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.
The Karnali is the river every serious angler wants to fish. Born off Mount Kailash in Tibet, it flows 507 kilometers through some of Nepal's most remote landscapes before entering Bardia National Park. The combination of crystal-clear water, low fishing pressure, and trophy Golden Mahseer in numbers you won't find on any other Nepal river makes this the benchmark expedition for Mahseer fishing in Nepal.
The trip starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then a drive to Surkhet and on to the put-in at Tallo Dhungeshwor. The first half of the river is the technical section — continuous Class III–V rapids through narrow gorges, with names like Jail House, Meat Grinder, and God's House. The lower river opens up into broad pools and white sand beaches, where the fishing for Mahseer and Goonch is the focus.
Each evening you camp on a beach, eat fresh meals cooked over a fire, and fish the prime evening windows. The take-out at Chisapani sits right next to Bardia National Park, making it natural to extend the trip with a tiger-tracking jungle safari. This is a real wilderness journey — there are no roads on most of the river, no villages for days at a stretch, and no other anglers competing for the water.
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 from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (approx. 1 hour) with views of the western Himalaya. Drive 3 hours from Nepalgunj to Surkhet, the regional headquarters of Mid-Western Nepal. Trip briefing with the lead guide, gear check, and overnight at hotel.
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.
The Karnali has two prime windows: March to May (spring) and October to mid-November (autumn). Spring tends to have warmer water and aggressive feeding behavior; autumn has the clearest water of the year and slightly lower flows. The river is closed during the June–August monsoon, when flows are too high and visibility is poor.
An 11-day combined Seti and Karnali river journey — the most productive Golden Mahseer water in Nepal, with multi-day fishing camps at Scorpion Beach and the Budhi Ganga confluence.
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.
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.
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.