Key Facts about Bagmati River

About Bagmati River:

• It is a river in south-central Nepaland northern Bihar state, India.
• It is considered holy by both Hindus and Buddhists.
• Course:
  • It originates from the Bagdwar area in the Shivapuri Hills, located in the northwestern part of Kathmandu Valley, central Nepal, at an elevation of around 2,690 metres (8825 feet) above sea level.
  • It is fed by springs and monsoon rainfall and a number of tributaries as it flows down from the Kathmandu valley floor and passes through the valley at Chovar.
  • It flows southward through the Shivalik Range, the southernmost range of the Himalayas.
  • It continues across the plains of Tarai into Bihar and then flows southeastward to enter the Burhi (“Old”) Gandak Riverafter a course of 225 miles (360 km).
  • The basin transacts three distinct latitudinal physiographic zones (Mountain, Siwalik, and Terai) of the Nepal Himalayas.
• Temples: The banks of this holy river shelter various temples.
  • The temple of Pashupatinath (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is nestled on an outcrop above the river north of Kathmandu. It is regarded as one of the holy places of Hinduism.
  • Gokarneswor temple, located in the north of the Kathmandu Valley, is also an important holy shrine.