A short focused fishing trip inside Bardia National Park — Golden Mahseer in clear water, riverside camps, and the real chance of seeing rhino or tiger from the boat.
The Babai is one of the most special fishing rivers in Nepal — and one of the most regulated. The river flows entirely through Bardia National Park, which means every trip needs national park permits, a park-assigned guide on every section, and strict catch-and-release rules. This is a positive thing: it's why the fishing is good. The river was only opened to permitted angling in 2011 and pressure remains low.
The trip is short by design. Two nights and three days gives you two full days on the water and one transit day. You fly to Nepalgunj, drive to the Babai put-in at Chepang, and start rafting and fishing immediately. The river is calm — Class II throughout — so the focus is the fishing and the wildlife. Golden Mahseer up to 4 kg are caught regularly; a 15 kg fish was recorded historically. Goonch, Indian Trout Barb, Bullseye Snakehead, and 50+ other species are all present.
The wildlife sightings are real. Rhinos come down to drink. Elephants cross the river. Tigers occasionally show themselves on the banks. Combined with the genuinely dark skies and the absence of any roads or villages along the protected stretch, this is the most immersive Bardia experience you can have.
A detailed breakdown of every day on the trip — from Kathmandu pickup to final return. The schedule can shift based on river conditions and group preference.
Morning flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hr) — scenic views of the Annapurna and Mahabharat ranges. Drive 2 hours to the Babai put-in at Chepang. Lunch on the riverbank, gear setup, then a 3-hour rafting and fishing session down to the first camp at Shivapur. Evening fishing at the camp pools — Golden Mahseer feeds actively at dusk.
Itineraries are a guide, not a contract. River conditions, weather, and group needs can shift the schedule — your guide will brief you on any changes the day before they happen.
Yes — the Babai flows through the heart of Bardia National Park, which is why every trip needs a park permit, park-assigned guide, and catch-and-release commitment. Camps are inside the park boundary. Wildlife sightings happen regularly because you're inside their habitat, not adjacent to it.
Our flagship expedition on Nepal's longest and wildest river — 180 km of remote whitewater and Golden Mahseer water from Surkhet down to Bardia National Park.
A quiet alternative to the Karnali — born in Dolpo, flowing through the Chure Hills to the Karnali confluence, with some of Nepal's most productive Mahseer pools and easier rafting.
The most accessible fishing trip in Nepal — road-trip distance from Kathmandu or Pokhara, 1–3 day formats, friendly Class II–III water, and your first real shot at Golden Mahseer.
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and any preferences. We'll come back with a tailored quote, a custom itinerary, and any questions about logistics. No pressure, no commitment.