Drive from Pokhara to Beni (3 hours), the put-in for the upper Kali Gandaki. Set up camp on the riverbank, gear briefing, evening fishing session in the pools below the bridge.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Riverside camp at Beni
← All Adventures
Deep-gorge Mahseer
Kali Gandaki Mahseer Run
Fishing the Kali Gandaki — born in Mustang, flowing through the deepest river canyon in the world (between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri). Powerful water, deep pools, technical Mahseer fishing.
3 Nights / 4 DaysMustang to CentralModerate
OverviewBest season March – May and October – November Group size Minimum 2, maximum 8 Start point Pokhara → Beni / Nayapul (drive) End point Mirmi / Ramdi take-out → Pokhara Difficulty Moderate Best for Mahseer-focused anglers who value scenery and strong river character Target species Golden Mahseer • Goonch Catfish • Asala • Native Himalayan species
About the Kali Gandaki trip
The Kali Gandaki is one of the most dramatic rivers in Nepal — and one of the most technical for fishing. The river is born in Mustang on the Tibetan plateau and flows south between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, creating what's measured as the deepest river canyon in the world. By the time it reaches the put-in at Beni or Nayapul, the water is fast, powerful, and full of deep holding pools that hold serious Mahseer.
The fishing here is harder than on the western rivers. The current is strong, the casts are technical, and the fish sit deep. But the rewards are real — Mahseer and Goonch in this water tend to be larger on average than the Trishuli, and the scenery is unmatched anywhere in Nepal. Most days you can see Annapurna or Dhaulagiri (or both) from the riverbank.
We run this trip as a 4-day combination — two days of dedicated fishing with technical guide support, plus two days of rafting and access. It pairs naturally with a Pokhara stay before or after, and works well as a follow-up to the Annapurna Circuit trek for guests already in the region.
Day by day
Your 3 Nights / 4 Days itinerary
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.
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.
What's covered
Inclusions, exclusions, and what to bring
Included
- Ground transport from Pokhara to put-in and back from take-out
- All meals on the river
- Riverside camping with two-person tents
- Rafting equipment and dry bags
- Fishing permits
- IRF-certified river guide and dedicated fishing guide
- First-aid coverage and treated drinking water
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Travel/medical insurance (mandatory)
- Personal fishing tackle (rentals available)
- Alcoholic and soft beverages
- Tips for guides and crew
- Pokhara accommodation before/after trip
- Transport between Kathmandu and Pokhara (we can arrange separately)
What to bring
- Quick-dry shirts and synthetic shorts/pants
- Warm fleece — canyon evenings can be cold even in season
- Sun protection (hat with retainer, polarized glasses, SPF 50+)
- Secure river sandals + camp shoes
- First-aid kit + meds
- Headlamp + batteries
- Water bottle
- Personal fishing tackle if preferred — heavier-action rods recommended for the deep pools
- Camera with waterproof case
Common questions
Questions about the Kali Gandaki
Kali Gandaki has more technical fishing — strong current, deep pools, fish that sit deeper. Karnali is more about volume and longer wilderness time. Kali Gandaki has dramatically better mountain scenery (Annapurna and Dhaulagiri visible from the river); Karnali is jungle-edged. Choose Kali Gandaki for shorter, scenic, technical trips; choose Karnali for the full wilderness expedition.
You might also like
Other fishing trips in Nepal
Best short-access option
Trishuli River Getaway
1–3 DaysCentral Nepal
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.
View Trip Details
Easy scenic day trip
Pokhara Lakes Fishing Day
1 DayPokhara
A scenic full-day lake fishing experience in Pokhara — Phewa or Begnas, traditional wooden boats, Annapurna in the background, no expedition logistics.
View Trip Details
Accessible Himalayan river
Budhi Gandaki Fishing Escape
3 Nights / 4 DaysGorkha Belt
A short Himalayan fishing trip just 3–4 hours from Kathmandu. Deep pools, Mahseer and Snow Trout, and views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal in the distance.
View Trip Details
Ready to plan
Get a tailored Kali Gandaki itinerary
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.