Gandaki River

The Gandaki River, also known as the Narayani and Gandak, is one of the major rivers in Nepal. It flows into India where it joins the Ganges. The river drains a large area of 46,300 km², most of which is in Nepal.

In the Himalayas, the river carves a very deep canyon, creating an impressive landscape.

The Gandaki River basin has some of the tallest mountains on Earth, including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and the Annapurna Massif. Dhaulagiri is the highest point in this area. In its upper part, the river is called Kali Gandaki as it passes through the Mustang District and the famous Kali Gandaki Gorge.

When the river reaches the flat lands of Nepal’s Terai region, it is known as the Narayani River. This name starts near where it meets the Trishuli River at Devghat in Chitwan. After crossing into India, the river is called the Gandak River.

River course

Nepal

The Kali Gandaki River starts near the border with Tibet in the Mustang area of Nepal. It flows through a very deep valley between two tall mountains, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. This valley is one of the deepest in the world.

As it moves south, the river meets several smaller rivers. It finally flows into a wide flat area and changes its name to Gandak when it enters India.

India

The river enters India near the border with Nepal and flows across the flat lands of Bihar. It travels through many areas before joining the larger Ganges River.

Glaciers, glacial lakes and glacial lake outburst floods

Glacial lakes can be very dangerous in high mountains. They form behind walls made from old glacier debris. In Nepal, some of these lakes have burst before. One famous burst happened at Dig Tsho in 1985, which led to more studies.

Some lakes, like Thulagi, are watched closely because they might burst too. Scientists are keeping an eye on many such lakes.

Important towns

The important towns along the Gandaki River in India include Valmikinagar (Bhainsalotan), where the Gandak Barrage is located, Bagaha, Bettiah, Hajipur (across the Ganges River, about 10 km from Patna), and Sonepur (also known as Harihar Kshetra), near Patna.

National Parks

Chitwan National Park in Nepal and Valmiki National Park in India are close to each other near a place called Valmikinagar around the Gandak Barrage.

Chitwan National Park covers an area of 932 square kilometres (360 mi²). It was established in 1973 and was named a World Heritage Site in 1984. The park is home to many animals, including Bengal Tigers and one of the last groups of single-horned Indian rhinoceros. Visitors can enjoy activities like canoeing, riding elephants, and guided walks through the jungle.

Valmiki National Park covers about 800 square kilometres (310 mi²) and is known for its tigers. It has many different types of plants and animals, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and many bird species. The park has many trees, shrubs, and grasses that provide a home for wildlife.

Religious significance

The Gandaki River flows between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains through a village called Muktinath. Near this village is a place called Pulaha. Long ago, the mountains around Pulaha had many sal trees. Stones found there are called Saligrama. These stones are important to many Hindus, especially Brahmins. Some Hindu groups see these stones as a symbol of the god Narayana. They think the Muktinath temple is a very special holy place.

Places of archaeological significance

Important places around Valmikinagar include Lauriya-Nandangarh and Someshwar Fort. In Lauria block, there is a very old lion pillar made of sandstone that is over 2,300 years old. It is 35 feet tall and shows the skill of ancient builders.

At Nandan Garh, there are tall brick structures called Baudh, thought to be connected to Lord Buddha.

Someshwar Fort is located near the Nepal border on a hill. Though it is mostly ruined, its outlines are still clear.

The Bhitiharawa Ashram near Gaunaha is where Mahatma Gandhi began an important movement for India's freedom.

Mustang Caves

Main article: Mustang Caves

The Mustang Caves are a group of about 10,000 caves carved into valley walls in the Mustang District of Nepal. Explorers have found very old human remains and important religious items inside these caves.

Development scenario

Hydropower development

Nepal

In Nepal, the Gandaki River can help make a lot of electricity. So far, Nepal has made only a little, but the river can help make more. Some projects are already built, and more are being planned. The government is working with private companies to build even more.

Irrigation

The Gandaki River is used to help farms grow crops. A big project uses water from the river to water farms in Nepal and nearby areas. This helps farmers grow more food.

Flood management

Managing floods means finding ways to reduce damage without stopping every flood. Near the Gandaki River, people work on ways to protect farms and homes from flood damage.

Navigation on the river

Nepal has looked into using the Gandaki River for travel by boats. These studies show this is only possible in the lower parts of the river. There are plans to connect it with a major highway in India that runs from Allahabad to Haldia. But care is needed because using the river more for farming in dry seasons might lower the water level too much, making travel hard.

In traditional and popular culture

The Gandaki River is in an old storybook called the Mahabharata. Some tales about it come from a book named the Shiva Purana. A nature show called "The Living Planet" filmed part of its show in the Kali Gandaki Gorge.