Wildlife
Gangetic Dolphin Nepal: Freshwater Giants of the Karnali
The Ganges river dolphin is one of the world's most endangered freshwater mammals, and Nepal's Karnali River holds a small but stable population. Learn where and how to see them.
Overview
The Ganges river dolphin or susu (Platanista gangetica) is India's national aquatic animal and one of the four surviving freshwater dolphin species in the world. In Nepal, a small population of around 30 to 50 individuals lives in the Karnali River and its confluence with the Geruwa in Bardia National Park. These dolphins are functionally blind -- they navigate entirely by echolocation -- and breathe through a blowhole that makes a distinctive sneezing sound audible from the riverbank.
Where to See Them
The Karnali-Geruwa River confluence near Chisapani in Bardia District is the most reliable viewing location. River dolphins surface every 30 to 60 seconds to breathe and are best observed from a stationary dugout canoe or from elevated riverbanks. Dawn hours from 6 am to 8 am offer the calmest water and best visibility.
The Narayani River near Chitwan also historically held dolphins, but the population there has declined sharply due to fishing nets and siltation. The Karnali remains the primary stronghold.
Conservation Status
Gangetic dolphins are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Major threats include entanglement in fishing nets, river pollution, sand mining, and the construction of barrages that fragment habitat. Nepal's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation conducts annual dolphin counts along the Karnali and has banned certain fishing methods in critical dolphin zones.
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FAQ
How do I get to the dolphin viewing area near Bardia?
Take a bus from Nepalgunj to Chisapani (approximately two hours, NPR 150 to 250) and then hire a local boat. Alternatively, most Bardia jungle lodges include river dolphin excursions in their package.
Are the dolphins shy around boats?
Less so than you might expect. Stationary canoes at low speed do not significantly disturb them. Motorised boats are more disruptive and should be kept at distance.
Can dolphins be seen in the monsoon season?
Sightings are harder during June to September when river levels are high and visibility is low. October to April is the recommended viewing window.
