Rapti River

The Rapti River originates in Nepal, a small ancient state in the Himalayas and one of the world’s main centers of Buddhism. The 600-kilometer-long river flows through Nepal and then India, where it flows into the great Ganges River.

Local farmers use the river’s waters to irrigate rice plantations. The river is characterized by large seasonal fluctuations in water level. A 12-megawatt hydroelectric power plant is successfully operating on the river, providing electricity to neighboring towns and settlements. Also, several dams have been built on the river, regulating the water level during floods and reducing the likelihood of flooding the surrounding lands.

The most devastating flood here was recorded in 1981, when the Rapti rivers overflowed and flooded coastal settlements. The constant threat of floods and high hydropower potential have given impetus to the development of several more hydropower projects on the Rapti River, both in Nepal and neighboring India.

Here you can walk along the coastal trails, breathing in the clean mountain air and admiring the fascinating scenery.