Sightseeing · Kushma
Kali Gandaki & Modi Confluence
Where the Modi Khola from Annapurna meets the mighty Kali Gandaki below Kushma's gorge in Parbat.
- Address
- Below Kushma, Parbat, Gandaki Province
Below Kushma, the Modi Khola — the river that drains the Annapurna sanctuary past Ghandruk — pours into the much larger Kali Gandaki, creating a scenic river confluence at the foot of the gorge in Parbat district. Where the two waters meet, often differing in colour and clarity, you see in miniature the whole drama of the Annapurna foothills: glacial meltwater from the high peaks gathering into one of Nepal's great rivers.
Two rivers, two journeys
The Kali Gandaki is the senior partner, an ancient river flowing south from Lower Mustang through the deepest gorge on Earth between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The Modi Khola is younger and greener, tumbling down from the Annapurna Base Camp valley past terraced Gurung villages. Their meeting just below Kushma marks the point where the Modi gives up its name and its waters to the Kali Gandaki, which rolls on toward the Terai and, eventually, the Ganges.
A sacred meeting
In Nepali Hindu tradition, a river confluence — a doban — is often a sacred place, a natural site for worship, cremation and meeting. Confluences have also long dictated where trails dropped to the water and where bridges and ferries crossed, which is partly why Kushma's famous spans cluster here. The Kushma–Gyadi bridge crosses the Modi gorge close to where it joins the Kali Gandaki, giving long views toward the meeting of the waters.
Good to know
- Cost: Free; views are best from the bridges and ridges, not the water's edge.
- Best time: Clear mornings, when colour contrast between the rivers and gorge light are strongest.
- Access: Steep terrain — admire it from above rather than scrambling to the banks.
- Pair it: Combine with the gorge viewpoint and a bridge walk for a full canyon day.
How it fits your visit
The confluence rounds out Kushma's gorge highlights alongside the Kali Gandaki gorge viewpoint and the Kushma–Balewa suspension bridge. For the river's wider role, see Kali Gandaki river rafting and the best viewpoints in Nepal. Tie it into the top things to do in Kushma and start with the Kushma travel guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Which rivers meet near Kushma?+
Near Kushma the Modi Khola, which drains the Annapurna sanctuary past Ghandruk, joins the much larger Kali Gandaki flowing down from Lower Mustang. The meeting of the two rivers is a scenic confluence below the deep gorge.
Why are river confluences important in Nepal?+
Confluences, or doban, are often considered sacred in Nepali Hindu tradition and have long served as meeting points, ferry crossings and bridge sites. The Kali Gandaki–Modi confluence is also a striking natural sight where two distinct river colours meet.
Can you see the confluence from a bridge?+
The high suspension bridges and ridges around Kushma give long views down toward where the rivers meet. The Kushma–Gyadi bridge in particular crosses the Modi gorge close to its confluence with the Kali Gandaki.
Is the Kali Gandaki used for rafting?+
Yes. The Kali Gandaki is one of Nepal's classic white-water rivers, usually rafted on multi-day trips upstream of this area. The stretch around the Kushma gorge is dramatic canyon country rather than a put-in for casual rafting.
