Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition

Starting Point Chepang Village

Duration 6 Days

Activity River Fish Catch

Best Season post monsoon - pre monsoon

Group Size 1-14

Ending Point Babai Bridge

Highlights of the Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition

Be a part of a unique and exciting fishing and rafting expedition in Nepal.
Take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, enjoying the aerial view of the diverse landscapes.
Fish and raft along a stretch of the Babai River that flows through protected zones of Bardiya National Park, with limited human access.
Use fly fishing or bait fishing to catch and release fish species like the Goonch, Golden Mahseer, Rohu, etc.
Encounter wildlife within the Bardiya National Park.
Enjoy the serene atmosphere and take a peaceful retreat in the raw wilderness of Inner Terai.
Camp on the sandy riverbank of Babai, enjoying stargazing at night.
Experience the vibrant Tharu culture and tradition while witnessing their unique lifestyle.

Overview of Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition

The Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes you to the inner Terai of mid-western Nepal. The trip uniquely blends fishing activity with a mild rafting experience. The beautiful Babai River flows through the Bardia National Park, one of the largest national parks in the country. Inhabited by a rich variety of over 50 species of freshwater fishes, the pristine river is an ideal destination for anglers. Moreover, the rafting activity adds a more exciting adventure to the expedition. You will stream down the secluded and clear water of Babai, while tackling mild waves along the way. The expedition combines guided river fishing with gentle rafting, making it ideal for both seasoned anglers and curious newcomers

During the guided expedition, you will travel into the remote Babai Valley, witness the dense forests, and encounter the rare wildlife of Bardiya National Park. You may catch sight of one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, deer, ghoral, crocodile, gharial, and more. Thus, the Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition is also the perfect mix of nature and thrilling sport. You will spend your full days angling in a tranquil atmosphere and rafting. In the evening, you will camp on the sandy riverside beaches and sleep listening to the smooth sound of the flowing river. You will not only be fishing but also rafting, exploring the wilderness, and getting insight into the culture of the Tharu community.

5 Days Itinerary For Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition

You will begin your Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The flight offers a fantastic view of the diverse Nepalese landscape and the Himalayas. Our staff will pick you up from the Nepalgunj Airport and transfer you to the expedition starting point.

Before you kick off your river adventure, our expert guides will provide a rafting and fishing briefing. They will explain fishing techniques and safety procedures. Then, you will move on to the gear and equipment setup. The guests will ride in a secure central oar raft, and the support crew will travel in a cataraft.

After all the preparation, you will begin exciting rafting on the scenic Babai River. You will paddle in crystal-clear waters, paddle through waves, and enjoy breathtaking scenery. In the evening, you will camp on the riverside under the stars. The tents are cozy, and the gentle rushing sound of the river makes for a peaceful retreat.

For the next three days, we will participate in a full-day river expedition and exploration. You will visit prime fishing spots in the remote stretches of the Babai River inhabited by prized fish species. On-river support with a designated kayaker will accompany your group at all times. They will help navigate the river, manage gear, and retrieve snagged fishing hooks or lines. Each day of your angling and exploration will be smooth and entirely safe.

Similarly, you will also get to immerse yourself in the richness and beauty of the Bardia National Park. You can spot exotic wildlife and bird species as you fish by the riverbanks. After a full day of exhilarating angling, you will return to your campsite and relax by the riverside. You will enjoy hearty meals and end the day with stargazing.

On the final day of your Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition, you will take one final morning fishing session. You will have one last chance to hook golden catches. To wrap up the trip, you will take a last rafting stretch to Babai Bridge. It will give you an opportunity to witness the last views of the dense jungles, cliffs, and villages along the riversides.

From Babai Bridge, a private vehicle will help to transport you back to the Nepalgunj Airport. We hope you had a wonderful time casting lines and rafting on the pristine Babai River. Have a safe journey!

Note: The number of days for rafting is customizable. Activities such as rafting, camping, fishing, and permit arrangements are designated on a day-wise basis. Guests can extend their stay and also try angling on the Babai River accordingly. Once the number of participants (pax), their nationality, and the total number of days are confirmed, the price will be tailored accordingly.

What’s Included

River Adventure

Guided rafting & fishing expedition led by professionals
Rafting Setup: Central oar-supported raft for guests
Support Equipment: Cata-raft for associates & a dedicated kayaker for fishing assistance

Accommodation & Meals

4 nights of adventurous riverside camping
Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Private Transportation

Pickup and drop off at Nepalgunj Airport

Permits & Leadership

All necessary permits for the National Park, Rafting, Camping, & Fishing
1 Nepali group leader accompanying the guests

This expedition is a premium, all-inclusive adventure that requires special logistics, making it more costly due to:

National Park & Special Permits:

Babai River is inside Bardia National Park, requiring expensive permits for entry, camping, rafting, and fishing.
Individual park permits are charged per person per day, adding to the total cost.

Private & Professional Rafting Setup:

Central oar raft for guests ensures a relaxed, high-quality experience.
Cata-raft for support & gear provides additional safety and convenience.
Dedicated kayaker to assist anglers with stuck hooks and ensure smooth operations.

Mandatory Local Natural Guide & Ranger:

A local natural guide is required to navigate the protected areas and educate guests about the local ecosystem.
A ranger from Bardia National Park is required to ensure compliance with conservation regulations and provide wildlife protection (as the area is home to tigers, elephants, and other wildlife).

What’s Not Included

Travel/medical insurance & emergency evacuation costs
Personal expenses (alcohol, hot water, donations, tips)
Additional services outside the standard package

Babai River Fishing Photos

Large Fish Catching

Early morning fishing scene on Babai River

Catching live fish

Fishing Rod

Group Photo With Fishing Team

River fish catching

Close-up of fish being caught

elephant Crossing River

Why Take The Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition?

The Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition is more than just a fishing trip. It is a fishing and eco-friendly fishing trip that is also an immersive adventure. Here are some compelling reasons to take part in the expedition:

Spectacular angling experience

Whether you are an expert angler or a beginner, the Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition offers an unforgettable angling experience. Since the Babai River lies in the remote inner Terai, it is untouched and unspoiled. Hence, you will get an authentic and rich angling environment. A wide variety of fish species inhabit the crystal-clear waters of the river. You can hook prized fishes such as Golden Mahseer, Indian Trout, Goonch, and other varieties of barbs, carps, and native fish species. A local and professional guide will accompany you during the expedition, who will help even beginners to enjoy the big river fishing safely.

Raw wilderness and wildlife

The Babai River originates from the Mahabharat Range and flows through the Bardiya National Park. Hence, you will be stepping into the raw and unspoiled wilderness of western Nepal. You will fly to Nepalgunj and travel deep into the Dang Valley. Thus, you can explore the area’s dense forests, riverbanks, and traditional villages. There is also a high chance that you will encounter diverse wildlife and bird species. After an adventurous day, you will camp by the riverbanks. As you are far from the city and pollution, the skies are clearer and perfect for stargazing. The expedition is an ideal way to connect with the raw nature.

Rafting adventure

The fish catch-and-release expedition is paired with an exhilarating rafting experience. You will navigate one of Nepal’s isolated rivers, the Babai River. The rafting trip will take you through dense forests and wild terrain only accessible through a waterway. The rapids are calm and mild, so it is ideal for beginners as well as seasoned rafters. There are no extreme rapids, but you can experience a genuine rafting adventure. You can enjoy scenic views and spot wildlife as you paddle through the dense jungle and national park area. Flow through the clear waters of the Babai River and explore the raw wilderness.

Eco-friendly

Another reason why you should be part of the Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition because it supports eco-friendly and sustainable tourism. You will participate in the exciting and responsible fishing activity while minimizing the negative impact on the environment. You will catch and then release the fish to ensure no effect on the fish population. Similarly, you will stay in eco-friendly campsites that use proper waste management. The expedition will help in the conservation effort of the Bardiya National Park and support the local communities. Through the trip, you will be supporting a sustainable fishing adventure.

Cost Breakdown for Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition

The Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition is available at $1390 per person for the standard 5 Nights 6 Days itinerary. To help you plan your adventure more effectively, here’s a quick breakdown of daily activity fees, which vary depending on your nationality.

Activity	Nepali (Rs.)	SAARC Countries (Rs.)	Non-SAARC Countries (Rs.)
Park Permit	100	750	1500
Camping Permit	500	1500	3000
Rafting	200	2000	4000
Fishing	200	1500	2500

Fish Species In The Babai River

The remote Babai River is home to more than 40 freshwater fish species. It is one of the most ecologically rich freshwater rivers due to its clean water, which flows through a protected and undisturbed area of the country. The varied flow patterns and deep pools make it an ideal habitat for freshwater fish species. Anglers will have an opportunity to hook various fish species.

One of the most prized freshwater species for anglers is the Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora), which is found in the Babai River. Also known as the “tiger of the river,” it lives in clear, fast-flowing, and rocky pools. Goonch Catfish (Bagarius yarreli), an apex predator in the river system and another prized species, is also found here. Other fish species include Wallago Attu, Rohu (Labeo rohita), Indian Torrent Catfish (Glyptothorax spp), Snakehead, Catla, Barilius, and Puntius (Barbs). Among these, the most commonly hooked species are Barilius viagra and Schistura beavani.

These wide varieties of fish showcase the rich ecology of the Babai River. They also play a crucial role in maintaining the Bardia ecosystem. As a result, the government and locals are promoting sustainable tourism to protect the delicate environment. Having said that, it is a haven for anglers looking for a rewarding catch. The seasonal change influences the fish population and the catch. For the best fishing experience, October to November (post monsoon) and February to April (pre monsoon) are the best. The fish are most active and spawning at this time, so you are more likely to hook the prized species.

Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition FAQs

The Babai River is located in the Dang Valley in the Inner Terai of Dang district in Lumbini Province. It lies in the western part of the country and flows westward through Bardia National Park. The source of the Babai River is the Mahabharat Range, close to Dang Valley. Its remote location is untouched and sits amidst raw nature.

The Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition is a sustainable fishing adventure that also combines rafting. During the expedition, you will practice ethical angling by catching and releasing different species of fish in the Babai River. The trip also allows you to explore the raw nature and encounter the various wildlife of Bardiya.

The Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition requires a Bardia National Park Entry Permit and a Fishing Permit. Similarly, you will be camping and rafting, so you will need permits for them as well. They can be obtained through a registered trek agency. So, make sure you have all the necessary permits for the expedition before the journey.

Of course, yes. You do not have to be a professional angler or fisher to join the Babai River Fish Catch & Release Expedition. Even non-fishers can be part of this fun and unique adventure. They can observe and learn to fish with the guide. Similarly, they can encounter the nature and wildlife of the Bardiya while immersing themselves in the local culture.

Yes, catching and releasing fish during the Babai River Fish Catch & Release expedition is mandatory. It helps preserve the river’s fish population and maintains the ecological balance. It also helps protect endangered species like the Goonch, Golden Mahseer, and more. The expedition promotes sustainable and conservation-focused fishing.

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This package can be booked from our booking page in any day you like.

info@nepalriverrunner.com
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