You must have driven through several rivers en route to a hill station or another location. You must have been mesmerized by the river's vista and awed by the waves' beautiful sound.
Rivers offer stunning sights and have a calming impact on the mind. So why not visit a river and take in its peacefulness and beauty rather than merely passing by?
While Nepal is well known for its stunning mountain views, its rivers will bring you even closer to the sacredness and allure of this country.
They are breathtaking environments and ideal locations for exciting water sports like bungee jumping, rafting, kayaking, and many others. Alternatively, you might relax and take in the quiet.
Plan your next vacation to Nepal and go to one of the rivers for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Continue reading as we highlight the top rivers you should visit!
Major Rivers In Nepal
Look at the beautiful scenery along Nepal's major rivers. Include them on your itinerary for Nepal, and have fun like never!
#1. Gandaki River
The Karnali basin on the west and the Kosi river system on the east are separated by the Gandaki River, also known as Narayani. Because of the river's seven major tributaries, which together make up the Gandaki basin, it is sometimes known as Sapta-Gandaki.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Caption: Gandaki River
Famous Nepalese rivers known as the Gandaki's branches connect to produce essential electricity and a variety of breathtaking natural features. The Kaligandaki, one of its tributaries, carves up the Kali Gandaki Gorge, also known as Andha Galchi.
#2. Koshi River
The Koshi River, which China and India share, flows for 450 km. Because of its seven major tributaries, the Koshi, which meanders along the southern slopes of Nepal, is also known as the Saptakoshi. Each branch is a beautiful river system with a wealth of exciting outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Caption: Koshi Barrage in Koshi River
Interestingly, after entering India, the Koshi is also known as the "Sorrow of Bihar" due to its propensity for flooding. Although prone to flooding, the Koshi is a haven for adventure in the Nepalese highlands, surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of the Himalayas.
#3. Tamur River
On the eastern edge of Nepal, the stunning Tamur River begins as it round the Kanchenjunga mountains. Tamur is one of the Koshi River's seven tributaries. Water sports like river rafting and kayaking are top-rated on the river.
#4. Marshyangdi River
This river in Nepal originates in the Annapurna Mountains and is a well-liked natural attraction for people who trek the Annapurna Circuit. The Marshyangdi is Nepal's primary river.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Caption: Marshyangdi River
It provides captivating vistas of the highlands because it is a mountain river. It will give you the most thrilling water sports experience, like rafting and kayaking, because it is the best white water river.
#5. Karnali River
The River Ghaghara, commonly referred to as the Karnali, is a perennial river that rises on the Tibetan Plateau and flows through Nepal before joining the Sharda River in India after cutting through the Himalayas. It has a 671-mile stretch of transboundary river.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Caption: Karnali River
Along with Nepal, India and China also share the River Ghaghara. Four national parks, a wildlife reserve, two buffer zones, and other tourist attractions can be found in the river basin.
The river offers Nepal a low-cost hydroelectric power generation method as well. However, building bridges and creating extremely high floodplains have obliterated residents' dwellings.
#6. Bheri River
The 164-mile-long River Bheri has its beginnings in Nepal's Dolpo area. It is entirely in Nepal and is regarded as a significant tributary of the Ghaghara River. Tourists can go rafting on the River Bheri, which has three major branches.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Caption: Bheri River
The Bautes people who reside near River Bheri rely on the river for their livelihood of fishing as well. The River, however, presents a significant concern because of its powerful current, and when it floods, it destroys nearby structures like bridges and buildings.
#7. Kamala River
The River Kamala originates in Nepal's Churia Range and runs through India before entering Pakistan. It measures 204 miles in length. The River Kamala is used for the affordable generation of hydroelectricity power and to assist irrigation plan projects established by the villagers who live nearby.
Image Source: The Kathmandu Post
Caption: Kamala River
However, the extent of its flooding significantly impacts residents, exposing them to landslides and the loss of habitat and agriculture.
#8. Kankai River
The Kankai, better known as Mai Khola, is a holy river with many tourist attractions, including the Domukha, Chuli, Dhanuskoti, and Maipokhari. The Kankai Irrigation Project was also recently developed in Nepal's Terai region.
#9. Bagmati River
The Bagmati River runs across Nepal's Kathmandu valley, dividing the districts of Kathmandu and Patan. The Bagmati River is especially significant because Hindus are cremated on this river's banks, and Kirants are buried in the hills along its banks.
The deceased body must be dipped three times into the Bagmati river before cremation, according to Nepalese Hindu tradition, to halt the reincarnation cycle.
