Private Expedition · 10 days · also 7 or 12
Nepal Unseen: A 10-Day Mahseer & Wildlife Experience
Three nights floating through Bardia, once the royal hunting grounds of Nepal’s kings. Cast for golden mahseer by day, camp on quiet sandbars by night, and track tigers with naturalists who have spent their lives here.
length
10 Days
CUSTOM
Guests
2-12
PRIVATE
PACE
EXPEDITION
SUPPORTED
SEASON
OCT & NOV
WINTER
RATES
12,850
FROM
BEFORE YOU READ ON
You've fished the famous rivers. This one isn't on anyone's list.
When did a trip last make you feel like the first person to see a place?
What would it mean to hook a fish that can straighten a hook, with tiger tracks in the sand beside you?
And the honest questions: How remote is it? What if my partner doesn’t fish? Who’s there if something goes wrong?
Good questions. This expedition was built around every one of them.
Something for everyone in your group
For the wildlife lovers
Tiger tracking, wild elephants, gharial crocodiles, river dolphins and hundreds of bird species.
For the anglers
Three days chasing golden mahseer on a wild Himalayan river, with guides who read the water and help with technique.
For anyone who needs quiet
Sandbar camps with no one else in sight, campfire evenings and the temples of the Kathmandu Valley.
Your Nepal Journey
Kathmandu
3 Nights
Bardia river float
3 Nights
Tiger Tops Lodge
3 Nights
Your 10-day expedition, day by day
A starting point. River days follow the water, the weather and the fish.
Garlands and a briefing
Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu
Your guide meets you with marigold garlands and takes you to your heritage hotel. Over dinner, a relaxed briefing on the river, the tackle and the days ahead.
Prayer wheels at dawn
Day 2
Kathmandu
Circle the great white dome of Boudhanath with pilgrims at first light. In the afternoon, Patan’s royal square and the bronze casters who still work by hand.
Or instead: a slow morning and the bazaars of Thamel
The medieval city of Bhaktapur
Day 3
Kathmandu Valley
Wander Bhaktapur’s car-free squares and potters’ yards. At dusk, the fire ceremony on the Bagmati at Pashupatinath.
For the early risers: a sunrise mountain flight past Everest
Onto the river
Day 4
Bardia float
Fly west to Nepalgunj and drive to the edge of Bardia National Park. Launch the rafts, make your first casts, and pull up at a sandbar where camp is already set.
The tiger of the rivers
Day 5
Bardia float
A full day on the water. Your guides read the runs and pools where golden mahseer hold, fly or spin. Every fish is caught and released. Watch the banks for gharial crocodiles and wild elephants.
For non-anglers: birding from the raft and a guided walk along the riverbank
A sky full of stars
Day 6
Bardia float
Another day deeper into the park, with no roads, no lodges and no other boats. Keep an eye out for the rare river dolphin. Dinner by the fire, then a sky with no lights for a hundred miles.
From camp to lodge
Day 7
End Float Trip → Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge
A last morning on the water, then on to Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, one of Nepal’s original wildlife pioneers. A hot shower, a long lunch and an afternoon at your own pace.
On the trail of the tiger
Day 8
Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge
Head into the park with naturalist guides who know each tiger’s territory. Read pugmarks and listen for alarm calls from deer and langur monkeys.
A Tharu village and a farewell
Day 9
Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
A morning jeep safari, then an afternoon in a Tharu village, the people who have lived alongside this jungle for centuries. Farewell dinner at the lodge.
Home with a story no one else has
Day 10
Kathmandu
Fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu for your onward flight home.
Signature Journey
RECOMENDED
10 days
10-Day Mahseer & Wildlife Experience
Three nights afloat in Bardia, once the royal hunting grounds of Nepal. Cast for golden mahseer, camp on quiet sandbars, and track tigers with lifelong naturalists.
Comfort, safety and pace
Pace
Gentle. No trekking, and every walk is optional. Two short flights save you the long drives.
Altitude
Nothing to worry about. The highest point is Sarangkot at about 5,200 ft, and Kathmandu sits around 4,600 ft.
Our team on the ground
Our own team in Kathmandu is with you every day, and on call around the clock. You’ll always know who to call.
Medical access
Medical access in Nepal may be limited; we strongly recommend evacuation insurance. Guides carry medical kits; please bring your own.
In Their Words
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's included
- Private English-speaking guide, driver and vehicle
- 9 nights in hand-picked hotels and lodges
- All meals outside Kathmandu, breakfasts in Kathmandu [CONFIRM]
- Domestic flights within Nepal
- All entrance fees, park permits and activities listed
- Airport welcome and farewell
- Chitwan canoe, jeep safari and Tharu village evening
- Welcome and farewell dinners
Whats Not Included
- International flights to Kathmandu
- Nepal visa (on arrival for US citizens)
- Travel and evacuation insurance (required)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Drinks and personal purchases
Your Invitation
1
Call with Misty
A complimentary conversation by phone, video or in person.
2
Journey Designed
After a short pre-trip interview, we design it around your group at no cost.
3
Call with Your Group
Misty walks everyone through it and answers every question.
4
We handle the rest
Visas, flights, lodges and guides, then our team is with you in Nepal.
Questions about this journey
No. There’s no trekking, and every walk is optional. If you can walk comfortably for an hour, you’ll be fine.
Will the altitude affect us?
Unlikely. Kathmandu is around 4,600 ft and Pokhara lower still, so you can enjoy Himalayan views without high-altitude nights.
Can we do 7 or 12 days instead?
Yes. The 7-day version covers the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara. The 12-day version adds the Everest region by helicopter and the Namo Buddha monastery.
When is the best time to visit Nepal?
Autumn (October–November) for crystal-clear mountain views and festivals, and spring (March–April) for rhododendrons and warm days.
Do we need a visa?
US citizens can get a tourist visa on arrival in Kathmandu. We walk everyone in your group through it before you travel.
Plan Nepal for your circle
Tell us who’s coming and when. Misty will call to ask a few questions about your group, then design your journey at no cost.
[Autumn 2027: 2 private group departures left]
Rather talk now? +1 443.766.3644
Private journeys start from $8,500 per person, including your guide, hotels, domestic flights, park fees and all logistics. Price depends on group size, season and lodges.
Unlikely. Kathmandu is around 4,600 ft and Pokhara lower still, so you can enjoy Himalayan views without high-altitude nights.
Yes. The 7-day version covers the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara. The 12-day version adds the Everest region by helicopter and the Namo Buddha monastery.
US citizens can get a tourist visa on arrival in Kathmandu. We walk everyone in your group through it before you travel.