Nepal flood shows monsoon travel is 'extremely risky,' says tour operator

A recent devastating flood in Nepal serves as a stark reminder of the extreme dangers associated with traveling in the region during the monsoon season, according to tour operators. Sander Arink, owner of Momo Trekking, which organizes trekking and mountaineering tours in Nepal, stated that communication has been lost with a local guide who was near the flood's origin.

"You also cannot get into that area. Bridges have been washed away and several roads are blocked," Arink explained. He added that the Nepalese government has confiscated all helicopters, restricting access to the area solely for rescue personnel. Nepal is frequently hit by floods, particularly during the monsoon from June to mid-September, making trekking and climbing tours perilous during this time.

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You also cannot get into that area. Bridges have been washed away and several roads are blocked.

Arink emphasized that his company avoids organizing such trips during the monsoon, with the normal trekking and climbing season running from mid-September to mid-December and again from early March to late May. Despite the current flood, most of his other planned tours are proceeding as they do not traverse the affected region, though one trek has been put on hold.

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I've been coming to Nepal for twenty years. I see the country just changing due to global warming.

Arink also linked the extreme flooding to climate change, noting significant temperature increases in Nepal over the past two decades. "I've been coming to Nepal for twenty years. I see the country just changing due to global warming," he said, recalling much colder conditions at high altitudes previously. Other travel agencies, like Sawadee, have canceled trips and donated to relief funds, while acknowledging the reduced demand for travel during the monsoon.

Mees Tierolff, owner of Top of the World travel agency, noted that many travelers use the Kathmandu Valley route to cross into Tibet for spiritual journeys. The border crossing at Rasuwagadhi, a site heavily impacted by the flood, is a common land route to Tibet. Given the limited and expensive flight options to Lhasa, many travelers opt for this overland route, suggesting that missing tourists might include those attempting to cross into Tibet. Tierolff reiterated the sentiment of caution, stating, "I always say: this is really not a vacation. You really have to have an intrinsic reason for it."

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I always say: this is really not a vacation. You really have to have an intrinsic reason for it.