Hydropower Site Survey in Lamjung: Kisedi Khola Flow Measurement Experience

 In the month of April, our team of five civil engineering students set off on a  field visit from Kathmandu to Shera Bazar, Lamjung. The main objective was to identify the best possible alignment for the Kisedi Khola Small Hydropower Project, including a preliminary discharge measurement and a reconnaissance survey for intake and powerhouse locations.


Our journey began early in the morning. After purchasing bus tickets worth Rs. 745 from the Lotshe Mall ticket counter in Kathmandu, we boarded a microbus from Kalanki around 7:30 am. Due to ongoing road extension works near Muglin, we encountered traffic congestion, dust, and uneven road surfaces, which made the travel slightly hectic. By around 2:30 pm, we reached Udipur—just a little ahead of Besisahar—and got off there.


From Udipur, we hired a Bolero jeep (Rs. 150 per person) and headed towards Shera Bazar. The ride took approximately 30 minutes through scenic and slightly rugged rural terrain. Upon arrival, we met with the Ward Chairperson of Dordi Rural Municipality, Ward No. 4, Nauthar, who kindly helped us arrange accommodation and meals at a local hotel.


Although Google Maps showed very few shops or lodges in the area, we were pleasantly surprised to find a good number of both. After checking in and resting briefly, two of us headed out to scout a suitable stretch of Kisedi Khola for flow measurement—looking for a straight and turbulence-free section. Around 100 meters upstream from the Kisedi Khola Bridge, we found the ideal spot.


Around 4:30 pm, we carried our equipment—tape, staff, and current meter—and began measuring the river width, segmenting the cross-section as per standard procedure. We then used the current meter to count revolutions over 45 seconds at multiple points to estimate average flow velocity. Upon returning to hotel and processing the data, the calculated discharge was approximately 0.781 m³/s (or 781 liters per second).

That evening, after dinner, we discussed our plans for the next day. Using satellite maps, we roughly traced the possible alignment from the powerhouse to the intake. Each group member was assigned specific objectives and responsibilities to ensure that we gathered all necessary data. With hopes for a productive second day, we rested early.

What happened the next day—our expectations vs. reality, the surprises we faced, and how we adapted—will be shared in the next part of this blog. Stay tuned to see how the exploration unfolded beyond the classroom and into the wild terrain of Lamjung.


Thank you for reading. Your support and encouragement mean a lot to us. May your time be fruitful and fulfilling.


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