Babai River
7 Days
Grade 2
2-30 Persons
563m.
March - May / Sept - Nov.
Fishing, Rafting Adventure
Hotel and Camping
All meals
Private Vehicle
Kathmandu
Kathmandu
The Babai River Fishing Expedition is a seven-day wilderness adventure combining sport fishing, rafting, riverside camping, wildlife, and local culture in western Nepal.
Flowing through Bardiya National Park, the Babai River offers a remarkable setting for anglers who want to fish in a remote natural environment surrounded by forests, river beaches, and wildlife. The river is known for species such as Golden Mahseer and Goonch Catfish, while other freshwater species may also be encountered depending on the season and river conditions. Sport fishing is among the activities available in Bardiya National Park.
Rather than staying at a single fishing camp, this expedition moves downstream by raft, allowing you to explore different stretches of the river and fish at selected pools, runs, and riverbanks. Between fishing sessions, you can enjoy the quiet rhythm of the river, observe birdlife and wildlife from the water, and experience nights in tented camps beside the Babai.
The journey also provides an opportunity to experience the wider environment of Bardiya, one of Nepal’s important lowland conservation areas, where Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, deer, birds, and other wildlife inhabit the forests and grasslands. Wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
For travelers interested in more than fishing, the expedition can also include a taste of Tharu culture, with opportunities to visit local communities and learn about traditional life in western Nepal.
Why Choose the Babai River Fishing Expedition?
The Babai is particularly appealing to anglers who want to combine fishing with a genuine wilderness experience. The river passes through a protected natural environment, so the journey is as much about observing the landscape and wildlife as it is about casting a line.
The expedition is operated with a focus on responsible fishing, safety, and low-impact travel. Fishing activities are subject to the regulations of Bardiya National Park, and guests are expected to follow the instructions of their fishing and park guides.
Fishing Experience
The main targets on this expedition are Golden Mahseer and Goonch Catfish, with opportunities for other freshwater species depending on the river section and season.
Fishing takes place from suitable riverbanks, pools, and other accessible areas during the rafting journey. Your fishing guides will assess the conditions and select appropriate locations based on water levels, clarity, weather, and fish activity.
Fishing is a natural activity, so a catch cannot be guaranteed. The objective is to enjoy the river, learn about the local fishery, and make the most of each fishing opportunity.
Where required, fishing and national park permits are arranged according to the regulations applicable to the expedition. Current sources also indicate that fishing inside Bardiya National Park requires the relevant park and fishing permissions.
Welcome to Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Adventure Trail Nepal will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
After checking in and taking some time to rest, you can use the remaining part of the day to explore the surrounding area or relax at the hotel. If your arrival time permits, a short introductory sightseeing program can also be arranged.
In the evening, you will meet your expedition team for a briefing about the upcoming Babai River journey, including fishing, rafting, camping, equipment, and safety.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. Depending on the schedule, the tour can include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.
These historic and religious sites provide an introduction to Nepal’s cultural heritage before you leave Kathmandu for the wilderness of western Nepal.
Later in the afternoon, return to the hotel and prepare for the fishing expedition. Your guide can help check fishing equipment, clothing, personal belongings, and other essentials required for the river journey.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The flight provides a convenient connection from the capital to western Nepal.
On arrival, meet your local team and continue by private vehicle toward the Babai River and the expedition starting point. After reaching the river area, the crew will organize the rafting equipment and provide a detailed safety and fishing briefing.
Once camp is established and lunch is served, it is time to make your first casts. Spend the afternoon exploring the riverbank and suitable fishing pools while your guides introduce you to the local river conditions.
As evening approaches, return to camp for dinner. The first night beside the Babai gives you the opportunity to experience the peaceful atmosphere of the river and surrounding wilderness.
Overnight: Riverside Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Rise early for a morning fishing session, when the cooler conditions can provide a pleasant start to the day.
After breakfast, pack the camp equipment and begin rafting downstream. The journey combines moving water with calmer stretches where the crew can stop for fishing. Rather than simply traveling from one camp to another, the day is structured around exploring different parts of the river.
Along the way, watch the forested riverbanks for birds, deer, monkeys, and other wildlife. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the protected environment makes the journey particularly rewarding for nature lovers.
After reaching the next camping area, enjoy another fishing session before dinner. Spend the evening around the campfire and relax beneath the open sky.
Overnight: Camp 2, Riverside Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The day begins with another opportunity to fish before breakfast. After packing up, continue downstream through quieter stretches of the Babai.
The rafting journey provides access to new fishing areas, with stops at suitable pools and riverbanks selected by the fishing crew. Depending on the conditions, you may spend time casting from the shore or fishing around sections accessible from the raft.
Lunch is prepared along the river, allowing you to enjoy a break in the middle of the wilderness. The afternoon continues with more rafting and fishing before arriving at Camp 3.
