Himalayan Fishing - Bhutan Golden Mahseer
Lodge-Based & Remote Float Trip Expeditions
Fish the untouched rivers of Bhutan for golden and chocolate mahseer—two of the most powerful freshwater species on Earth. Choose from a remote, multi-day float expedition or a lodge-based adventure at the new Manas River Lodge, located in the heart of Royal Manas National Park. Float trips cover 3 to 8 miles daily and feature riverside camps with expedition-style tents and solar showers. Lodge-based trips offer daily floats and walk-wade access to Bhutan’s best mahseer water, along with private bungalows, 24/7 electricity, and Starlink Wi-Fi.
Each trip is led by certified, English-speaking Bhutanese guides with nearly two decades of river experience. Both options include cultural highlights like Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Punakha Dzong, expert guiding, high-altitude scenery, and strictly catch-and-release fishing. Limited to six anglers per departure.
2025/2026 USD Rate: $9,950 + $500 Conservation Fee for a 10-day itinerary with 6 full days of guided fishing.
The Kingdom of Bhutan, a small, landlocked nation in South Asia, lies in the Eastern Himalayas, bordered by China, India, and Tibet. Known as the "Dragon Kingdom," Bhutan offers pristine rivers, dramatic mountain landscapes, and the warm hospitality of its people. The country is guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH)—a unique socio-economic model grounded in Buddhist values and deep respect for nature.
Fishing Season: The outfitter’s season coincides with Bhutan’s most pleasant travel windows—spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November)—when weather conditions are ideal for both angling and exploration.
Guide Bobby Saptal with Golden Mahseer
The Golden Mahseer: Nicknamed the Tigers of the River, the Golden Mahseer is native to the Himalayan regions and is one of the most coveted species in the fly-fishing world. Known for being both aggressive and elusive, this shy apex predator thrives in fast-moving, clear waters and can grow to impressive sizes.
The current IGFA world record is 56 pounds, landed by Bobby Saptal, one of the guides.
Targeting Mahseer requires heavily weighted sinking lines to reach deep holding water, and a great deal of patience to match their wary nature. Landing one is a true accomplishment.
The Fishing Program:
Guides: English-speaking guides. You'll fish two anglers per boat, with a dedicated guide. Fishing is permitted from sunrise to sunset using single, barbless hooks only.
Rafts: Custom NRS rafts with full fishing frames, allowing both anglers to fish simultaneously.
Fishing License: A recreational fishing permit is included in the package.
Equipment: Fishing gear is not provided. Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
Class IV Rapids: Expect challenging whitewater, with rapids up to Class IV. Personal flotation devices must be worn at all times.
Physical Condition: With average elevations nearing 8,000 feet above sea level, Bhutan is a remote and physically demanding environment, not an adventure for the faint of heart.
Other Species: Snow Trout (above on right) is a rare and striking native species that is a challenging to land on a fly. They typically surface at dawn and dusk, and can weigh up to 10 pounds. Known for their power, they often take anglers deep into their backing with each hook-up. Nymphs and subsurface presentations are the most effective techniques for targeting them. Itineraries that include snow and brown trout are also available upon request.
Chocolate Mahseer accounts for about three-quarters of Bhutan’s mahseer species. They grow up to three feet and can weigh up to 15 pounds. Although they are smaller in stature than their golden counterpart, they are equally fierce on a hook. Their remarkable strength and fight are legendary.
Meals on the River: Bhutanese cuisine is bold, flavorful, and often relatively spicy, featuring ingredients like red rice, chilies, cheese, and seasonal vegetables.
Beverages: The package includes sodas, coffee, tea, bottled water, and a limited supply of Druk beer. If you wish to enjoy hard liquor or wine during your stay, we recommend purchasing it at the duty-free store at Paro International Airport, as availability may be limited in rural areas.
Camp Staff: The professional camp staff will transfer all gear downstream to the next camp. When you get off the river each day, your bags are waiting, beds are made, fires are lit, and dinner is prepared.
Communications: Wi-Fi is available in the city, but may prove spotty in the more remote sections of the river.
Tiger's Nest Monastery
Both the Lodge-Based and Float Expedition packages include a guided visit to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark—the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Also known as Paro Taktsang, this sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site is dramatically perched on a sheer cliffside in the upper Paro Valley. Steeped in legend and spiritual significance, the monastery is one of Bhutan’s most revered destinations and offers breathtaking views and a memorable cultural experience.
