Pokhara & Annapurnaकुश्मा

Kusma

Parbat's district headquarters on a plateau between the Kali Gandaki and Modi Khola gorges, known for its long suspension bridges.

Plan a trip here

Altitude: -*
Best months: Feb-Apr, Oct-Dec
Type: Town or village
District: Parbat, Gandaki
Permit: None needed

Why go

Kusma is the headquarters of Parbat district, a growing hill town on a flat-topped plateau above two deep river gorges: the Kali Gandaki to the west and the Modi Khola to the east, which meet a little to the south. It lies on the highway from Pokhara to Baglung and Beni, and for many years most travellers simply drove through. The town has since become known for the high, long pedestrian suspension bridges that span its gorges, which now draw visitors in their own right.

The best-known crossing links Kusma with Gyadi on the Baglung side of the Kali Gandaki, and walking across it, high above the river, is the main reason many people stop. Gorge-based adventure activities, including bungee jumping and giant swings from a bridge over the gorge, have also been developed near the town. Beyond the bridges, Kusma has the ordinary life of a district bazaar, with markets, offices, schools and a few temples.

Kusma makes a useful stop on the road to Beni, Tatopani and Mustang, and a day trip from Pokhara for those interested in the bridges. The hills to the south-east lead up to the Panchase ridge, which can be approached from the Parbat side on foot.

History and culture

Parbat was the seat of one of the small Chaubisi hill kingdoms before the unification of Nepal, with its rulers' base in this stretch of the Kali Gandaki valley. The district name means simply mountain. Kusma's role grew after it became the administrative centre and when the road from Pokhara connected it to the wider country.

Brahmin-Chhetri, Magar, Gurung and Dalit communities live in the surrounding hills, and many families rely on remittances from work abroad. Pedestrian suspension bridges have long been vital for linking villages on either side of the Kali Gandaki, and the newer long-span bridges at Kusma continue that tradition on a larger scale.

Things to do in Kusma

Bridge walk
Cross the suspension bridge between Kusma and Gyadi for views down into the Kali Gandaki gorge.
Gorge adventure
Try a bungee jump or swing from the gorge bridge with an established operator, checking safety standards first.
Town and viewpoints
Walk the bazaar and the plateau edges for views over the river confluence.

Weather and the best time to visit Kusma

Weather in Kusma

Conditions change fast in the mountains.

Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.

Best time to visit

Feb-Apr, Oct-Dec

Jan
Good month: Feb
Good month: Mar
Good month: Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Good month: Oct
Good month: Nov
Good month: Dec

Autumn (Sep-Nov): October and November are clear, dry and the most comfortable for walking the bridges.
Winter (Dec-Feb): December to February is mild in the day with cool mornings and occasional fog in the valleys.
Spring (Mar-May): March and April are warm, with haze and dust on the roads.
Monsoon (Jun-Aug): June to September is wet; landslides affect the highway and outdoor activities may pause.

Where to stay

HotelsGuesthouses

Small hotels and guesthouses in the bazaar; many visitors come as a day trip from Pokhara.

No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.

Getting there

Kusma lies on the highway west from Pokhara through Nayapul towards Baglung and Beni, a drive of a couple of hours.

Nearest hub: Pokhara

roadPokhara to Kusma by bus, jeep or car via Nayapul, usually a couple of hours.
walkFrom the bazaar, walk to the bridge heads on the edge of the plateau.

Boundary: Government of Nepal, Survey Department (2020). Peak data: Wikidata.

Permits and fees

None needed

No permit is needed for Kusma. Bridge crossings and adventure activities may carry their own charges.

Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Parbat District, Wikipedia.

Risks and conditions

Seasonal risks around Kusma

What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.

Landslidesmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
The highway between Pokhara and Kusma is prone to landslides during the monsoon.
Climate of Nepal, Wikipedia
Otherlow in a typical yearJun-Aug
High wind and rain make the exposed suspension bridges unpleasant in the monsoon, and adventure activities may be suspended in bad weather.
Parbat District, Wikipedia

Check current conditions before you travel

Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.

Practical tips

Those uneasy with heights can cross the bridges slowly while holding the side cables; avoid crossing in strong wind.
Check the safety record and equipment of any adventure operator before booking.
Kusma has banks and ATMs, useful before travelling further west.

Questions about Kusma

Where is Kusma?

It is the headquarters of Parbat district, on the highway west of Pokhara towards Baglung and Beni.

What is Kusma known for?

Its long, high suspension bridges over the Kali Gandaki gorge and the adventure activities based on them.

How far is Kusma from Pokhara?

Usually a drive of a couple of hours via Nayapul.

Nearby

Viewpoint