Kali Gandaki Gorge, Deep canyon in Gandaki Province, Nepal.
Kali Gandaki Gorge is a deep canyon in Gandaki Province that sits between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks. The Kali Gandaki River cuts through this narrow passage, creating one of the world's deepest gorges in the Himalayan region.
The gorge functioned as a major trade route connecting Tibet and India for centuries. This passage allowed the movement of goods and shaped the development of settlements along its course.
The Thakali people living near the gorge maintain traditional practices connected to the river and mountains. Hindu pilgrims visit to look for sacred shaligram fossils along the riverbed, a spiritual practice that shapes how people move through this space.
You can reach the gorge through multiple entry points starting from Pokhara, with guided treks available year-round. The clearest weather and safest conditions occur during specific seasons, making timing important for your visit.
The rock layers here contain marine fossils from the ancient Tethys Sea, trapped in stone from when this area was underwater. Today, people search for these shaligram fossils along the riverbed, valuing them as sacred objects.
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