Adventure Tourism in Nepal: Angling

The Himalayas provide innumerable opportunities for adventure tourism; Nepal takes the lead in climbing, trekking, river rafting and fishing. The country is full of lakes and rivers that rise in the Himalayas and are perfect for many adventure tourism activities including fishing and angling. Local agents of adventure tourism in Nepal can organize guided fishing trips.

The sparkling waters are full of over185 varieties of exotic fish ranging from the much sought after Mahseer to the mountain stream trout, catfish, Murrei, rainbow trout, common trout and carp. Adventure tourism in Nepal in the southern region of the country is known all over for the excellent opportunities to catch trout and Mahseer. Popular areas for fishing trips include the Babai valley in the Bardiya National Park in west Nepal. The confluence of the smaller rivers such as Seti with Trisuli and of the Kaligandaki and Trisuli rivers are places which are dancing with fish. In case you are short of time on your trip, some trekking or travel agencies also organize fishing trips in streams close to Kathmandu.

The best season for fishing is from October to November and February to May. The Betrawati, Indrawati, Karnali, Trisuli and Koshi are some of the major rivers where fishing and angling is popular. Anglers can also try their luck in the numerous lakes particularly in the Pokhara valley. Hire a boat and spend a quiet day on the still waters of the Phewa Tal, the largest lake in the valley, Begnas Tal or Rupa Tal lakes. The lakes themselves are accessible by local buses or hire a bike to get there.

You will come across some unusual ethnic tribes in the hills and Terai region of Nepal like the Bote, Majhi, Tharu and Machhuwar whose livelihood depends on fishing and the rivers. Try the local methods of fishing using a bamboo pole or a crude fish trap.
There are some times of the year and some rivers where fishing is strictly prohibited and it is important to follow the local rules. Some rivers like Koshi, Rapti and Narayani are also home to other aquatic species such as fresh water dolphins and crocodiles, so watch out!