Babai River Wilderness Experience

You will take a 50-minute morning flight to Nepalgunj. On a clear day you can watch the Langtang Ranges unfold before you from the airplane.

Upon arrival you will be met by a Tiger Tops representative, provided refreshments and transferred to Chepang bridge, approximately one hour drive away. En route get a feel for life in the Terai passing through towns, fields and forests. A short float downstream away from the nearby villages (approximately 3 hours),  we arrive at the first camp site on the banks of the river. Activities include a swim, a spot of fishing or simply enjoying a drink by the camp fire whilst watching the sun setting behind the Churia hills before dinner is served and retiring to your comfortable tents. 

Wake up early in the morning and tea or coffee will be served to your tent. Enjoy sunrise above the far horizon from camp, which overlooks the river with its wide sandy beaches and low riverine grasslands. Morning time is one of the best times to get the glimpse of wild animals. After a leisurely breakfast we push off and float deeper into the valley. The scenery becomes more breathtaking and wild. The valley widens up as forms the Ghuti phanta, an area of wide grassland plains and a key area for wildlife spotting. After a few hours we find a sandy beach have full hot lunch under the shade of a tree.

After lunch, we continue downstream, have your binoculars and camera ready as we enter prime elephant habitat. Arrival at camp and when the temperature cools down, embark on a jungle walk escorted by our expert naturalist. Sightings of a variety of deer, wild boar and monkeys are common. Hopefully a tiger appears at the water’s edge at dusk, before returning to camp for stories around the camp fire and a well earned rest.

Our day begins with a refreshing cup of coffee, pumping up more enthusiasm and more energy for our adventurous day. After breakfast we break camp and begin our exploration further down stream.

As we float , keep an eye out for the vibrant  bird life that occupies the shores of the Babai. Sightings include several species of stork, Great Hornbills, fishing eagles, fish owls, osprey, parakeets, wildfowl, kingfishers, Black Headed Orioles, herons, egrets and much more. Other  aquatic species include smooth-coated otters, marsh mugger and Gharial crocodiles. We stop for lunch beside the river and take time to explore the surrounding area, bird-watch or simply laze in the midday sun. After lunch we continue floating downstream to camp. From camp a spot of fishing can be done to catch the famous Golden Mahseer or simply read a book by the fire.

Today we say goodbye to our team before we commence the final float down to our take out point at the Babai dam. At the dam we will have a few minutes to walk across the barrage to see the huge Gharial and Mugger crocodiles and turtles warming in the midday sun. Then we will be transferred to Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, where you will spend your next three nights. Built in Tharu vernacular and local materials, the lodge is situated on the edge of Bardia National Park. Upon arrival, the Lodge Manager will provide you a briefing before you retire to the comfort of our Signature Rooms after 3 nights camping. 

An option to head out for sundowners is available before arriving back to the welcoming twinkle of lanterns at the Lodge. Dinner is a relaxed affair and the bar stays open until the last guest has gone to bed.

Wake early to the sounds of the abundant birdlife, grab an early breakfast before embarking on a full day jeep safari in the Park in search of the Tiger. Your highly experienced naturalist will guide you to various hides, lookouts and areas of amazing vistas whilst showing you a plethora of wildlife found in Bardia National Park. Enjoy a packed lunch, whilst you wait for a glimpse of the orange and black stripes. Return via the our private gate back to the sanctuary of the lodge and a cold beer.

Today, after a nice breakfast at the Lodge, you have the opportunity to partake in any of the activities available at Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge.

• Bird Watching
• A river safari to spot wildlife grazing at dawn or dusk
• Another jeep safari in the National Park in search of tigers, rhinos and leopards
• Jungle or village walks
• Relaxing with a good book by the pool.

They can be conducted at your leisure and pace.

Depending on your flight time a jeep drive  or short walking safari early in the morning is possible, with the hopes of spotting the elusive tiger one last time.

After a farewell with the team, depart from the lodge  for a two hour drive to Nepalgunj airport for your onward transfer to Kathmandu or any other destination.

This is a multi-day immersive journey along the Babai River inside Bardiya National Park — combining a gentle float trip, fly fishing (catch & release), wildlife viewing, luxury camping, and a jungle lodge stay. It is designed for those who want to experience one of Nepal’s last true wildernesses at a slow, intimate pace.

The experience typically runs 5 to 7 days depending on your chosen itinerary. Custom durations can be arranged for private groups.

It is suitable for most fitness levels. The river floating is gentle and non-whitewater. A reasonable level of general fitness is recommended as it is a camping experience and activities do involve walking over uneven ground.

The Babai River is renowned for the Golden Mahseer, one of the world’s most prized freshwater sport fish. Other species including the Snakehead and Devils Catfish may also be encountered.

Guests are required to bring their own gear.

Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) Tackle List:

• A medium-heavy spinning rod, around 7–9 feet, rated for 10–15lb line. Single handed trout fishing rod (8-9ft)
• A medium-sized spinning reel with a strong, smooth drag system
• Braided mainline (10–15lb) paired with a heavy mono or fluorocarbon leader (10–20lb)
• Barbless or de-barbed circle hooks reduce injury and make release easier and safer. Lures often used include spoons, spinners, and deep-diving plugs, while flies (streamers, large nymphs) work for fly anglers.
• Landing and Handling Gear

The Golden Mahseer fishing season runs from October through March, with peak conditions typically in October, November when river levels are clear and stable. During January, February and March water levels are low with  fishing is possible but difficult with fish easily spooking. During April and May, fishing is banned during breeding season.

No wildlife sighting can ever be guaranteed, as these are truly wild animals in their natural habitat. However sightings of tiger in Bardia National Park are among the most frequent in Nepal. Our expert naturalists will aim to increase your chances.

All activities are led by experienced, certified local naturalist guides with extensive knowledge of the terrain and wildlife behaviours. Safety briefings are provided before each activity. However any safari is not without risk as we enter an environment that is home to wildlife. All safari experiences should be carefully considered before booking.

The experience combines riverside wilderness camping with stays at Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge. Camping  is a scenic spots along the Babai River, while lodge nights offer comfort, organic meals, and well appointed amenities.

Camps are set up by our crew prior to your arrival at each site. Expect comfortable tents  where you can stand up in , camp cots proper bedding, hot bucket showers and campfire dinners under the stars — a luxury camping standard in the heart of the jungle.

The lodge is one of Nepal’s most iconic and pioneering wildlife lodges, offering beautifully designed rooms that blend into the natural environment, gourmet meals using local ingredients, and a full range of jungle activities. The lodge sits on 30 acres of rewilded land adjacent to Bardia National Park and has a swimming pool and our own organic farm.

Babai Camping Experience:
October – February is the peak season for overall wildlife activity and fishing. March – May is also excellent for tiger sightings as vegetation thins out but the days are hot. We do not operate during the monsoon season (June – September) when the park is closed.

Fishing Season (Catch & release policy):
The Golden Mahseer fishing season runs from October through March, with peak conditions typically in October and November when river levels are clear and stable. During December to March water levels are low but fishing is possible.