100+ container trucks and cars left unattended at the Timure Dry Port were swept off. In a word, the Rasuwagadhi disaster not only shut down a vital pilgrimage but also the trade corridor, which was seriously affected. 

In the flood’s aftermath, the damaged border bridge and muddy river chaos are clear to see. This disaster was not induced by monsoon rain: hydrologists record that no heavy precipitation existed before the event in the Bhote Kosi basin. Instead, satellite analysis traced the surge back to Tibet. 

Glacial lakes on the Purepu Cangbu glacier merged cumulatively to form a giant supraglacial lake in June, which overflowed abruptly downwards through the Lende River (Bhote Kosi tributary). In other words, this seems to be a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

Such GLOFs are even now a relatively rare event, but climate warming brings them closer: the Himalaya is “melting twice as fast as the rest of the world,” and a 2018 analysis found dozens of deadly lakes on Himalayan glaciers. As more of these volatile lakes are getting warmer, researchers confirm that Nepal’s high valleys are getting more vulnerable.

Rasuwa Flash Flood 2026: Another Flood disrupts the Kailash-Kerung Route

Again, on 26 August 2026, Rasuwa faced another devastating flash flood along the Bhote Koshi River, causing widespread destruction around Timure, Rasuwagadhi, Syabrubesi, and many more. The sudden surge came from the Tibet side and swept away the settlements, roads, bridges, hydropower projects, and other critical infrastructure near the Nepal-China border. 

The latest disaster has once again closed the overland Kailash-Kerung route, disrupting one of the main access points used by pilgrims travelling from Nepal toward Tibet. The timing was particularly serious, as hundreds of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims were in the Rasuwagadhi area preparing to cross into Tibet. Nearly 400 Kailash-bound pilgrims were initially reported out of contact after the flood, including Nepali and Indian pilgrims.

For Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, this means that the traditional overland route through Kerung is currently disrupted, and alternative arrangements are necessary depending on border conditions, road reconstruction, and official travel permissions. Air routes and other possible alternatives may therefore become important options for pilgrims who still wish to continue their journey. 

For the latest details on the 2026 flood, affected areas, current road conditions, and the status of the Kailash-Kerung route, see our latest Rasuwa Flash Flood 2026 update. 

Why the Flood Was So Unusual?

• Burst lake, not rain. Government officials initially considered whether heavy rainfall had caused the sudden surge. However, river-level monitoring data indicated that there had been no significant rainfall that evening, either in Nepal or in Tibet. Tribhuvan University hydrologist Binod Pokharel noted that satellite and radar imagery showed insufficient rainfall to explain the event, suggesting that the flood could have been caused by a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). This possibility is consistent with the high-energy debris flow and the lack of significant rainfall in the affected area.

• Remote glacier trigger. Tracing back through Copernicus satellite images, it was discovered that the trigger source was Purepu Cangbu glacier (Tibet), where lakes combined together and drained through englacial channels towards the Lende River. That explosion spread downstream almost instantly to Nepal.

• A factor of climate change. Glaciers are retreating rapidly. The Nepali Times reports that of the 47 most dangerous lakes threatening Nepal, 25 lie on Chinese glaciers. As high lakes are growing, disaster explosions are becoming more frequent. (Notable recent examples are the 2021 Chamoli, India, and 2023 Sikkim floods from a glacial/landlide event.) While historically uncommon, authorities now consider that GLOFs are a new threat to the Himalayas.

• Geo-warnings. Surprisingly, even Nepali scientists cautioned authorities days before the event that they could anticipate deluges from rivers coming from Tibet. Yet, the data-sharing gap meant that Nepal received limited prior warning. In either case, that was a record inter-state disaster, which substantiates that such cross-border floods, though occasional, are a serious threat to the people living near borders.

