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Narayani River

Visiting the Narayani

Getting to Bharatpur, choosing your month by the river, and where to sleep near the water.

Visiting the Narayani

Bharatpur is the gateway to the Narayani. It has an airport, plenty of hotels, and Narayangadh, its riverside half, sits right on the water. All of our trips start here.

Getting to Bharatpur

  • By air: flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur take about 25 minutes. The airport is 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, along the Seti and Marsyangdi to Mugling, then down the Trishuli.
  • Tourist buses run daily from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Ask the driver to stop in Narayangadh.

Choosing your month

  • October to February: the best time for the river. Clear water, sandbanks for birds and basking gharial, and mild sunny days. December and January mornings are often foggy and cold.
  • March to May: hot, often above 35 °C by May. The water is low and the riverside is quiet. Go out early and late.
  • June to September: monsoon. The river is high and fast, and some trips change or close. The countryside is at its greenest.

Where to stay

  • Narayangadh and central Bharatpur: hotels of every standard, restaurants and the riverfront within reach. The easiest base for day trips.
  • Amaltari: a community homestay in a Tharu and Bote village across the river. See Amaltari.

What to bring

  • Light clothes in muted colours, and 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 outside the national park, and there is 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 can also meet you at Bharatpur airport.

Trips that go there

  • Full day

    Devghat, Narayangadh and the riverbank

    Narayani River Day Tour

    The whole river story in one 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

  • Half day

    Devghat

    Devghat at Sunrise

    Arrive at the confluence before the crowds, as pilgrims come down to bathe and the mist lifts off two rivers. Back in Bharatpur by breakfast.

    from US$35per person

  • About 3 hours

    Narayangadh waterfront

    Riverside Evening Ride

    An easy bicycle ride along the Narayani waterfront and through riverside villages, stopping for street snacks and ending at dusk on the riverbank.

    from US$30per person