Question 1

How far in advance should I book my fishing trip in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

For multi-day expeditions like the Karnali or Seti–Karnali, we recommend booking 3–6 months ahead, especially for the prime spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) windows. Shorter Trishuli, Babai, or Pokhara lake trips can usually be arranged with 2–4 weeks' notice. The earlier you confirm, the more flexibility we have on dates, group size, and accommodation.

Question 2

Do you run private trips or fixed group departures?

Accepted Answer

Both. Most of our trips are private — designed around your group, your dates, and your preferences. We can also organize joining-basis trips during peak season for solo travelers and couples who'd rather not pay for a private charter. Tell us what you're after when you enquire and we'll suggest the right option.

Question 3

Can you customize the itinerary?

Accepted Answer

Yes — almost every trip on our site can be shortened, lengthened, or adjusted. The published itineraries are starting points based on what works best for the average angler. If you want extra layover days at a productive pool, want to combine two rivers, or need to fit a specific travel window, just tell us when you enquire.

Question 4

What's the booking process?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: send us an enquiry with your dates and the trip you're interested in. Step 2: we come back with a tailored quote and itinerary. Step 3: you confirm, pay a deposit, and we handle permits, logistics, and gear. Step 4: you arrive in Kathmandu and we take care of everything else from there.

Question 5

Do I need a special permit to fish in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Yes — fishing permits are issued by Nepal's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. The permit is location-specific (each river requires its own) and we handle the documentation as part of the trip cost. For Babai inside Bardia National Park, we also include the National Park entry permit and the mandatory park-assigned guide.

Question 6

Is fishing in Nepal catch-and-release?

Accepted Answer

For Golden Mahseer (IUCN Endangered), catch-and-release is mandatory. We use barbless hooks, knotless rubber landing nets, and minimize handling time. For other species, catch-and-release is encouraged and is what we practice on every trip. The experience is about the fight and the photo, not the kill.

Question 7

Do I need a Nepal entry visa?

Accepted Answer

Most nationalities need a tourist visa for Nepal. You can get one on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport — bring USD cash for the fee and a passport-sized photo. The visa is also available in advance at Nepal embassies. Indian nationals don't need a visa.

Question 8

What fish will I catch?

Accepted Answer

The headline species across most Nepal rivers is the Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora), called the 'tiger of the river' for its fight. You'll also find Goonch Catfish (a giant freshwater predator), Silver Mahseer, Snow Trout (Asala), Sahar, Bokar, and on Pokhara lakes — common carp and various local species. Each river has its own typical species mix.

Question 9

What size fish should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Average Golden Mahseer on the Karnali system runs 2–4 kg, with occasional fish up to 8–10 kg and historical records of 50+ kg fish. The Babai inside Bardia has produced 15 kg fish historically. Goonch Catfish can reach 50+ kg. Smaller rivers like the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki run smaller fish. The size depends on the river, season, and luck.

Question 10

Do I need to bring my own fishing tackle?

Accepted Answer

Bring your own if you have preferences — most serious anglers do. Recommended: medium-heavy spinning rods (8–10 ft), abrasion-resistant lines (20–40 lb), and a selection of spoons, plugs, and bait hooks. Rentals are available on every trip — just basic gear, but enough to fish productively. Tell us when you book if you want rental gear set aside.

Question 11

Do I need fishing experience?

Accepted Answer

No. The lead fishing guide on every trip works with anglers of all levels — from complete beginners learning to cast for the first time, to experienced fly anglers chasing trophy Mahseer. Tell us your experience level when you enquire and we'll match guide style and gear accordingly.

Question 12

When is the best time to fish in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

Two main windows: spring (March to mid-May) and autumn (mid-September to November). The June–August monsoon shuts down most river fishing because of high flows and poor visibility. Lake fishing on Phewa and Begnas runs year-round. See our seasonal calendar at /seasons for a month-by-month breakdown by river.

Question 13

How do we get to the river?

Accepted Answer

Western rivers (Karnali, Seti–Karnali, Bheri, Babai) start with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then a road transfer. Eastern trips (Sun Koshi, Tamor) involve a drive from Kathmandu or a flight to Biratnagar. Central rivers (Trishuli, Budhi Gandaki, Kali Gandaki) are road accessible from Kathmandu or Pokhara. All transport is included.

