Kathmandu, August 28, 2026: A total of 668 tourists from 34 countries remain out of contact following the devastating Bhotekoshi flash flood in Rasuwa, according to the latest data released by Nepal’s Department of Tourism.
The department’s Thursday update said 541 of those out of contact are foreign nationals, while 127 are Nepali citizens. The group includes 341 men and 327 women, with most of the foreign travellers having been on trekking trips.
Tourists Missing by Nationality
India has the highest number of tourists out of contact, followed by the United States, Ukraine and Malaysia.
| Country | Tourists out of contact |
|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | 178 |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 65 |
| 🇺🇦 Ukraine | 53 |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 51 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 35 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 33 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 25 |
| 🇨🇳 China | 24 |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | 9 |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | 8 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 8 |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 6 |
| 🇱🇻 Latvia | 6 |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 5 |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 5 |
| 🇫🇷 France | 4 |
The list also includes tourists from Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Finland, Israel, Lithuania, the Philippines, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Bulgaria and several other countries.
50 Foreign Nationals Rescued
As of Thursday evening, 50 foreign nationals had been rescued, according to figures reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Authorities continue to verify the status of travellers through trekking agencies, travel companies, guides, local authorities and security agencies.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also established an Emergency Response Team to coordinate the search and rescue of foreign nationals, verify information and provide consular assistance to affected travellers and their families.
Where Were the Tourists Travelling?
According to the Department of Tourism, the travellers had been travelling for trekking and sightseeing, with bookings made through various trekking and travel agencies.
The affected region includes important tourism corridors in northern Rasuwa, where routes connect travellers toward destinations such as Langtang, Gosaikunda and the Rasuwagadhi border area.
The flood severely damaged transportation infrastructure. The Department of Roads reported that the 42-kilometre road between Betrawati and the Rasuwagadhi border crossing was damaged at multiple points, with several bridges washed away.
Search and Rescue Operations Continue
Search teams are continuing operations in the flood-affected areas, while helicopters are being used for aerial searches where difficult terrain and damaged roads have limited ground access.
Authorities are cross-checking information from tourism agencies and local sources because some travellers may have lost communication without necessarily being missing.
The figures remain provisional and subject to change as authorities establish contact with more tourists and verify individual cases.
NepalVue will continue to provide verified tourism and travel updates as authorities release new information.
