Seti–Karnali International Mahseer Angling Challenge Nepal 2026

The First International Catch & Release Fishing Competition in the Himalayas

For the first time in Nepal’s history, elite international anglers will gather on the pristine waters of the Seti and Karnali Rivers for a groundbreaking sport fishing event the Seti–Karnali International Mahseer Angling Challenge 2026.

Organized in collaboration with local authorities and aligned with the Nepal Tourism Board’s sustainable adventure tourism initiative, this 11-day expedition-style competition introduces Nepal to the global stage of Himalayan sport fishing.

Hosted by Himalayan Glacier Adventure, this exclusive angling expedition combines:

• Trophy Golden Mahseer fishing
• Giant Goonch catfish angling
• Class II–III wilderness rafting (Occasional class IV sections depending on river flow and season)
• Remote riverside camping
• Conservation-focused catch & release sport fishing

📅 22 March – 2 April 2026
⛺ 11 Days / 10 Nights
👥 Limited to Only 6 International Anglers

Why This Mahseer Fishing Competition Is Historic

Nepal is world-famous for Everest and Himalayan trekking. Now, its untamed river systems are stepping into the spotlight as a premier international freshwater fishing destination.

The Seti–Karnali Angling Challenge is:

• Nepal’s first international Mahseer fishing competition
• A strict catch & release conservation tournament
• A small-group, high-end river expedition experience
• A fusion of rafting, jungle wilderness, and competitive angling

This is not a stationary fishing contest.

It is a fully supported Himalayan river expedition, moving through deep gorges, jungle corridors, remote canyon pools, and untouched fishing beats rarely accessed by outsiders.

Target Species: The Legends of Himalayan Rivers

1. Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) – The Tiger of Himalayan Rivers

The Golden Mahseer is one of the most sought-after freshwater game fish in the world. Known for explosive power, long runs, and aggressive strikes, it is often called South Asia’s ultimate sport fish.

Catching a trophy Mahseer in Nepal’s wild Seti–Karnali river system is a bucket-list achievement for serious anglers.

2. Goonch (Giant River Catfish)

The legendary Goonch catfish inhabits deep pools and strong Himalayan currents. This powerful river predator offers slow, heavy, endurance-based battles that test even experienced anglers.

For big river sport fishing enthusiasts, Goonch angling in Nepal is unforgettable.

Expedition Format: A Moving River Challenge

Unlike traditional tournaments, this competition follows a downstream expedition model along the Seti–Karnali corridor.

Participants rotate through:

• 5 remote riverside camps
• Carefully selected high-yield fishing beats
• Deep canyon pools and rapid sections
• Fresh, unfished stretches daily
• Raft-supported river movement

This ensures fair rotation, untouched waters, and maximum angling opportunity.

Participation Fee & Reservation
To receive detailed pricing and secure your place in the Seti–Karnali International Mahseer Angling Challenge 2026, please contact Himalayan Glacier Adventures directly.

What’s Included in the All-Inclusive Fishing Package:

• Domestic flights within Nepal
• Ground transportation
• Riverside wilderness camping
• Hotel stays in Kathmandu & Bardia
• Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Rafting support & fishing logistics
• Professional fishing guides & safety crew
• Event coordination & prize ceremony

This comprehensive package allows participants to focus entirely on Mahseer fishing and wilderness adventure.

Official Award Categories

🏆 Heaviest Mahseer
🏆 Most Mahseer Caught (Multiple Catch)
🏆 Heaviest Goonch

All fish must be properly recorded and safely released under supervision.

Catch & Release Policy – Ethical & Sustainable Angling

This is a 100% Catch & Release Fishing Competition.

All catches must be:

• Photographed with date/time verification
• Reported to camp managers
• Weighed with witnesses (for prize categories)
• Released immediately back into the river

No overnight retention is allowed.

This model supports:

• Sustainable sport fishing in Nepal
• Scientific fish documentation
• Long-term river ecosystem protection
• Responsible angling tourism development

Himalayan Glacier Adventures proudly promotes ethical Mahseer fishing in Nepal.

Detailed Program Itinerary

21 March – Arrival in Kathmandu

Airport transfer, hotel check-in, official briefing covering rules, safety, conservation, and expedition strategy.

22 March – Fly to Dhangadhi & Drive to Dipayal

Scenic domestic flight and drive to the river gateway. Overnight preparation near the Seti River.