Getting Here:
You’ll fly into Paro International Airport (PBH) in Paro, Bhutan. Drukair operates all flights into and out of Bhutan – Royal Bhutan Airlines.
If you’re traveling from the United States, the outfitter recommends arriving at least two days early to adjust to the 10 to 14-hour time difference and recover from jet lag.
Common Gateways to Bhutan:
Daily Drukair flights connect Bhutan to several major international hubs:
• Bangkok, Thailand – Ideal for travelers from the U.S. West Coast
• New Delhi, India – Best for travelers from the U.S. East Coast and Europe
• Kathmandu, Nepal – Convenient for those combining regional travel
• Singapore and Dubai – Offer flights to Bhutan twice a week
Request an information packet for travel details.
10-Day Remote Wilderness Expedition
Season: March to May and October to November
Walk-and-Wade & Float Fishing | Max 6 Anglers
Trip Length: 9 nights / 10 days
Double occupancy, Price per person.
Fishing: 5 days guided (4 full days + 2 half days)
Lodging: 5 nights riverside camp + 4 nights hotel
2025 & 2026 USD Rates:
Angler: $9,950 + $500 Conservation Fee = $10,450
Non-Angler: $8,950 + $500 Conservation Fee = $9,450
Embark on a true backcountry adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan—home to some of the last untouched mahseer waters in the world. This 10-day guided float expedition takes you deep into the heart of southern Bhutan’s pristine freestone rivers, where you'll target both golden and chocolate mahseer using flies or lures. The trip includes a blend of hotel stays and fully outfitted riverside camps as you fish your way downstream.
Over five full days of guided fishing, you’ll float and walk-wade through 3 to 8 miles of water daily, adjusting campsites based on river conditions and fish movement. Expect big whitewater, tricky sections, and technical runs where you’ll truly appreciate your guide’s river skills.
Each trip is led by certified, English-speaking Bhutanese guides with decades of experience. Trips are strictly catch-and-release only, with fishing allowed from sunrise to sunset using single, barbless hooks only. One section includes a Class V rapid—anglers will disembark and walk ahead while the guides skillfully navigate the rafts through.
Camps include one angler per expedition-style tent with all gear provided (tents, cots, sleeping bags, camp chairs, etc.), plus a dining tent, latrine tent, and shower tent with sun-heated or propane-assisted water. Please note: there is no access to electricity, hot showers, or laundry services during the float portion of this trip.
Sample 10-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive at Paro International Airport. Guided hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Overnight in Paro.Day 2 – Scenic drive to Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 3 – Travel to the river launch site. Begin fishing en route to the first camp.
Days 4–7 – Four full days of float and walk-wade fishing. Camps vary with conditions.
Day 8 – Final day of fishing. Drive to Thimphu. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 9 – Sightseeing, shopping, and rest in Thimphu. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 10 – Depart from Paro International Airport.
A Typical Fishing Day:
5:30 a.m. - Coffee is ready. Get in some unguided fly fishing before breakfast.7:30 a.m. - Breakfast is served in the dining tent. The Camp will be disassembled.
10:00 a.m. - You’ll depart for fishing.
Noon - Lunch is served on the riverbank.
4:00 p.m. – You’ll arrive at the next camp.
6:00 p.m. - Appetizers are served, followed by dinner. Sit around the campfire after dinner and share stories.
Weather: Expect a range of conditions as the trip progresses. In Paro and Thimphu, daytime highs average around 70°F, with nighttime lows in the mid-40s. As you move south into the sub-tropical lowlands near the Indian border, temperatures and humidity rise, with daytime highs reaching the mid to high 80s°F.
12-Day Lodge-Based Expedition
Season: March to May and October to November
Manas River Lodge - Bhutan
Lodge-Based Expedition
Max 6 anglers per group
Trip Length: 11 nights / 12 days
Double occupancy, Price per person.
Fishing: 6 to 7 days guided (varies by week)
Lodging: 8 nights at the lodge + 3 nights hotel
2025 & 2026 USD Rates:
Angler: $10,950 + $500 Conservation Fee = $11,450
Non-angler: $9,950 + $500 Conservation Fee = $10,450
Manas River Lodge – Kingdom of Bhutan
The brand-new Manas River Lodge will be the first fishing-specific lodge in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Nestled within Royal Manas National Park, the lodge offers convenient access to three of the country's four most productive mahseer fisheries—just a short drive away.
