Babai River - Bardia Wilderness

Depart early morning from Surkhet and drive south toward the entry point of the Babai valley at Chepang (the primary launch site along the eastern boundary of the park). Upon arrival, meet your licensed river team and compulsory national park wardens. Inflate the rafts, rig your heavy gear, and cast off for your first float down the river.

• Angling & Route: Float through the upper forested gorge sections of the river. The water is clear, slow-moving, and ideal for drift fishing.

• Target Species: Golden Mahseer and Goonch Catfish.

• Camp: Set up your tented camp on a wide, sandy riverbank near Shivapur inside Bardiya National Park. Enjoy an evening session casting from the shore, as large Mahseer actively feed during dusk.

Wake up early for a pre-breakfast shore-casting session in the morning mist. Break camp after a hot meal and drift further into the dense, core wilderness area of the valley. This isolated corridor has minimal human activity and serves as a major habitat for wild elephants, rhinos, and tigers.

• Angling & Route: Target the deep river pools (daha) where the river bends and slows down. These quiet pools host some of the largest Golden Mahseer in the river system.

• Wildlife & Technique: Maintain quiet casts from the raft or gravel bars to avoid startling wildlife on the shore. Use gold or silver spoons and deep-running plugs.

• Camp: Riverside tented camp deep within the sanctuary (near the Sanoshree / Thulo Shree stretches). Spend the night under clear, unpolluted skies.

Spend the entire day exploring the mid-river section of the Babai, which features a mix of shallow riffles, gravel runs, and quiet backwaters.

• Angling & Route: Work both the drift from the raft and bank-fishing on foot at strategic junction points. Focus on casting near submerged boulders and undercut riverbanks.

• Conservation Note: All angling inside Bardiya National Park is strictly catch-and-release. Ensure soft handling and prompt release of all species.

• Camp: Final wilderness camp along the lower banks (near Gunthi area). Relax around the campfire while listening to the night sounds of the jungle.

On the final day, complete the remaining drift stretch down to the put-out point near the Babai Bridge on the East-West Highway.

• Angling & Route: Morning float with final casting opportunities in the lower runs before reaching the highway bridge by noon.

• Wrap-Up: Pack up equipment at the bridge, bid farewell to the river crew and park escorts, and arrange ground transport back toward Surkhet or onward to your next destination.