Karnali River Fishing Expedition – 10 Days

Trip code	KFRE-10
Package name	Karnali River Fishing Expedition – 10 Days
Duration	10
Max. elevation	1300 m
Level	Grade 1-4
Transportation	<p class="MsoNormal">Private jeep and domestic round air transfer<o:p></o:p></p>
Accomodation
Starts at	Kathmandu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route	Kathmandu → Surkhet → Rakam (Put-in) → Karnali River Expedition → Chisapani (Take-out) → Kathmandu
Cost	USD 2,625 per person

Highlights

🎣 Fishing for Golden Mahseer & Goonch Catfish in the Karnali.
🛶 Rafting through world-class Class III–V rapids.
🐊 Spotting wildlife – gharials, otters, river dolphins, and exotic birds.
🌲 Camping on pristine beaches with bonfires and stargazing.
🏞️ Exploring remote gorges, waterfalls, and villages.
🎉 A perfect fusion of adventure & relaxation – rafting + fishing.

Overview

The 10-Day Karnali River Fishing & Rafting Expedition offers a rare adventure combining world-class white-water rafting and trophy fishing for the legendary Golden Mahseer and Goonch Catfish. Flowing through western Nepal’s remote wilderness, the Karnali is Nepal’s longest and most pristine river.

You’ll paddle thrilling Class III–V rapids, explore untouched jungles, and spend days casting lines in deep pools, gorges, and sandy beaches. Wildlife spotting (gharials, river otters, dolphins, rare birds) and cultural encounters with Tharu and Magar villages make this journey a complete wilderness expedition. Nights are spent camping under the stars with bonfires and fresh-cooked meals by the river.

This is Nepal’s ultimate combo trip for adventurers who want the thrill of rafting with the calm of fishing in one of Asia’s most pristine river corridors.

Trip Preparation

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Kathmandu → Surkhet (Flight) → Tallo Dungeswor (Drive)

Pickup from Tribhuvan International Airport or hotel.
Morning flight Kathmandu → Surkhet (~1 hr).
4WD jeep transfer (~6–7 hrs) to Tallo Dungeswor (put-in point).
Riverside camp setup and evening briefing.

Day 2 : Rafting & Fishing – Tallo Dungeswor Section

Safety briefing & rafting practice.
Begin rafting through Class II–III rapids.
Fishing in calm pools and eddies.
Overnight riverside camp.

Day 3 : Wilderness Section – Rapids & Fishing

Morning fishing.
Rafting through Class III–IV rapids.
Evening camp at remote beach.

Day 4 : Major Rapids & Village Encounters

Fish in prime pools.
Navigate God’s House Rapid and other thrilling sections.
Pass remote Magar & Tharu villages.
Camp riverside.

Day 5 : Mid-Karnali Adventure

Full-day rafting with fishing breaks.
Explore hidden pools and side channels.
Camp on jungle riverside.

Day 6 : Lower Karnali – Calm Waters & Big Fish

Morning fishing in prime pools.
Calm rafting stretches ideal for fly fishing & spinning.
Evening camp on wide sandy bank.

Day 7 : Fishing Focus Day

Full day dedicated to fishing.
Raft relaxed river sections.
Overnight camping, farewell campfire dinner.

Day 8 : Final Rafting Sections

Morning fishing & rafting through final wilderness stretches.
Camp near Chisapani take-out.

Day 9 : Chisapani Exploration & Fishing

Optional early morning fishing.
Relaxed rafting or riverside exploration.
Evening camp near Chisapani.

Day 10 : Chisapani Take-Out → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu → Hotel

Morning rafting/fishing if desired.
Take-out at Chisapani.
2.5-hour drive to Nepalgunj airport.
1-hour flight Nepalgunj → Kathmandu.
Pickup at Kathmandu airport & transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu (trip officially ends).

From ~~US$ 4,725~~

US$ 2,625

Save

US$ 2,100

Inclusions

What is included?

All airport transfers in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu–Surkhet–Rakam ground transport (or flights as per itinerary).
Professional rafting & fishing guides with safety kayakers.
Rafting equipment (rafts, paddles, helmets, life jackets, dry bags).
Fishing support (boats, guidance; bring your own rods/tackle for best performance).
Tent accommodation during river expedition.
Meals during expedition (B/L/D).
First aid & safety gear.
Camping logistics (kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, chairs, tables).
All local taxes and permits.

What isn't included?

International flights to/from Nepal.
Nepal entry visa.
Personal fishing gear (rods, reels, tackle, lures, etc.).
Alcoholic beverages, snacks, bottled drinks.
Travel & medical insurance.
Tips for guides and support staff.
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping).

Complimentary

Welcome & farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Karnali Rafting T-shirt.
Group photo & expedition certificate.