Bheri River - Raft & Angling
Expedition Logistics & Key Metrics
4 - 5 Days
Dolpo to Bardiya, Mid-Western Nepal
2 to 5 People
Golden Mahseer, Snow Trout & Catfish
Goonch Angling, Fishing
Post-monsoon (October–November) / Spring (March–April)
Bheri River Angling Expedition - 4 - 5 Days
The Bheri comes out of Dolpo, cuts through the Chure hills and spills onto the Terai beside Bardiya National Park — blue water, white sand beaches, deep gorges and villages that have not changed much. This ten-day expedition combines whitewater rafting with the fishing: the upper sections are fast and technical with rapids and narrow ravines, the lower river slows into the long pools where Golden Mahseer and Snow Trout hold. You camp on the beaches every night. In the calm water near Bardiya there is a real chance of seeing the rare Gangetic dolphin, which for most people ends up being the memory they take home.
The Bheri rises in the remote Dolpo region and runs west to join the Karnali, formed where the Thuli and Sani Bheri merge at Ramnagat. Before that junction it cuts through the Chure Hills, spreads onto the Terai plain and flows past Bardiya National Park, giving one river three completely different characters — gorge, valley and plain. The fishing is among the best in Nepal, with Golden Mahseer through the pools, Snow Trout in the faster oxygenated water and catfish in the deep slots, and the corridor holds serious wildlife including deer, crocodile, abundant birdlife and the rare Gangetic dolphin. Access is a 1.5 hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, or 627km by road. October to mid-November and March to May give clear water, warm weather and the best combination of rafting and angling conditions.
Wild Canyon Drifting
Spend five days drifting through remote mountain gorges, rocky pools and long gravel runs deep in the Bheri wilderness.
Confluence & Feeder Streams
Fish productive tributary mouths and current seams where mountain streams meet the Bheri, drawing feeding Mahseer and Snow Trout.
Deep Pool & Goonch Action
Work the Bheri's deepest daha pools by day, with an optional night session using heavy tackle for powerful Goonch Catfish.
Trip Itinerary (4 - 5 Days)
Day 01
Drive Upstream from Surkhet to Put-In & Launch
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Drive Upstream from Surkhet to Put-In & Launch
Depart early from Surkhet along the road following the lower-to-middle stretch of the river. Arrive by mid-day at the mid-river launch site (near the border of Jajarkot/Salyan access).
Logistics: Meet the river crew, load the support raft, rig gear, and run through safety checks. Launch onto the water by early afternoon.
Angling Focus: Drift the first 2–3 hours through initial riffles and clear pools, casting gold/silver spoons and plugs along rocky structure.
Camp: Tented wilderness camp on a wide gravel bar along the Bheri River.
Day 02
Middle Gorge Floating & Tributary Mouths
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Middle Gorge Floating & Tributary Mouths
Spend a full day drifting through the scenic middle canyon section of the Bheri River, where mountain feeder streams enter the main river channel.
Angling Focus: Step off the raft to wade-cast around major stream mouths. The mixing currents attract feeding Golden Mahseer and Snow Trout.
Target Species: Golden Mahseer and Goonch Catfish.
Camp: Secluded beach camp at a quiet river bend.
Day 03
Prime Deep Pools & Night Catfish Session
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Prime Deep Pools & Night Catfish Session
Float through the deepest, quietest gorge sections of the river, known for massive natural pools (daha).
Angling Focus: Slow-drift over deep rock ledges during the day. Transition to heavy bottom rigs after dark for a dedicated night-fishing session targeting Goonch Catfish.
Technique: Use heavy braided line (20–30 lb) with strong leaders and barbless hooks for catch-and-release compliance.
Camp: Sandy riverside camp deep in the jungle-clad canyon.
Day 04
Drift toward the Confluence Stretch
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Drift toward the Confluence Stretch
Drift down into the lower valley, where the canyon opens into wide gravel runs and long, deep pools leading toward the main river trunk.
Angling Focus: Target current seams and shadow lines created by overhanging banks. Excellent water clarity allows for sight-casting to Mahseer in shallower tailraces.
Camp: Final wilderness camp near the lower river banks above Chhinchu.
Day 05
Final Float, Take-Out & Return Journey
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Final Float, Take-Out & Return Journey
Float the final stretch down to the highway take-out point near Chhinchu or Karnali Bridge, Chisapani.
check_circle Included in Package
- check All ground transportation during the trip
- check Professional rafting guide, fishing crew and experienced safety kayaker
- check Complete rafting equipment including helmet, paddle, life jacket and safety gear
- check Fishing support and assistance throughout the expedition
- check All meals during the rafting and fishing expedition, with kitchen staff
- check Campfire and evening activities during the camping nights
- check First aid kit and emergency safety equipment
- check Government taxes and all necessary river permits
- check International airport pick up and drop
- check All the stay during the expedition and full camping equipment
cancel Excluded from Package
- close International airfare to and from Nepal and entry visa fees
- close Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- close Personal fishing equipment and tackle
- close Travel insurance and emergency evacuation cost
- close Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, phone and internet
- close Bar bills, alcoholic drinks and bottled beverages
- close Tips for guides, rafting crew and support staff
- close Personal medication and medical expenses
- close Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu due to flight delays or personal reasons
- close Optional sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, Pokhara or Chitwan
- close Any services not listed in the inclusions section
- close Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- close Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, or private tourist transport
Price Per Person
Includes permits, boat/raft gear, guide & meals.
GROUP DISCOUNT COST expand_more
| No. of traveler | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 | US$1,500 |
| 2 | US$1,450 |
| 3 | US$1,400 |
| 4 | US$1,350 |
| 5 - 6 | US$1,350 |
| 7-8 | US$1,300 |
Price Per Person
US$2,500