The walk starts at the car park on the Chitwan side and follows paths to the ghats and the suspension bridge. From the middle of the bridge the confluence is laid out below you: the greyish Kali Gandaki and the greener Trishuli merging into the Narayani. Prayer flags and garlands hang from the cables, and the bridge sways gently as people cross.
On the Tanahun side, paths lead through small temples, shrines to Shiva, Vishnu and the goddess, and a scatter of ashrams. Many elderly men and women live here in simple rooms, following a routine of bathing, prayers and scripture readings. Some ashrams welcome visitors for a short conversation or to sit in on an evening bhajan; our guide knows which are open to guests.
Expect 3 to 4 km of walking with some steps and uneven paths, at an easy pace with stops. Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering temples, and keep voices low. Small donations to ashrams are welcome but not expected. The walk ends at a riverside tea stall before the drive back to Sauraha or Bharatpur.
Good for
- Pilgrims
- Photographers
- Seniors
- Solo
Questions travellers ask
Why do elderly Hindus retire to Devghat?
Hindus believe that dying at a sacred confluence and being cremated on its banks helps the soul towards liberation. Devghat's meeting of the Trishuli and Kali Gandaki is one of the holiest in Nepal, so many elderly people move here to spend their last years in prayer and simple living.
Is the Devghat suspension bridge safe?
Yes. It is a sturdy steel-cable pedestrian bridge used every day by residents and pilgrims. It does sway, which some people find unnerving. Hold the side cables, cross in small groups and avoid stopping in large numbers in the middle.
Can I visit an ashram at Devghat?
Some ashrams welcome respectful visitors for a short visit, conversation or evening bhajan. Others are private. Go with a guide who knows the community, dress modestly, remove shoes and ask before taking photographs. A small donation is a polite gesture.