Effects on Border Security and Infrastructure

The Rasuwagadhi–Kerung (or Kyirong, Kerong) is Nepal’s second significant China (after Tatopani/Kodari) trading entrance. It was opened in 2014 and was newly upgraded for tourism, accommodating a portion of vehicles, automobiles, trucks, coaches, trains, and a major portion of pilgrims. The Rasuwagadhi flood washed away a strategic bridge on Nepal’s main border crossing with China for trade, tourists, and pilgrims. In practical terms:

• Bridges, border installations lost: Nepal’s 156-meter-long Miteri Friendship Bridge was swept off completely. Customs offices, lodges, and sections of roads on either side were completely lost. (Dozens of Nepal Police and Chinese officials were on the spot; some Chinese media reported 11 labourers missing or hurt on Tibetian side.)

• Power supply, trading losses: Damage to four hydropower stations (Wagadhi, Trisuli-III, Trisuli, Benighat) disconnected 230 MW of supply (≈8% of national generation). Freight halted: more than 100 container trucks (mainly cargo trucks of vehicles, other vehicles, and cargo) and numerous newly arriving electric vehicles were halted. Companies are afraid of a shortage (particularly of Chinese goods) if the border is closed.

• Human cost: At least 9 lives were lost, and 19 were unaccounted for (residents, pilgrims, truck drivers) in Nepal. Chinese media reported an additional 6 unaccounted for, which shows the transboundary nature of the disaster. Hundreds of residents were airlifted. This transboundary flood at Rasuwagadhi is arguably one of the most lethal transboundary floods that Nepal can recall in recent years.

Reconstruction of the Rasuwagadhi Bridge

Nepalese authorities moved quickly to restore the route. In a special meeting on the 9th of July, authorities agreed to cooperate closely with China to repair the route and reopen the connection. Main steps are:

• Interim Bailey Bridge: Prime Minister Oli directed diplomats to arrange a temporary Bailey bridge at the damaged site. In fact, the government formally requested that China construct a Bailey bridge immediately so cross-border traffic gets moving again. Such a mobile steel modular bridge could span the Lende Khola and facilitate convoys of vehicles carrying trade in a matter of weeks.

• New permanent “Friendship” Bridge: Chinese engineering teams had already begun work to reconstruct the permanent bridge (originally planned in 2018). The full-scale Nepal-China Friendship Bridge will be reconstructed at Rasuwagadhi, with the help of Chinese authorities. Bridge works were targeted to be completed sometime around mid-2025 prior to the disaster, but the new disaster resets the clock. Reconstruction will be taken up after the immediate works of flood relief, say authorities.

• Repair of roads. Nepal will restore the approach roadway from the Nepal side as well, and requested that China restore the partially damaged Tibet side roadway. Power transmission lines, including communication networks, for the region will be reinstated. Overall, authorities confirm a several-week to several-month interval before Rasuwagadhi-Kerung reopens.

In short, Rasuwagadhi is expected to reopen eventually (with a temporary bridge followed by a new permanent span), but not immediately. Meanwhile, Kailash pilgrims and traders must use alternative routes.

Kailash Yatra Alternative Routes

Since Rasuwagadhi is closed, there are some alternative routes to Kailash Yatra after flood. We can facilitate all of these, from flight booking to treks, cars, permissions, and guides. These are the most prominent means:

• Hilsa Route (via Nepalgunj–Simikot): This is still the most direct Nepali entrance route to Tibet today. Pilgrims fly Kathmandu→Nepalgunj→Simikot, helicopter (or trek) from Simikot to the Nepal/Hilsa border. Once at Hilsa, pilgrims cross into Purang (Tibet) and drive to Mansarovar/Darchen.
• Tatopani/Kodari Route (via Kathmandu–Zhangmu): Leaving Kathmandu for the Tatopani (Kodari) border crossing via Arniko Highway, they continue via Zhangmu (Tibet) to Kailash. This ancient trade route requires Chinese and Nepali visas and is about 14+ days total.
• Lhasa Air Route: Pilgrims travel Kathmandu→Lhasa (Tibet) by flight, then by bus/car (via Saga–Lake Mansarovar) to Mt. Kailash. It is the Tibet flight route, which is a more scenic, less physically challenging route.

All of these routes are a time, money, and adventure trade-off. What follows is a more detailed description of each route.

