Karnali River Fishing Expedition – 12 Days
| Trip code | KF-12 |
| Package name | Karnali River Fishing Expedition – 12 Days |
| Duration | 12 |
| Max. elevation | 1200 m |
| Level | Grade 1-4 |
| Transportation | Private jeep and domestic round air transfer |
| Accomodation | |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | Kathmandu – Surkhet – Rakam Karnali – Chisapani – Kathmandu |
| Cost | USD 2,900 per person |
Highlights
- 🎣 Target Golden Mahseer & Goonch Catfish in pristine waters
- 🚣 Raft to remote fishing pools inaccessible by road
- 🏕 Riverside camping with campfires and stargazing
- 🐊 Possible sightings of river dolphins, gharials, otters, and rare birds
- 🌏 Cultural visits to isolated Karnali villages
- 🛶 Raft Class III–IV rapids between fishing stops
Overview
The 12-day Karnali River Fishing Expedition is a streamlined yet thrilling version of our longer 13-day trip. Designed for anglers with limited time but high expectations, it delivers world-class fishing for Golden Mahseer and Goonch Catfish in Nepal’s most remote fishing grounds.
Combining rafting and fishing, you’ll float through deep gorges and camp at untouched fishing spots. The itinerary is condensed by removing one full day of rafting/fishing but still keeps prime fishing opportunities, cultural encounters, and wilderness experiences intact.
With professional guides, high-quality gear, and catch-and-release ethics, this trip promises an unforgettable Himalayan angling adventure.
Trip Preparation
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Kathmandu → Surkhet (Flight) → Tallo Dungeswor (Drive)
- Pickup from Kathmandu airport or hotel.
- Morning flight Kathmandu → Surkhet (~1 hr).
- 4WD jeep transfer (~6–7 hrs) to Tallo Dungeswor.
- Riverside camp setup & evening briefing.
Day 2 : Tallo Dungeswor – Rafting & Fishing
- Safety briefing & paddling practice.
- Raft Class II–III rapids.
- Fishing in calm pools.
- Riverside camp.
Day 3 : Wilderness Section – Rapids & Fishing
- Morning fishing session.
- Raft through Class III–IV rapids.
- Remote riverside camp.
Day 4 : Major Rapids & Village Encounters
- Fish in prime pools.
- Navigate God’s House Rapid and other technical rapids.
- Pass remote villages, wildlife spotting.
- Riverside camping.
Day 5 : Mid-Karnali Adventure
- Full-day rafting with fishing breaks.
- Explore hidden pools and side channels.
- Jungle riverside camping.
Day 6 : Lower Karnali – Calm Waters & Big Fish
- Calm stretches for fly fishing & spinning.
- Morning & afternoon fishing sessions.
- Camp on wide sandy riverbank.
Day 7 : Fishing Focus & Wilderness Experience
- Full day dedicated to fishing.
- Relaxed rafting sections.
- Riverside camp near Chisapani.
Day 8 : Extended Fishing & Exploration
- Target deep pools and trophy spots.
- Optional floating/fishing raft in calm sections.
- Camp riverside, evening BBQ or campfire.
Day 9 : Chisapani Upper Section – Rapids & Fishing
- Morning rafting through Class III–IV rapids.
- Fishing breaks at prime runs.
- Camp on scenic riverside location.
Day 10 : Chisapani Lower Section – Big Fish Focus
- Calm waters for targeted Golden Mahseer & Goonch fishing.
- Afternoon leisure, wildlife watching.
- Camp riverside.
Day 11 : Final Rafting → Chisapani Take-Out
- Early morning fishing & rafting.
- Riverside camp at Chisapani, farewell dinner & campfire.
Day 12 : Chisapani Take-Out → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu → Hotel
Early morning optional fishing.
Take-out at Chisapani.
2.5-hour drive to Nepalgunj airport.
1-hour flight Nepalgunj → Kathmandu.
Pickup at Kathmandu airport & transfer to hotel.
Trip ends; overnight in Kathmandu or onward departure.
Inclusions
What is included?
✅ Private ground transport & optional domestic flights
✅ Professional fishing & rafting guides
✅ Fishing permits & conservation fees
✅ Rafting & camping equipment
✅ Meals during expedition
✅ Hotels in Kathmandu, Surkhet, and Chisapani
✅ First aid & safety equipment
✅ National park entry fees
✅ Pre-departure safety briefing
What isn't included?
❌ International flights
❌ Nepal visa fees
❌ Meals in Kathmandu & Surkhet (except breakfast)
❌ Alcoholic beverages & personal snacks
❌ Travel insurance (mandatory)
❌ Personal fishing gear (optional if you have your own)
❌ Extra hotel nights outside itinerary
❌ Optional tours (Bardia NP, Kathmandu sightseeing)
❌ Tips for crew
Complimentary
🎁 Karnali Fishing Expedition T-shirt or Cap
📸 Trip photos & short fishing videos
🏅 Certificate of Achievement
🌸 Nepali welcome garland
🧣 Farewell Khada scarf
☕ Morning/evening tea & coffee at camps