Drought events are increasing globally, showing clear connections to climate change and shifts in large-scale atmospheric circulations. In the Himalayan region, rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and glacial melt are disturbing the delicate water balance, heightening vulnerability to drought events. Adequate preparation for future droughts necessi-tates a thorough comprehension of past drought characteristics and their consequences across different sectors. This study focuses on the Karnali River Basin (KRB) in the central Himalayas of western Nepal, an area significantly impacted by recent drought events. Drought over the past four decades was analyzed in terms of occurrence, severity, and frequency. In addition, the impacts of drought on water resources in the region were also evaluated. Results indicate that droughts have increased in both frequency and intensity, particularly since 2000, significantly affecting water resources. Variations in river flow were directly linked to droughts, the groundwater depletion rate is increasing, and dry spells have extended in some years. These observations not only paint a concern but also provide insight into addressing this pressing climate challenge.