Karnali Bridge, Cable-stayed road bridge in Bardiya and Kailali Districts, Nepal
Karnali Bridge is a steel cable-stayed structure that spans the Karnali River and directly connects Bardiya and Kailali Districts. The main span stretches approximately 325 meters with a total bridge length of 500 meters.
This steel bridge was completed in 1994 and marked a major leap in infrastructure development for western Nepal. It linked previously isolated communities and greatly improved connections between the districts.
The bridge brings together people from different communities who share markets and celebrations on both riverbanks. This daily crossing has woven the two districts into a single social space.
The bridge sees daily use by pedestrians, trucks, and vehicles connecting rural areas to essential services. Visitors should watch for local traffic patterns and be aware that crossing can be slippery during the rainy season.
The structure was specifically engineered to handle the heavy monsoon rains and strong water flow of the Karnali River. This design demonstrates how modern bridges adapt to the extreme conditions of tropical river zones.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
