Babai River Fishing Expedition 10 Days
| Trip code | BRFE-10 |
| Package name | Babai River Fishing Expedition 10 Days |
| Duration | 10 |
| Max. elevation | 563 m |
| Level | Easy |
| Transportation | |
| Accomodation | |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 2,625 per person |
Highlights
- Multiple days of world-class fishing on the pristine Babai River.
- Rafting through remote jungle corridors filled with wildlife.
- Jungle camping under massive trees and starlit skies.
- Wildlife spotting — tigers, rhinos, elephants, gharials, and exotic birds.
- Tharu village cultural tour and interaction with indigenous communities.
- Sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.
- Optional Jungle Safari in Bardiya National Park by jeep or elephant.
Overview
Trip Preparation
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by the Karnali Rafting team and transferred to your hotel in Thamel, the lively heart of Kathmandu.
After settling in, you’ll meet your guide for a detailed trip briefing covering fishing techniques, rafting safety, and camping essentials.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2 : Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
After breakfast, dive into the rich culture of Kathmandu with a full-day guided sightseeing tour:
- Pashupatinath Temple – Sacred Hindu temple on the Bagmati River.
- Boudhanath Stupa – Spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple) – Majestic hilltop stupa.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square – Ancient royal palace complex.
Evening free for final gear shopping (hats, fishing gloves, dry bags, etc.) in Thamel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3 : Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj – Drive to Chepang – Start Rafting and Fishing
Morning flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hour).
Drive (approx. 2.5 hours) to Chepang, your rafting starting point.
After a riverside lunch, start a short introductory rafting session on the Babai River.
Set up Camp 1 on a sandy beach surrounded by dense forests.
Evening fishing begins. Look out for Golden Mahseer and Snakehead as dusk falls.
Overnight camping by the river.
Day 4 : Rafting and Fishing Down the Babai River
Over the next 4 days, you will experience the best fishing and rafting Nepal has to offer.
Each day is a rhythm of:
- Morning fishing in deep pools and rocky runs.
- Rafting moderate rapids and flatwater stretches (perfect for spotting animals).
- Midday picnic lunches along the riverbanks.
- Afternoon fishing sessions — prime time for Mahseer strikes.
- Camping at untouched riverbanks where campfires and storytelling await under the stars.
Camps are set at different scenic spots each night, ensuring a new wilderness experience daily.
You might spot animals like tigers, rhinoceroses, barking deer, wild boars, and countless bird species during rafting.
Fishing Target Species:
- Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora)
- Goonch Catfish (Bagarius yarrelli)
- Indian Trout Barb (Acrossocheilus hexagonolepis)
- Snakehead (Channa striata)
Day 8 : Final Fishing Morning – Exit River – Tharu Village Visit
After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy your final session of fishing on the Babai River.
Around mid-day, exit the river and drive to Thakurdwara, a charming village on the border of Bardiya National Park.
Check into a cozy jungle lodge.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a cultural tour of a nearby Tharu village, learning about their traditional lifestyle, dances, and customs.
Overnight at jungle lodge in Thakurdwara.
Day 9 : Jungle Safari or Leisure Day – Fly to Kathmandu
Option 1: Morning Jeep Safari or Elephant Safari in Bardiya National Park, tracking Bengal tigers, rhinos, and elephants.
Option 2: Leisure day to relax, fish at nearby ponds, or enjoy birdwatching.
After lunch, drive to Nepalgunj Airport and fly back to Kathmandu.
Transfer to your hotel.
Farewell dinner with Karnali Rafting Team at a traditional Nepali restaurant.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 10 : Final Departure
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
As you fly away, the memories of the Babai River’s wild spirit will travel with you, forever.
Inclusions
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- 3 nights deluxe hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (bed & breakfast)
- Full-day Kathmandu sightseeing with private guide and entrance fees
- Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu domestic flights
- All ground transfers during the trip
- 6 nights camping and jungle lodge accommodation during the fishing trip
- Professional fishing, rafting, and jungle guide teams
- Rafting equipment (rafts, paddles, helmets, life jackets, dry bags)
- Fishing permits, Bardiya National Park entry fee
- All meals during river expedition (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Camping gear (2-person tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags)
- First aid and emergency communication equipment
- Tharu cultural tour
- Government taxes and service charges
What isn't included?
- Nepal visa fee
- International flights
- Personal fishing equipment (rods, reels, tackle)
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
- Personal expenses (tips, souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)