Adventure Trail Nepal
Babai River Fishing Expedition
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Golden Mahseer & Goonch Fishing: Fish for some of the best-known freshwater species of Nepal's western rivers.
- Babai River Adventure: Follow the river through forested landscapes and remote sections of Bardiya National Park.
- Fishing by Raft: Combine angling with a scenic rafting journey, stopping at promising fishing areas along the river.
- Riverside Wilderness Camping: Spend nights in tents beside the river, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
- Bardia Wildlife: Travel through an area known for Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, deer, birds, and other wildlife.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife found around the Babai's forests and wetlands.
- Remote Western Nepal: Experience a quieter side of Nepal away from the country's main tourist routes.
- Tharu Cultural Experience: Learn about local traditions, village life, and the culture of the Tharu communities.
- Campfire Evenings: Relax beside the river after a day of fishing and rafting.
- Guided Expedition: Travel with an experienced fishing and rafting crew familiar with the river environment.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 : Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
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
- Day 2 : Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing & Expedition Preparation
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 - Day 3 : Day 3: Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Babai River - Start Fishing
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 - Day 4 : Day 4: Full-Day Fishing & Rafting - Camp 2
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 - Day 5 : Day 5: Camp 2 - Camp 3 - Fishing & Rafting
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 - Day 6 : Day 6: Final River Journey - Wildlife and Tharu Culture
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 - Day 7 : Day 7: Babai River - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu
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
Trip Cost Inclusion
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj as specified in the itinerary.
- Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Nepalgunj according to the confirmed itinerary.
- Private ground transportation between Nepalgunj and the Babai River.
- All meals during the river expedition.
- Riverside tented accommodation during the expedition.
- Professional fishing and rafting guides.
- Rafting equipment and essential safety equipment.
- Camping equipment, including tents, mattresses, and sleeping bags.
- Applicable Bardiya National Park entry and fishing permits, as specified in the final quotation.
- Basic first-aid and safety equipment.
- River expedition support crew.
- Wildlife or cultural activities specifically mentioned in the confirmed itinerary.
Trip Cost Exclusion
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Personal travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance.
- Personal fishing equipment, unless specifically included in the confirmed package.
- Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks.
- Laundry and other personal expenses.
- Tips for guides, drivers, rafting crew, and support staff.
- Additional wildlife activities or extended safari programs not included in the itinerary.
- Hotel accommodation and meals outside those specifically mentioned.
- Any additional expenses resulting from flight delays, weather, river conditions, natural events, or other circumstances beyond our control.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Cost Includes.
Gallery