This lodge-based expedition includes access to six different river put-ins and take-outs, allowing anglers to experience a variety of river sections throughout the week. Depending on conditions and fish concentrations, you'll float between 6 and 8 miles per day, with additional walk-and-wade opportunities. Even shorter stretches of river often require up to eight hours to fish thoroughly.
Royal Manas National Park, the oldest national park in Bhutan, borders India's UNESCO World Heritage Site, Manas National Park. Known as the crown jewel of Bhutan’s protected areas, it is the largest tropical ecosystem in the country and home to thousands of plant and animal species—a remarkable setting for any angling adventure.
The Lodge features six private bungalows and a separate lounge and dining area. Guests enjoy 24/7 electricity, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, and included laundry service as part of the package.
Sample 12-Day Lodge-Based Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Paro International Airport in Paro, Bhutan. You’ll be greeted by your outfitter and taken on a scenic day hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. That evening, enjoy accommodations at the best available standard hotel in Paro (included). Upgraded lodging is available with advance notice for an additional cost.Day 2: Around 8:00 a.m., board a 40-minute domestic flight from Paro to Gelephu. From there, enjoy a scenic 5–6-hour drive to Manas River Lodge. Upon arrival, settle in and attend a brief orientation in the riverside lounge.
Days 3–9: Enjoy six to seven full days of guided fishing, depending on the weekly itinerary.
A Typical Fishing Day
6:00 a.m. – Coffee is ready6:30 a.m. – Breakfast is served
7:00 a.m. – Depart for the day’s fishing. You'll either launch directly from the Lodge or be driven to the day’s designated put-in.
Noon – Lunch is served riverside
4:00 p.m. – Return to the Lodge
6:00 p.m. – Appetizers and chef-prepared dinner in the lounge
Day 10: After breakfast, depart for Gelephu (5–6-hour drive). Overnight at a hotel in Gelephu.
Day 11: Fly from Gelephu to Paro (40 minutes), then take a 1-hour drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. Enjoy sightseeing, shopping, or relaxation. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 12: Mid-morning transfer from Thimphu to Paro International Airport for your international departure.
The Packages Include:
• Meet and greet at Paro International Airport
• Bhutanese visa and route permits
• All necessary ground transfers within Bhutan,
as outlined in your itinerary
• First and last night hotel accommodations in Bhutan
• Lodging at riverside camps or lodges, per your itinerary
• All meals as specified in your itinerary
• Sodas, coffee, tea, bottled water, and a limited supply of Druk beer
• Guided fishing, two anglers per guide
• Fishing license and launch permits
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
• Guided cultural tours, including visits to Tiger's Nest monastery, Punakha Dzong, and other Buddhist spiritual sites
• Use of all camping gear during river float trips (tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, cots, and camp chairs)
The Packages Do Not Include:
• International airfare to and from Bhutan
• Additional hotel nights
• Alcoholic beverages, except for Druk beer
• Fishing equipment (tippet, leaders, flies, or lures, etc.)
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Community Conservation Fee (CCF) $500 payable with the final invoice
• Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
(required by the Bhutanese government)
• Travel insurance
• Any items not mentioned under Inclusions.
Bhutan Policies:
Mandatory Release Form: A signed Waiver of Liability is required with your deposit. This legal agreement releases the outfitter from responsibility for any accidents or injuries that may occur during your trip.
Required Medical Evacuation Insurance: All guests are required to secure their own comprehensive medical evacuation coverage. We recommend Global Rescue.
Community Conservation Fee: A required donation managed by the outfitter to support conservation projects in Bhutanese riverside communities. The CCF helps protect fisheries, enhance the angling experience, and foster local stewardship of river resources.
Deposit Policy: Bookings are confirmed with a 50% non-refundable deposit and the completion/submission of all booking contracts and required paperwork. Reserved bookings that are not confirmed by the receipt of a 50% non-refundable deposit and completed paperwork within 14 days of the reservation may be canceled. Full and final payment is due 90 days in advance of all booked excursions.
Cancellation Policy: Upon cancellation by guests, the outfitter will work to rebook the angler within the next 12 months and will hold the angler's deposit until rebooking is completed. If anglers do not rebook an excursion within 12 months, payment will be retained by the outfitter.
We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
Click here for our Travel Insurance page.
