Visiting the Narayani
Getting to Bharatpur, picking your month by the river, and where to sleep close to the water.
Bharatpur is your gateway to the Narayani. It has an airport and plenty of hotels, and Narayangadh, its riverside half, sits right on the water. All of our trips begin here.
Getting to Bharatpur
- By air: flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur take about 25 minutes, and the airport is only a short drive from the river.
- By road from Kathmandu: about 5–6 hours by private car. The road follows the Trishuli down to Mugling and on to Narayangadh.
- By road from Pokhara: about 4 hours by private car, following the Seti and Marsyangdi to Mugling, then down the Trishuli.
- Tourist buses run every day from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Just ask the driver to drop you in Narayangadh.
Choosing your month
- October to February: the best time for the river. Clear water, sandbanks full of birds and basking gharial, and mild, sunny days. December and January mornings are often foggy and chilly.
- March to May: hot, often over 35 °C by May. The water is low and the riverside is quiet. Head out early and late.
- June to September: the monsoon. The river is high and fast, and some trips change or close. On the bright side, the countryside is at its greenest.
Where to stay
- Narayangadh and central Bharatpur: hotels to suit every budget, plenty of restaurants and the riverfront close by. The easiest base for day trips.
- Amaltari: a community homestay in a Tharu and Bote village across the river. Find out more about Amaltari.
What to bring
- Light clothes in muted colours, plus a warm layer from December to February.
- Closed shoes for riverbanks and forest trails.
- A hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Binoculars, if you have them.
- Modest clothes for Devghat.
Questions
Do I need a permit to visit the Narayani?
No. The riverbanks at Narayangadh, Devghat and Amaltari are all outside the national park, and there's no fee. Our trips don't enter the park.
Can you pick us up from the airport?
Yes. Every trip includes pickup from your hotel in Bharatpur, and we're happy to meet you at Bharatpur airport too.
Trips that go there
Devghat, Narayangadh and the riverbank
Narayani River Day Tour
The whole river story in a single day: the Devghat confluence in the morning, a riverbank bird walk and lunch in the afternoon, and dusk on the Narayangadh waterfront.
from US$65per person
Devghat
Devghat at Sunrise
Reach the confluence before the crowds, just as pilgrims come down to bathe and the mist lifts off two rivers. You'll be back in Bharatpur for breakfast.
from US$35per person
Narayangadh waterfront
Riverside Evening Ride
An easy bike ride along the Narayani waterfront and through riverside villages, with stops for street snacks, ending at dusk on the riverbank.
from US$30per person
