Baglung Parbat Footbridge, Nepal

by Ryan Ashley

As an avid adventurer, and after what seemed like waiting forever for the world to reopen after Covid, I had the chance to visit the recently opened Baglung Parbat suspension bridge, which is one of the longest footbridges in the world. It’s located in Baglung, a small town a few hours from Pokhara, Nepal.

The bridge, also known as the Gandaki Golden Bridge, spans the Kali Gandaki River between Baglung and Parbat. The crossing has some stunning views of the river and the world’s seventh highest mountain, Dhaulagiri (8167m). Unlike the more famous Hilary suspension bridge, near Namche Bazaar on the Everest basecamp trek, this one is a lot easier to get to. Baglung is located just outside the Annapurna Conversation Area and doesn’t require a park permit. You can take a Jeep from Pokhara; the journey is about three hours.

Construction of the bridge was completed in July 2020 but the opening was delayed due to Covid. Since it opened it has become popular with the locals and it is well worth a day or two to visit. The bridge is 567m long and 112 metres in the air, and is supported by giant steel cables anchored at each end in huge concrete foundations. It actually doesn’t move that much while crossing but it certainly isn’t a natural feeling being suspended across a huge valley. Once halfway across you start the incline to the other side where there is small restaurant, a giant swing and Harry Potter style wicker basket to play on.

You can’t see the mountains as you enter the footbridge; they appear about half way across. As soon as it becomes dark the bridge lights come on. Crossing at night is a very different experience as you can’t see the river below, only the light. I expect this will become an iconic bridge in Nepal given time, and it’s a must-see.

Bridge at night
Photos by Ryan Ashley

Baglung Parbat bridge

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