Karnali Bridge, Chisapani
In Nepali: कर्णाली पुल, चिसापानी · Also known as: Chisapani · चिसापानी
At Chisapani the Karnali bursts out of its mountain gorge onto the plains. The Karnali Bridge, completed in 1993, carries the East–West Highway over the river with a distinctive single-pylon cable-stayed design.
Riverside restaurants serve fish caught in the Karnali, and the bridge is the end point of multi-day rafting trips down the river from the hills. Bardiya National Park lies just to the east.
What to see and do
Stop at Chisapani for fried fish by the river, walk onto the bridge for the view of the Karnali leaving the hills, and watch rafting groups arriving at the end of their journey. Bardiya's western edge lies just beyond.
Good to know
Traffic on the bridge is heavy; use walkways. The river is powerful — swim only where locals indicate it is safe, and never in the monsoon.
Quick answers
- Where is Karnali Bridge, Chisapani?
- Karnali Bridge, Chisapani is in Kailali district, Sudurpashchim Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Karnali Bridge, Chisapani?
- About 190 m (623 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Karnali Bridge, Chisapani?
- For a 3-day trip from Dhangadhi, about NPR 5,000 (≈ US$37) per person on a budget, or NPR 13,500 (≈ US$100) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 5,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Karnali Bridge, Chisapani?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Dhangadhi and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Karnali Bridge, Chisapani?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Karnali Bridge, Chisapani?
- October–March
- How do I get to Karnali Bridge, Chisapani?
- On the East–West Highway between Dhangadhi and Kohalpur. It is about 65 km (straight line) from Dhangadhi.
- What is Karnali Bridge, Chisapani called in Nepali?
- कर्णाली पुल, चिसापानी
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