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Bhutan’s commitment to conservation lends itself to some of the best habitat. While the nation’s head-waters come together offering anglers a host river-fishing possibilities. They are also host to the iconic Golden Mahseer that symbolize “Bhutan’s elite fish”. While honoring some of the last frontiers of these legendary fish. Witnessed with seasoned Golden Mahseer expert Misty Dhillon. This 9-day angling adventure allows access into some of Bhutan’s most special angling waters that drain Bhutan’s Royal National park before entering India.
Paro’s dramatic Himalayan landing, traditional airport terminals are followed by meeting-up with your hosts. A 3-hr journey driving over Bhutan’s Dochula pass (just over 10,000 ft.) before descending into the picturesque Snow Trout rich waters of the Punakha valley that very same day. Dip your feet in the refreshing waters of the Mo Chu before you make your first-cast at the edge of the Jigme Dorge National Park. Welcome to Bhutan!
An action-packed fishing itinerary has you hit-the-ground-running. Covering some fo the country’s best Golden Mahseer and Snow Trout waters before ending your journey in India.
Bhutan’s mighty Drangme Chhu river is one of the best places for Golden Mahseer fishing. While it enriches Bhutan’s prestigious, Royal Manas national park it also un-leashes some of their most exciting white-water. Draining eastern-Bhutan and contributing significantly to the mighty Bharamaputra river. One of India’s mightiest rivers that empties into the Bay of Bengal.
Due to no dams this watershed’s unobstructed migratory paths and unfragmented Golden Mahseer population promises a future of healthy genetic exchange.
Additionally, this journey expands your vision via the culturally abundant land of the vulnerable Golden Mahseer – an adventure in-itself.
Due to Covid-19 this departure has been postponed indefinitely.
Yes, a Visa is required for Bhutan as well as India.
Day – 1: Arrive in Paro, Bhutan. You are met and chauffeured to Punakha. Spend the evening fishing for snow trout before calling it a day. Welcome to Bhutan!
Day 2: Journey to Tongsa after a morning fishing session in Punakha. Visit the monastery with your knowledgeable hosts before returning to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
Day 3: Depart early in order to get the Golden Mahseer fishing at Timgtibi (lunch time). Begin fishing in exclusive Golden Mahseer waters.
Day 4-8: Enjoy 5-days of Golden Maheer fishing on the edge of Bhutan’s Royal Manas national park. You will be fishing the Mangde Chhu as well as the Drangme Chhu rivers depending on the conditions.
Day 9: Drive (6-7hrs) to via Gelephu (Bhutan India Border & Immigration Check Point) ***anglers MUST have an eVisa/Visa to enter India before driving toward Guwahati India to board your flight back home.
After arrival in Paro, a night is spent in a 3-star hotel in Punakha and another night at Tongsa. Following which six-nights are spent camping and Golden Mahseer fishing using vehicles to drive and fish different locations. A dedicated camp team makes sure you return home to a well-run camp, delicious Bhutanese cuisine, and piping hot beverages before a good night’s rest.
Please note that this is not a float-trip. Fishing arrangements are stationed from a fixed base-camp that is shifted to compliment the angling.
Most Bhutan itineraries are can easily be tailored to fit your set of priorities. Travelers can choose from the following options.
Meals served are freshly prepared by camp cooks and served by expedition service- team with local-guides doubling-up to keep things rolling with the daily fishing schedule (6-8 hrs) that can also be flexible in terms of timings depending on the fishing conditions.
Drinking water: Recyclable mineral water jars are used to re-fill water-bottles that we recommend our travelers carry.
Anglers usually set out after an early (dawn) following a heavy breakfast. Fishing is done throughout the day. Lunch is often catered on the river-bank itself allowing maximizing fishing-time. It is also possible to return to camp in the afternoon, rest and fish late into the evening or night that can also be productive time for Golden Mahseer fishing.
Misty Dhillon has spent over 20 years fishing for Golden Mahseer. He is a world authority in Golden Mahseer fly-fishing and conservation. Read more …
Bhutan’s National Carrier, Druk Air has a fleet of modern Airbus A-319 and ATR planes. Druk Air flies in and out of Paro, Bhutan – Airport Code: (PBH) from:
Power of the river movie: Due for release this summer. This movie offers glimpses of paro, punakha, trongsa and Mangde Chhu, Dranme Chhu rivers that mark the edges of bhutan’s royal manas national park.