After setting up camp, there is time for an evening fishing session or simply relaxing beside the river.
Overnight: Camp 3, Riverside Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy your final major day on the Babai with a combination of fishing, rafting, and nature exploration.
After breakfast, continue downstream toward the river exit point. The landscape gradually changes as the expedition approaches the end of the remote river section. Your guides will continue to identify suitable fishing opportunities along the way.
After completing the main rafting section, depending on the confirmed itinerary and park conditions, spend time exploring the surrounding wildlife habitat. A guided nature or wildlife activity may provide opportunities to observe birds, deer, rhinos, elephants, or other animals from a safe and appropriate distance. Bardiya is particularly known for its rich wildlife, including Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinoceroses.
There may also be an opportunity to visit a Tharu village and learn about local traditions, architecture, food, music, and everyday life.
Return to camp for your final evening in the Babai wilderness.
Overnight: Riverside Camp / Camp 3
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, begin the final section of the journey toward the Babai Bridge or designated river exit point.
Enjoy the last stretch of rafting and take some time to appreciate the forests, riverbanks, and landscapes that have surrounded you throughout the expedition.
At the take-out point, meet your vehicle and drive toward Nepalgunj Airport. After completing the airport formalities, take the flight back to Kathmandu.
On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. The expedition officially ends after the transfer, although you may choose to extend your stay in Nepal with additional tours, trekking, wildlife activities, or other adventure experiences.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Interested in this trip? Start planning your adventure today!
Fishing conditions: Fish activity changes with season, water level, water temperature, clarity, and weather. No catch can be guaranteed.
Wildlife sightings: Bardiya is home to an impressive range of wildlife, but animals are wild and sightings are unpredictable. A tiger, rhino, elephant, or other species should never be considered guaranteed.
Protected area regulations: The Babai flows through Bardiya National Park, so all fishing, rafting, camping, and wildlife activities must follow applicable park regulations and guide instructions.
Physical requirements: Guests should be comfortable with outdoor activities, rafting, walking on uneven riverbanks, tented camping, and changing weather conditions.
Best season: Nepal Tourism Board identifies autumn, winter, and early summer as favorable periods for visiting Bardiya because conditions are generally warm and dry. For fishing specifically, departure dates should also be selected according to river levels and local fishing conditions.
Responsible travel: Guests are encouraged to avoid single-use plastics, respect wildlife, follow park rules, and leave campsites and riverbanks clean.
Responsible Fishing & Wilderness Travel
The Babai River is part of a protected natural environment, making responsible travel particularly important. The expedition follows park regulations and encourages anglers to minimize their impact on the river and surrounding forests.
Please avoid leaving fishing line, hooks, plastic, food packaging, or other waste behind. Wildlife should be observed quietly and from a safe distance, and all instructions from the park and river guides should be followed.
The goal is not simply to catch fish, but to experience the river and its ecosystem while helping protect the natural environment for future visitors and local communities.
The main target species are Golden Mahseer and Goonch Catfish. Other freshwater species may also be encountered depending on the location and season.
No. Fishing is influenced by natural conditions, and even experienced anglers cannot guarantee a catch. The guides select fishing locations according to current river conditions and fish activity.
The fishing approach should follow the applicable conservation and park regulations. Where catch-and-release is required, fish are handled carefully and returned to the river. The exact fishing rules are confirmed with the local authorities and expedition team before departure.
Yes. The Babai River flows through Bardiya National Park, one of Nepal’s important lowland protected areas. The park officially lists sport fishing among its activities.
Yes. Previous fishing experience is helpful but not essential. The fishing crew provides guidance, although participants should be comfortable with camping, rafting, walking on riverbanks, and spending several days in a remote environment.
The Babai expedition combines fishing with rafting through sections of the river. River difficulty can change with water levels and seasonal conditions. Professional rafting guides and appropriate safety equipment are provided.
The river section is a genuine camping experience. You will sleep in expedition tents on or near suitable riverbanks, with mattresses and sleeping bags provided.
Bardia National Park is well known for Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, deer, and many bird species. However, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed because the animals move freely through their natural habitat.
Yes, a Tharu cultural visit can be included depending on the confirmed itinerary, timing, local conditions, and availability of the community experience.
We recommend lightweight quick-drying clothes, warm layers for evenings, waterproof bags, sun protection, insect repellent, sturdy footwear, a headlamp, personal medicines, and any preferred fishing equipment. A detailed packing list can be provided before departure.
Yes. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their preferred equipment. If you prefer not to travel with fishing gear, equipment arrangements can be discussed before the trip.
Yes. The expedition can be combined with additional time in Bardiya National Park, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, or other destinations in Nepal. We can also arrange a customized itinerary around your international flight schedule.
