Mahseer Expedition River Trips

Lodging Details

Our Bhutan outfitter includes lodgings and amenities that are among the finest in the kingdom, and we can fully customize your trip itinerary and experience in any way you imagine. On the front and back end of each river expedition, you will stay in boutique hotels in Paro and Thimphu, and a night or two in Punakha can also be added on request. The hotels are always clean and comfortable, and anglers can expect single room accommodations for all nights. If you want to upgrade to five-star, boutique hotels, this is also an option, and Yellow Dog is happy to provide a quote. 

During your nights on the river, you will sleep in your own expedition-style double 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 hotel stays on the front and back end of river trips, you will usually enjoy a full morning breakfast at the hotel, with lunches and dinner at area restaurants. 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.

Typical Length of Stay

While our Bhutan outfitter can accommodate everything from singe day trips to extended float and camping itineraries, the most common packages are the 10-Day Mahseer Expedition and the 10-Day Trout and Cultural Tour. 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.

Ten-Day Mahseer Trip
This package begins with your international arrival into Paro, with the first two days spent in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha visiting some of the amazing cultural sites in the Kingdom (including the Tigress’s Nest monastery, the Punakha Dzong, and the Temple to the Fifth King). Day three through eight of this package consist of a six-day, five-night float trip down one of the world’s most beautiful mahseer rivers with a return to the capital city of Thimphu on the evening of day eight. Day nine is spent exploring markets and cultural sites in the Kingdom’s largest city (approx. 100,000 people) in preparation for a morning departure on day ten. These ten-day mahseer expeditions are the most popular for fishing-focused trips.

Customizable Trout and Cultural Itinerary
This itinerary begins with arrival in Paro and an overnight stay before departing for Bumthang by domestic air charter on day two. You can select any number of days to fish and explore the many rivers, streams and cultural attractions of central and western Bhutan before arriving back in Thimphu at the end of your trip. Your final day can be spent exploring markets and cultural sites in the Kingdom’s largest city in preparation for your final departure. These trips are fully customized and can incorporate any number of days. Contact Yellow Dog for more details.

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), horseback riding, 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 eSIM access for all guests, although there will be times when you are out of touch and off the grid while floating and fishing.

How To Get There
Bhutan is by no means a quick trip when it comes to travel, but once you arrive and experience all the country has to offer, you will find it is well worth the time and effort. Bhutan can be accessed via two different airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, with Drukair offering the most flights. Most visitors opt to fly directly into Paro (Bhutan’s only international airport) on Drukair from Bangkok, Thailand, and we always recommend at least one night in Bangkok to acclimate to the new time zone and to allow for any international flight or baggage delays. Other direct flights into Paro are available from Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and Bagdora), Singapore, and Nepal (Kathmandu). Once you arrive in Paro you will be met at the airport to begin your fully hosted, all-inclusive trip itinerary. If you would like Yellow Dog’s travel services to handle your airline reservations and full travel itinerary, we will be happy to take care of everything. If you are handling flight reservations on your own, please let us know your arrival and departure details as soon as possible.

Arrival and Departure Details / Times

As each river expedition trip itinerary is customized, you can arrive in Paro at any time on your scheduled arrival day. You will typically spend the first night of the trip in Paro, with the second day dedicated to visiting the famous Tigresses Nest Monastery and other area attractions. Yellow Dog will work with you on finalizing all dates and arrival details, as all trips are scheduled to take into account Bhutanese “Auspicious Days” during the Lunar Cycle Months. These days are a factor in this Buddhist country, as there is no fishing allowed on Auspicious Days. That means that there are no regular change-over days for this program, and spring and fall launch dates are customized each season.

Documents Required

All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six (6) months of trips dates. Please be sure that your passport has at least two blank, unstamped pages remaining in the back, and that it is not torn, delaminated, or damaged in any way. All visitors (except for those from India) also require a Bhutanese visa – a process that is a bit involved. Please note that your Bhutan visa in included with all fishing packages and arranged by our outfitter. And finally, all travelers to Bhutan must provide proof of Travel Insurance / Medical Evacuation Insurance in order to be approved for entry into the country.

Travel Arrangements

Yellow Dog provides airline reservations and ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes. 

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
All visitors to Bhutan are required to make a contribution to Bhutan’s economic, social, and cultural development by paying a visitor fee (the SDF) of $100 USD per day. The SDF funds important programs and projects that preserve the country’s cultural traditions, protect Bhutan’s environment, upgrade infrastructure, and create more opportunities for young people. Note the daily SDF fee is included in all Yellow Dog packages and handled ahead of time.

Travel Tools
– Airline Ticketing
– Moon Phases
– Rent This Rod
– Trip Insurance and Emergency Evacuation
– Global Rescue Membership

General Information
Fishing for Mahseer in the Kingdom of Bhutan is very different than the fishing offered in most freshwater angling destinations. The main thing to know is that these fish are never easy, and most days focus on quality over quantity, they definitely fall into the category of “fish of a thousand casts”. But when you do come tight on a double-digit golden or chocolate mahseer on the wild waters of a remote Bhutanese river, you will quickly understand why the mahseer is such a special fish. The techniques and fishing styles used for mahseer can best be compared to fishing for fishing for steelhead or Atlantic Salmon, where swinging flies and focusing on prime holding water is usually the name of the game.

