Mahseer Expedition River Trips
Lodging Details
Aside from the on-river camping portion of this trip package, our Bhutan outfitter includes lodgings and amenities (on the front and back end of the trip) that are among the finest in the kingdom. On both the front and back end of each river expedition, you will stay in boutique hotels in Paro, Thimphu, and/or Punakha with accommodations that are always clean and comfortable. Anglers can also expect single room accommodations for all nights. If you want to upgrade to five-star, boutique hotels such as the Aman collection or the Six Senses, this is also an option, and Yellow Dog is happy to provide a quote.
During your camping nights on the river, you will sleep in your own expedition-style tent, which is set up each evening by the camp crew. Your bags and gear will be waiting for you when you arrive in camp after your day of fishing, the dining tent will be set up, and a riverside bonfire will be built and ready for the evening. Most of the nightly campsites are situated at tributaries or along productive fishing runs, allowing for evening and early-morning home-water fishing sessions. It is worth mentioning that these multi-day river trips are best suited for those who appreciate wild places and are comfortable camping and sleeping in tents.
Food and Beverages
Bhutanese cuisine is delicious, and if you enjoy flavorful and spicy food, you will be in heaven with every meal. During your full days on the river, the camp crew will deliver delicious meals that consist primarily of Bhutanese cuisine. Breakfasts include eggs, breakfast meats, fruits, various side dishes, coffee and tea. Rice, meat dishes, spicy vegetable dishes, fruits, and Druk beer are regular lunch and dinner staples. During your hotel stays on the front and back end of these river trips, you will usually enjoy a full morning breakfast at the hotel, with lunches and dinner at area restaurants.
Typical Length of Stay
While our Bhutan outfitter can accommodate everything from singe day trips to extended float and camping itineraries, the standard camping and cultural packages are 10 days in length. Note that if you are already in the Kingdom for general travel or with another non-angling tour package, we can easily assist with shorter fishing itineraries or single-day trips.
Non-Angling Activities & Options
Whether you are visiting the Kingdom to find inner peace amidst majestic mountains and serene rivers, or you’ve come to learn more about the country’s culture and Buddhist philosophies, Bhutan constantly delivers a sense of wonder. Wedged in the high Himalayan region between India and China, Bhutan existed completely undisturbed and largely unvisited for centuries, allowing unique traditions and ways of life to thrive. In fact, it was not until the mid-70s that the Kingdom first began to engage with the “modern world.” Today, arts, crafts, cultural events, and colorful celebrations showcase this remarkable country and the 700,000 Bhutanese people who collectively prioritize happiness above all else. In fact, the country makes “Gross National Happiness” a huge part of daily life – a measure of economic and moral progress that the country of Bhutan first introduced in the 1970s as an alternative to gross domestic product.
To complement the exciting fishing for Golden Mahseer, Chocolate Mahseer, brown trout, and snow trout, the line-ups of non-angling activities in Bhutan are endless. Options include visiting temples, museums, and cultural sites in cities such as Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, and throughout the more rural areas of the country. You can trek, hike and experience nature at its wildest, often surrounded by the awe-inspiring peaks of the Himalayas. Archery (the national sport), wildlife viewing, visiting festivals, whitewater rafting, and so much more are all possible, and sightseeing extensions and cultural tours can easily be added on to any fishing package. In addition to being home to large mammals such as the Asian elephant, tiger, red panda, Himalayan black bear, blue sheep and snow leopard, Bhutan also features 783 unique bird species, more than 800 butterfly species, and upwards of 120 indigenous fish species.
Internet / Communications Communications in Bhutan are quite good in all cities and towns, and all hotels offer strong wi-fi and internet access. There is good cell coverage in and around the cities of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, although you will want to check with your cellular provider about international plans and roaming fees in Bhutan. Once you are on the river for the week, there is actually hot-spot Wi-Fi that can be accessed at most campsites via Bhutan’s incredible cellular network and eSIM connections. The outfitter will provide complimentary eSIM access for all guests, although there will be times when you are out of touch and off the grid while floating and fishing.
