Province Information

CapitalHetauda
Largest CityKathmandu
Districts13
Area20,300 km²
Population5,529,452
Municipalities119

Districts of Bagmati Province

Bhaktapur Chitwan Dhading Dolakha Kathmandu Kavrepalanchok Lalitpur Makwanpur Nuwakot Ramechhap Rasuwa Sindhuli Sindhupalchok

About Bagmati Province

Bagmati Province is named after the holy Bagmati River that flows through the Kathmandu Valley. Despite having its administrative capital in Hetauda, the province is dominated by Kathmandu, the national capital and largest city. The Kathmandu Valley, comprising Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan), and Bhaktapur, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Major Attractions

  • Kathmandu Valley - UNESCO World Heritage Site with 7 monument zones
  • Chitwan National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one-horned rhinos
  • Langtang National Park - Alpine landscapes and trekking
  • Nagarkot - Famous Himalayan viewpoint
  • Dhulikhel - Historic town with mountain panoramas

From Jungle to Himalaya

Bagmati Province rises from the lowland jungle of Chitwan, at around 200 m above sea level, to the peaks of the Langtang and Rolwaling Himal on the Tibetan border. This range of altitude gives it some of the most varied landscapes in Nepal, from rhino habitat to glaciers, within a few hours' drive of the capital.

Highlights Beyond Kathmandu

  • Chitwan National Park: jeep and canoe safaris to see one-horned rhinoceros, gharial crocodiles and, with luck, Bengal tigers. Sauraha is the main base.
  • Langtang Valley: a week-long trek from Syabrubesi, about 7 to 8 hours by road from Kathmandu, through Tamang villages to Kyanjin Gompa.
  • Gosainkunda: sacred high-altitude lakes that draw thousands of pilgrims during the Janai Purnima festival in August.
  • Bhaktapur and Dhulikhel: Newar heritage towns east of Kathmandu, with views of the Himalaya.

Getting Around

Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport is the province's main gateway. Hetauda, the provincial capital, lies on the road between Kathmandu and the Terai, and Bharatpur has an airport with flights from Kathmandu for Chitwan. Mountain roads are slow and can be blocked by landslides in the monsoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Bagmati Province?

Hetauda is the provincial capital, although Kathmandu is the province's largest city.

How many districts are in Bagmati Province?

Thirteen, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Chitwan.

Is Chitwan National Park in Bagmati Province?

Yes. Chitwan district is in Bagmati Province, and the national park extends into neighbouring districts.