1. Hilsa Route (Flight to Simikot + Helicopter Trek)

Route Overview: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj (flight) → Simikot (flight) → Hilsa (trek or helicopter) → Purang (Tibet) → Mansarovar → Darchen (Mt. Kailash base).

• Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: Domestic flights operate daily (approximately 45 min). Nepalgunj Airport (150 m alt.) is the point of entry
• Nepalgunj to Simikot: Charter aircraft (30-40 min) take pilgrims to Simikot (2,910 m), the district headquarters of Humla, which lies in a remote area
• Simikot to Hilsa: Pilgrims either travel via foot treks or via helicopters from Simikot. Foot trail (approximately 150-200 km) means ancient trading channels via high-altitude mountain passes (Nara La ~5,000 m) to reach Hilsa. Porters locally traverse via this route in 7-8 days. However, most of the pilgrims conserve time and energy for themselves via helicopter hire from Simikot to Hilsa (a straight 30-40 minute flight). In other words, the flight, despite the hefty price, saves the long, weeklong foot trail.
• Hilsa border: The closest Nepal–Tibet cross-border is Hilsa (3,770 m). It is a short walk from the cross-border to Purang (Taklakot) on the Tibetan side. Pilgrims are welcomed at Purang with vehicles (usually 4×4 Land Cruisers, which are reserved through touring agents).
• Purang to Mansarovar: It ascends north from Purang (2,900 m) to Lake Manasarovar (4,590 m) and to Darchen (4,650 m), the classical base for the parikrama of Kailash. The Kailash-Kora trek is done around Darchen.
• Length & Difficulty: Pilgrims riding the helicopter can undertake the trail for approximately 10-15 days overall. Difficulty remains steady at a moderate level via the helicopter leg; some of the high passes are traversed, but fairly gentle ascents. The trail of Hilsa is shorter and less crowded compared to the overland route.

2. Tatopani (Kodari) Route: Kathmandu → Kharta Highway

Route Overview: Kathmandu → Kathmandu–Kodari (Arniko Highway) → Border crossing at Tatopani (Nepal)–Zhangmu (Tibet) → Nyalam → Saga–Mansarovar → Darchen.

• Kodari from Kathmandu: Arniko Highway goes ~140 km northeast of Kathmandu to the Tatopani (new Kodari) border at 1,700 m. This takes about 5–6 hours by tourist bus or jeep (longer with traffic up the mountains). Charter choppers are available (30–40 min) to the Kodari border or nearby Helambu.
• Border crossing: Tatopani (Nepal) is the last customs point on the Nepali side; travelers then walk across to Zhangmu (Tibet) or cross by vehicle via the Friendship Bridge. As of July 2025, exclusive clearances are given by Chinese authorities for travellers (mostly pilgrims) to cross Kodari after the suspension of Rasuwagadhi. All travellers are supposed to have group clearances and Chinese authorities’ pre-booked visas.
• Onward to Kailash: At Zhangmu (alt ~2,300 m), whilst approaching Tibet, the pilgrims are transported on a Chinese sightseeing bus. It goes north through Nyalam (3,750 m) and Khasa, then through the Friendship Highway (beyond Lalung La ~5,150 m) to Saga. Pilgrim route from Saga goes south to Lake Mansarovar and Darchen.
• Timing & Comments: This 12–16-day round-trip from Kathmandu overland journey is not a trek (fully motorable), but involves long car journeys and higher altitudes (to ~5,150 m). It could be cheaper than the Kodari route, which is a bit shorter. It was also historically the first overland route to Kailash via Nepal. Bold Himalaya can arrange for comfortable tourism coaches, 4×4 cars, along with professional Tibet guides for this journey.

Notable Development: In mid-July 2025, after the Rasuwagadhi bridge failure, the Chinese government granted permission for special pilgrim groups to cross at Kodari. In practice, therefore, we can re-route Nepal/India Yatra parties through Tatopani–Zhangmu as a replacement.

