Karnali River Fishing Expedition – 13 Days

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

• Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel in Thamel.
• Short rest and freshen up.
• Evening welcome meeting with your expedition leader covering: fishing techniques, safety, equipment, and river ecosystem introduction.
• Explore Kathmandu’s vibrant streets and markets if time permits.
• Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Kathmandu to Surkhet

• Option 1: Scenic 12–14 hr drive via winding mountain roads.
• Option 2: 1 hr domestic flight to Nepalgunj, followed by a 2 hr drive to Surkhet.
• Surkhet is the gateway to western Nepal and your last major town before the wilderness.
• Overnight: Lodge/Hotel in Surkhet.

Day 3 : Surkhet to Rakam Karnali (Dailekh)

• Drive through lush green hills, terraced fields, and remote villages (~6–7 hrs).
• Arrive at Rakam (Dailekh) – the expedition’s put-in point.
• Unpack, gear check, and briefing about fishing waters.
• Learn about target species (Golden Mahseer, Goonch Catfish) and casting methods.
• Overnight: Riverside camping at Rakam.

Day 4 : Fishing Begins – Rakam to Tallo Dungeshor

• Early morning tea/coffee, then bank fishing at sunrise.
• Start fishing journey downstream.
• Cast near rapids, deep pools, and river bends where Mahseer are active.
• Picnic-style lunch on the riverbank.
• Evening fishing session near camp.
• Overnight: Riverside tented camp.

Day 5 : Tallo Dungeshor to Masighat

• Morning session targeting Mahseer at rocky pools.
• Drift downstream with local guides scouting fishing hotspots.
• Afternoon: Fishing with spinners, spoons, and live bait for Goonch.
• Cultural encounter with local Magar/Tharu villagers.
• Overnight: Camp on a sandy beach near Masighat.

Day 6 : Masighat to Chhuli Ghat

• Early casting near cliff-side gorges where Mahseer hunt.
• Leisurely fishing during float sections, birdwatching (hornbills, kingfishers).
• Afternoon: Shore fishing at confluence streams.
• Bonfire night, local storytelling, and fish barbecue (non-trophy fish only).
• Overnight: Riverside camp.

Day 7 : Chhuli Ghat to Jungle Stretch

• Entering the wildest part of Karnali.
• Morning: Cast in deep gorge pools (ideal for large Goonch).
• Daytime: Fishing plus short jungle hikes to hidden waterfalls.
• Wildlife spotting: river dolphins, gharials, otters possible.
• Overnight: Camp deep inside jungle stretch.

Day 8 : Jungle Stretch to Thulighat

• Morning fishing session from the boat and banks.
• Target trophy-sized Mahseer (5–15 kg common, bigger possible).
• Afternoon: Drift fishing with natural bait for giant catfish.
• Evening relaxation, fishing tales, and stargazing.
• Overnight: Camp at Thulighat.

Day 9 : Thulighat to Rato Bhale Gaun

• Long fishing day with both float and shore casting.
• Passing through traditional villages – chances to interact with locals.
• Lunch stop at a scenic beach.
• Evening fishing in slow-moving flatwater pools.
• Overnight: Camp near Rato Bhale Gaun.

Day 10 : Rato Bhale Gaun to Near Chisapani

Final leg of deep Karnali stretches.

Morning: Bank fishing at sunrise (high chance of big catches).

Afternoon: Trophy hunt attempt for last big Golden Mahseer.

Evening celebration with campfire feast.

Overnight: Riverside camping before Chisapani.

Day 11 : End of Fishing – Chisapani (Kailali)

• Conclude expedition at Chisapani Bridge where the Karnali meets the Terai plains.
• Relaxation and photography.
• Evening farewell celebration dinner with crew.
• Overnight: Lodge/Hotel in Chisapani or nearby.

Day 12 : Return to Kathmandu

• Option 1: 14 hr scenic drive back to Kathmandu.
• Option 2: Short drive to Nepalgunj, then 1 hr flight to Kathmandu.
• Free evening for last-minute shopping or optional farewell dinner.
• Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 13 : Final Departure

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Airport transfer for your international flight.
• Namaste & safe travels with memories of the Karnali fishing adventure!