Devghat- An oasis in the wild

Devghat is set at the confluence of Trishuli and Kali Gandaki rivers. A sacred Hindu pilgrimage site, the place is an oasis of tranquility. Situated about five kilometers north-west of Narayanghat and  150 km south-west of Kathmandu, the place finds mention in the two important Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that Sita, the wife of Lord Ram passed away in Devghat. The ashram of the great Hindu sage Balmiki is also located around Devghat, as is Pandavnagar, the one time residence of the Pandavas(the chief protagonists of Mahabharata) while they were in exile. The religious significance of the place has made Devghat the last retreat for many old and ailing Hindus. They come here to spend their last days at the ashram located just above where the Kali Gandaki & Trishuli rivers converge to form the Narayani river.

If you are travelling to Chitwan or Pokhara from Kathmandu you can make a stopover (hour or two) at Devghat and explore this scenic and tranquil place. Walk on the sandy banks of the river, visit the temple and ashram and take a boat ride across the river. Devoid of crowds and other tourists and the jarring noises of the city, the tranquil and calm atmosphere of the place will soothe  your senses and leave you relaxed and refreshed.

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Confluence of Kali Gandaki & Trishuli rivers. These two rivers converge to form the Narayani river.

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Devghat – Temple & Ashram

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A cremation site

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Devghat Ashram- where Hindu devotees in their twilight years prefer to spend their last days

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(Pics Courtesy: Nadia Neupokoeva)

Jomsom Trek

A trek to Jomsom and rafting adventure on the Trishuli River was recently organized by Explore Himalaya for a group of eight Israeli visitors. They trekked from Jomsom to Ghorepani, walking through the villages of Tukuche, Marpha, Ghasa, Tatopani & Poon Hill en route. On their return trip to Kathmandu they stopped briefly at Royal Beach Camp on the banks of Trishuli River and had a splash rafting and Kayaking. Here we have some interesting  snapshots taken by our trek guide Lama Babu who had travelled with the group.
Jomsom Trek

Trekking from Jomsom

Marpha

Exploring the well kept streets of Marpha

Marpha - Village boys

Enjoying a game of Volleyball with village kids – Marpha

Ninja

"This bridge is ideal to try out some of my Ninja moves", so a group member thought:-)!

Poon Hill

Sunrise at Poon Hill- Purely Magical!

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Snowy spires of Dhaulagiri & Annapurna peaks rear in the background in this group photograph

Ghorepani

Taking a breather on the Ghorepani trail

Celebration

"Yeah, check  out our  Dhaka topis!" – With traditional Nepali topis (caps) sitting tall on their heads & generous slices of ..what looks like chocolate  cake, the group celebrates the completion of their trek …