Question 14

Where do we sleep?

Accepted Answer

On river expeditions you camp on sandy beaches in two-person tents we provide. Camps include a kitchen tent, dining shelter, and toilet tent. Hotels are used on transit nights (Surkhet, Nepalgunj, Biratnagar) and we can pre-book your Kathmandu and Pokhara stays if you'd like. For Trishuli trips, you have a choice of resort or camp.

Question 15

What's the food like on the river?

Accepted Answer

Fresh, hot meals prepared by a dedicated camp chef. Breakfast is typically eggs, toast, porridge, fresh fruit, and tea/coffee. Lunch is usually wraps, salads, or hot dishes by the river. Dinner is multi-course — often dal bhat (Nepali staple), pasta, curry, or fresh fish if a guest catches one. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets are easily accommodated — tell us when you book.

Question 16

Is there mobile signal or wifi on the river?

Accepted Answer

Mostly no. The remote western rivers (Karnali, Seti–Karnali, Bheri) have no signal for most of the trip. Eastern rivers have intermittent signal. Pokhara lakes and Trishuli have full coverage. If you need to be reachable, our lead guides carry satellite communication for emergencies. The disconnect is part of why people come.

Question 17

How safe is fishing and rafting in Nepal?

Accepted Answer

All our river guides are IRF (International Rafting Federation) certified, trained in Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) protocols, and hold Wilderness First Aid certifications. We use ISO/CE-certified rafting equipment (helmets, PFDs, rafts). Safety kayakers accompany every section of significant whitewater. Every group has a comprehensive first-aid kit and satellite communications on remote sections. Our safety record is unblemished.

Question 18

Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — travel and medical insurance is mandatory for every trip. Your policy must cover river sports, rafting, fishing, and emergency evacuation in Nepal (often called 'adventure sports' or 'high-risk activity' coverage). We can recommend insurers if you'd like.

Question 19

What about altitude or fitness requirements?

Accepted Answer

Most fishing trips run at low elevation (200–1,500 m) so altitude isn't an issue. The Tamor expedition trek tops out around 1,900 m, still well below altitude-sickness thresholds. Fitness requirement is moderate — you should be comfortable spending all day outdoors, walking on uneven terrain, and carrying a daypack. No special training is needed.

Question 20

What if there's a medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

Every trip has a comprehensive first-aid kit, and guides are trained in wilderness first aid. For serious emergencies, helicopter evacuation is available across Nepal — your travel insurance will cover this. Camps on remote rivers carry satellite communications for evacuation requests. Lead guides know the nearest road access points on every section.

Question 21

Will I see wildlife on the trip?

Accepted Answer

On Babai trips inside Bardia National Park, wildlife sightings are common — rhino, elephant, deer, and occasionally tiger. On the Karnali, sightings include river dolphins, gharial crocodiles, and a wide range of birdlife. Other rivers have less wildlife but still good birding and occasional sightings. Bardia and Karnali extensions are the way to go if wildlife is a priority.

Question 22

Why is Golden Mahseer fishing catch-and-release?

Accepted Answer

The Golden Mahseer is listed as Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat destruction, dam construction, and historical overfishing across the Indian subcontinent. Catch-and-release lets us keep the population stable while still offering anglers the experience. Every fish caught and properly released contributes to long-term sustainability.

Question 23

How is pricing structured?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on trip duration, group size, included transport (especially flights), accommodation choices, and season. Larger groups bring the per-person cost down significantly. We provide a custom quote when you enquire — no surprise costs once you've confirmed.

Question 24

Do you accept credit cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes for the deposit (international card payment with a small processing fee) and bank transfer for the balance. Cash on arrival in USD is also acceptable for the balance. Final details will be in your booking confirmation.

Question 25

Should I tip the guides?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If you feel the team did a good job, a guideline is around USD 10–15 per guest per day, distributed among the crew (lead guide, fishing guide, safety kayakers, chef, camp staff). Cash USD or NPR both work.

Frequently Asked Questions