27/08/2026
A Message from the Karmaflights/KarmaTreks & Adventure with Purpose Family 🇳🇵🙏
Standing with Nepal Through This Unprecedented Disaster
We’ve received so many messages from friends, guests, partners and members of our international travel family asking about Nepal and the people affected by this devastating disaster.
Thank you for your solidarity, prayers and support. ❤️
We’re deeply saddened by the catastrophic flash flood that hit the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa on 26 August, sending a massive surge of water, ice, rock, mud and debris downstream through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, affecting Nuwakot, Dhading and areas further downstream.
This was far from an ordinary monsoon flood. The water rose incredibly quickly, giving communities almost no time to respond. Homes, roads, bridges, vehicles, businesses and vital infrastructure were swept away. Many lives were lost, and many people are still missing. The full extent of the human and economic loss is still becoming clear.
What happened?
Scientists are still investigating the exact chain of events.
Early assessments suggest that a large ice-and-rock avalanche or landslide happened in the high Himalayan region on the Tibet side of the border, blocking the Lhende River and forming a temporary natural lake or reservoir. When the blockage gave way, a huge amount of water and debris was suddenly released into the Bhote Koshi system.
A magnitude 4.4 earthquake was recorded at around 8:37 AM, shortly before the flood surge was detected. However, scientists are still working to understand whether the earthquake triggered the ice-and-rock collapse or whether the two events happened independently. So, it’s too early to say that the earthquake was definitely responsible.
Some experts are also looking into the possibility of a glacial lake outburst or the sudden release of a temporary debris-dammed lake. Satellite imagery and further research will help clarify what happened high in the mountains.
The scale and speed of this disaster are a powerful reminder of how vulnerable Himalayan communities and infrastructure can be to sudden high-mountain hazards.
The KarmaFlighta /KarmaTreks & Adventure with Purpose family is safe
We’re relieved to share that our KarmaTreks and KarmaFlights family is safe.But emotionally, we’re far from untouched.
Seeing the destruction along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli corridors is heartbreaking. We’re hearing from people in different areas, checking in with friends and partners, and trying to understand what has happened.
Right now, we also feel helpless. But we don’t want to stay that way.
We’re closely following the situation and speaking with our partners and local communities to figure out where our support can make the biggest difference. Soon, we’ll share how you can help and what steps we’ll take to support rescue, relief and recovery efforts.
To our friends around the world
Please keep Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and all affected communities in your thoughts and prayers.
Nepal is much bigger than the disaster-affected corridor. Kathmandu and Pokhara are still operating, and many parts of the country continue with everyday life, although travel conditions and road access are changing quickly.
For anyone currently travelling or planning to travel in Nepal:
🔹 Follow official safety guidance and listen to local authorities.
🔹 Stay away from flood-affected river corridors and damaged highways.
🔹 Don’t try to cross damaged bridges or roads.
🔹 For essential Kathmandu–Pokhara travel, consider flying while highway conditions remain uncertain.
🔹 Check the latest conditions before travelling and stay in touch with your travel operator.
🔹 Most importantly, don’t put yourself or rescue teams at further risk.
Nepal has been through many difficult moments before. What makes Nepal strong isn’t the absence of disasters, but the solidarity of its people and the kindness of friends around the world.
Our hearts are with the families waiting for news of their loved ones, those who have lost their homes and livelihoods, the rescue teams working in incredibly difficult conditions, and every community along the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli corridor.
We stand with Nepal. 🇳🇵
We stand with the affected communities.
And we’ll do our part to help.
🙏 Stay safe. Stay informed. Stand together.
— KarmaTreks & Adventure with Purpose Family
Prem Bahadur Kunwar