Kathmandu, Oct. 12 -- Before the August 26 Bhotekoshi floods, travelling from Kathmandu to Dalphedi in ward 1 of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality, Rasuwa, took a day and cost around Rs1,000, including transport and food. Now the journey takes three days and costs about Rs10,000.

The floods washed away roads and bridges, devastated settlements and caused heavy loss of life in Timure. Those who survived must now contend with the physical and financial costs of returning to the places they once called home.

Displaced residents have begun leaving temporary shelters to return to their villages, but damaged roads, destroyed bridges and inflated transport fares stand in their way. Many now pay more than the previous fares to reach Dhunche before...