3. Lhasa Air Route: Fly/Drive through Lhasa

Route Overview: Kathmandu → Lhasa (flight) → Gyirong/Kerung border → Saga–Mansarovar → Darchen → Kathmandu

• Kathmandu–Lhasa Flight: Kathmandu is linked to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (3,650 m) via international flights (about 2 hours a day). It is a trans-Himalayan scenic flight that will provide a person with a clear view of Everest, Shishapangma, etc. Arriving in Lhasa provides good acclimatization at high altitude.
• Lhasa Sights: Pilgrims usually spend 1–2 days in Lhasa (3,650 m) acclimatizing and sightseeing (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, etc.). This section is optional but a favorite for cultural interest.
• Kailash Drive: Finally, the mode of travel is via road. Usually, the bus goes northwest through Nagchu and Saga, and beyond on the Ali–Paryang route to Lake Manasarovar and Darchen (ft. of Mt. Kailash). It usually takes ~5–6 days of car/overnight camping before getting to Darchen.
• Duration & Characteristics: It is possible to complete the whole of the Lhasa round trip within 12–15 days. A traditional 14-day-long Kailash Yatra through Lhasa involves a Kathmandu/Lumbini/Delhi to Lhasa flight, together with a Tibet Volvo bus journey. It is a less physically demanding (no treks) route with extra days for a visit (Lhasa city, monastic sites). It is costly compared to the other two routes due to the international flight. The route through Lhasa “allows for steady acclimatization” and involves the complete Kailash Kora.

What About the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung Route?

The Rasuwagadhi–Kerung (Kyirong) route is the direct Kathmandu – Kailash highway through Dhunche and Syabrubesi. Until July 2025, that was the busiest Nepal route. But now that route is closed because of the flood. Nepali officials are clear: only a temporary crossing is possible now. A Bailey bridge is being installed to reestablish the connection, but a new, more enduring bridge is projected, which will be a long-term wait. Pilgrims should not rely on Rasuwagadhi being open in mid-2025.

Bold Himalaya: Guiding Pilgrims through Side Routes

At Bold Himalaya, we are quite aware that these sorts of interruptions are disorienting. Our well-informed staff already assists many of our clients in rebooking through various routes. This is the manner through which we assist:

• Route Organising & Bookings: Our organisation can reorganise your complete Kailash route. Whether via the Hilsa–Simikot route, Kodari road, or flight to Lhasa, we’ve got the works. It includes your domestic flight booking, helicopter charters, and ground transfers.
• Flight Coordination: We book seats on the Kathmandu–Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj–Simikot routes (subject to availability). For tours to Lhasa, we book Kathmandu–Lhasa airline tickets and, on demand, Lhasa city tours.
• Helicopter Service: If you pick the Hilsa route, we charter helicopters from Simikot to Hilsa.  These are helicopter amphibian rescue helicopters that are ideal for swift river crossings directly to Tibet, whereas our porter teams can be utilized by the trekkers.
• Ground Transportation: High-height SUVs for car rides, and sightseeing coaches are available. Drivers are familiar with Himalayan highways. Trained Tibetan guides, along with comfortable bus services, are available for the entire Tibet journey.
• Permits and Visas: For going to Kailash, we require special permissions (Group Tourist Visas) from China. We procure these visas for every route. For the Hilsa Border, we also book every Border permit in Nepal (such as the Humla District permit). We book everything so that you don’t have to bother with your pilgrimage.
• Accommodation & Food: All lodges or guesthouses are pre-reserved for Kathmandu, for intermediate nights (e.g., Nepalgunj, Simikot, Lhasa, Saga), and for lake camps. Food is supplied from tea houses or lodges on the route.
• Guides and Assistance: Our guides are competent in Nepali, English, and (where appropriate) Mandarin. They are fully cognizant of the spiritual and cultural character of the journey. Oxygen packs and medical kits are provided for emergencies. Tourist assistance vehicles are provided for trekking parties.

In summary, Bold Himalaya provides customized treks to Kailash Mansarovar with all possible Nepali routes. Tours are flexible and always safe: i.e., if we anticipate that we are going to wait at some given border, we can add advance vehicles or prescribe small timetabling corrections. Our mission is a hiccup-free trip: all the way from Kathmandu to Mansarovar and back, even when conditions change.