23–31 March – The Angling Challenge Expedition

Nine full days of fishing across rotating camps along the Seti–Karnali river system.

Daily features:

• Early morning casting sessions
• Full-day angling
• Raft-assisted relocation
• Riverside wilderness camping
• Professional support & safety team

The challenge concludes at Thuligadh on 31 March.

1^st April – Bardia Celebration

Drive to Bardia for official prize distribution and gala dinner with Nepali cultural performances.

2^nd April – Return to Kathmandu

Morning flight back. End of official program.

Official Competition Rules

• Treble & single hooks permitted
• Maximum two rods for bait fishing
• No fishing in other groups’ beats
• No casting from moving rafts
• Rule violations result in disqualification

Why International Anglers Should Join

• Target the world-famous Golden Mahseer in Nepal
• Explore one of Asia’s most pristine river systems
• Combine rafting, jungle camping & sport fishing
• Join an exclusive 6-person elite expedition
• Experience Nepali culture in Bardia National Park
• Contribute to conservation-based fishing tourism

This is not just competition. It is legacy-building Himalayan angling.

Best Season for Mahseer Fishing in Nepal

The competition takes place during Nepal’s prime spring fishing season (March–April) when Mahseer are active and river conditions are stable.

Other ideal seasons:

Spring (March–May) – Active Mahseer & favorable river flow
Autumn (October–November) – Clear waters & strong fishing performance

Himalayan Glacier Adventures also offers custom Mahseer fishing expeditions in Nepal beyond the competition dates.

Himalayan Glacier Adventures – Specialists in Nepal Fishing Expeditions

We specialize in:

• Seti–Karnali Mahseer fishing trips
• Giant Goonch expeditions
• Himalayan trout fishing tours
• Wilderness angling safaris
• Fishing + cultural safari packages

We manage:

• Fishing permits
• Professional guides
• River logistics & rafting
• Conservation compliance
• Accommodation & transport

Whether you are a competitive angler or an adventure fishing traveler, we create expedition-level fishing experiences in Nepal.

Secure Your Seat for Nepal’s First International Mahseer Fishing Competition
Only six anglers will be selected for this historic Seti–Karnali expedition. If you’re serious about trophy Golden Mahseer fishing, conservation-driven angling, and exploring untouched Himalayan rivers, this is your opportunity.

Reserve your place before availability closes and be part of Nepal’s first global Mahseer angling milestone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Seti–Karnali International Mahseer Angling Challenge?

The Seti–Karnali International Mahseer Angling Challenge 2026 is Nepal’s first international catch & release fishing competition, targeting Golden Mahseer and Goonch in the Himalayan river system.

2. When will the Mahseer fishing competition take place?

The event runs from 22 March to 2 April 2026, with 11 days of expedition-style fishing along the Seti and Karnali Rivers.

3. How many participants are allowed?

The competition is strictly limited to 6 international anglers to ensure exclusivity, fair fishing rotation, and high-quality expedition logistics.

4. What species can be caught during the competition?

Participants will target:

• Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora)
• Goonch (Giant River Catfish)

Both species are native to Nepal’s Himalayan river systems.

5. Is this a catch & release fishing tournament?

Yes. This is a 100% Catch & Release competition. All fish must be photographed, verified, properly recorded, and released immediately back into the river.

6. What is included in the participation package?

The all-inclusive expedition package includes:

• Domestic flights within Nepal
• Ground transportation
• Riverside camping accommodation
• Hotel stays in Kathmandu and Bardia
• Full board meals
• Professional fishing guides
• Raft support and safety crew
• Prize ceremony and gala dinner

7. Do I need a fishing permit for Mahseer fishing in Nepal?

All required fishing permits and logistical arrangements are managed by Himalayan Glacier Adventures as part of the expedition package.

8. What is the best season for Mahseer fishing in Nepal?

The best seasons for Mahseer fishing in Nepal are:

• Spring (March–May)
• Autumn (October–November)

The competition is scheduled during prime spring fishing conditions.

9. What level of experience is required?

This expedition is recommended for experienced sport anglers comfortable with strong river currents and big-game freshwater fishing.

10. Can non-competitors join the expedition?

This event is structured as a competition format. However, Himalayan Glacier Adventures also offers custom Mahseer fishing trips in Nepal outside the tournament dates.