A major landslide at Gagane Khola in Kalikot’s Shubhakalika-1 has completely blocked the Surkhet–Jumla section of the Karnali Highway since Wednesday morning, October 7, 2026, stranding vehicles and passengers.
The District Police Office Kalikot, the police office for Kalikot district, confirmed that a large landslide, including mud, fell at Gagane Khola, leading to the complete obstruction of the highway. Vehicles traveling between Surkhet and Jumla, via Kalikot and Dailekh, are currently halted on the road.
Travelers urged to check road conditions
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Him Bahadur Khatri, chief of the District Police Office Kalikot, stated that the landslide occurred early Wednesday morning. He urged travelers to check the road conditions before embarking on their journey, as other sections of the Karnali Highway could also be affected by landslides or blockages.
Gagane Khola: A recurring problem area
Gagane Khola is considered one of the most landslide-prone points along the Karnali Highway. This marks the seventh time the road has been obstructed at this specific location since mid-June this year.
Two years ago, the Road Division Office Jumla spent approximately Rs 30 million to construct gabion walls in an attempt to control the landslides at Gagane Khola. However, a long-term solution to the recurring problem has yet to be found.
The Karnali Highway, which spans 232 kilometers, officially opened on Chaitra 30, 2063 (BS). Its narrow lanes and construction delays during Nepal’s conflict era have historically caused significant inconvenience for travelers. Road blockages due to landslides and floods during the monsoon season are a regular issue for this vital route.
Uncertainty over road clearance and impact
As of now, there is no further information available regarding the progress of the landslide clearance efforts. Authorities have not provided a definitive timeline for when the road will reopen. Additionally, the exact number of vehicles and passengers affected by the current blockage remains unknown.
This incident follows earlier reports of widespread highway blockages across the country due to floods and landslides. For more details, read our previous coverage: nmkhabar.com/nepal-highways-blocked-flood-landslide-damage/.