One of the most unique things about this program, however, is that along with swinging flies, anglers are always floating these rivers for several miles each day – covering all types of productive water utilizing 16-foot NRS rafts outfitted with fishing frames and casting platforms. While most mahseer fishing throughout the region has traditionally focused on wade fishing specific areas, this is an operation that incorporates modern and effective techniques for fishing from the rafts while covering miles of productive water. This is similar in many ways to the fishing scenarios found on the rivers of the U.S. West. You will definitely stop and wade fish productive areas such as confluences and tributaries (areas where mahseer are regularly found) but you will likely catch more fish from the boat – casting and fishing the entire time while floating and moving between prime wading areas. This is especially effective for chocolate mahseer – a species that is typically found in holding water similar to brown trout in the U.S. Streamers are the main game, and nymphs and even large foam dry flies can also be effective.

The Species

Golden Mahseer
Native to the Himalayan Range, Golden Mahseer are one of the most highly coveted – and rare – target species in all of fly fishing. They are truly a “fish of a thousand casts,” and fishing for mahseer is in many ways similar to fishing for steelhead. They are incredibly tough fish that survive in one of the most hostile aquatic environments in the world: the rivers of the Himalayas. Rarer than chocolate mahseer, they typically inhabit different types of holding water, and strong leaders and stout, heavy-gauge hooks are a must for this tremendously strong species. 

Chocolate Mahseer
Chocolates are a beautiful species found in the same rivers as golden mahseer, representing about 75% of the mahseer species found in Bhutan’s rivers. While they typically do not reach the same lengths as the larger goldens, they are usually much fatter, and they are legendary for their fight and overall strength. With darker scales along their backs and side flanks, they are marked with brilliant colors of turquoise greens, blues, and teals. 

Brown Trout
First introduced to the Kingdom in the 1930s, brown trout thrive in colder rivers found at higher elevations. Similar to fishing in the U.S. West, dry fly and nymphing techniques work well for these fish. Brown trout are rarely found in the same waters as mahseer, as mahseer prefer rivers at lower elevations. If you are adding on extra days to a mahseer float to fish the smaller rivers near Paro, Thimphu or Punakha, you can expect to find very productive trout fishing.

Snow Trout
Snow trout are native to the area – an exotic species that will willingly take a fly. Technically a member of the sucker family, snow trout have beautiful markings and deliver a great fight. Nymphs are the preferred food of snow trout, and subsurface presentations make for reel-burning runs on every hookup.

Boats and Equipment

For all multi-day mahseer river expeditions, anglers will fish two-to-a-boat out of 16-foot NRS rafts that are set up and outfitted with fishing frames. Support boats will follow anglers each day, carrying all camping gear, luggage, and food for the full week on the river. Tents and all camping gear, as well as NRS dry bags, are provided by the outfitter. Anglers will need to bring all fishing equipment, terminal tackle, and flies, and Yellow Dog will provide detailed gear and packing lists. Relevant and effective mahseer fly assortments can be ordered through the Yellow Dog Fly Shop, as we have the preferred and proven fly patterns for the waters of Bhutan. 

Package Rates

Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter. All prices listed below are per person and quoted in US dollars. Packages usually run 10 full days in-country, although trips of other lengths can be arranged. Please call Yellow Dog for details.

Ten-Day Mahseer Expedition Float Trip
Maximum of 6 angling guests per group.
US $9,950 per angler

Customizable Trout and Cultural Itinerary
Maximum of 6 angling guests per intact group.
Please contact Yellow Dog for rates and options.

What’s Included:

• Meet and greet at the Paro International Airport (PBH)
• Hotel nights in Bhutan (on front and back end of trip fishing / camping trip)
• 6 nights of river camping with all equipment provided
• All meals while in country
• All non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water, coffee and tea
• A set amount of Bhutanese beer (with more available on request)
• Daily guided fishing (2 anglers per guide)
• Bhutanese fishing license, community and conservation permit fees, and taxes
• All in-country transfers (ground or domestic air) as listed in your itinerary
• Bhutanese visa and tourist license
• All guided cultural tours

What’s Not Included:

• International flights to Bhutan
• Alcohol Beverages (wines and liquor) 
• Tackle and flies
• Gratuities for drivers, fishing guides, and camp staff
• Trip Insurance and costs associated with circumstances that are out of outfitter’s control like flight delays, bad weather, etc.
• Mandatory medical evacuation insurance coverage (required by the Bhutan government)

Terms and Conditions / Cancellations
A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is due at the time of booking for all trip packages and reservations, and final payment if due 90 days prior to arrival. Please note that for all Yellow Dog Flyfishing, L.L.C. (YDFA) Bhutan itineraries, both deposits and final payments are non-refundable. If a cancelled package is resold by either the outfitter/operator or by Yellow Dog Flyfishing for the exact same itinerary, then a full refund will be sent minus a $100.00 per person cancellation fee charged by Yellow Dog. In the case of cancellation by the client, both deposit and final payment may be transferred to another guest or angler for those same (original) dates if facilitated and arranged by the client. For all reservations booked over a year in advance, the rates and dates indicated for the reservation are based on the current calendar year season and schedule, and final prices are subject to change for the following season. Because of the operator’s no refund and no credit policy, we highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. In no event will the operator or Yellow Dog be responsible for any cancellation of services or operations due to inclement weather, any event of force majeure, airline delays, missed travel connections, train delays, or any other reason beyond the control of the operator. If your flights are late and connections are missed, the operator is not responsible for alternative travel arrangements including flights, hotels, meals and any other expenses incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages. Once again, Yellow Dog strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance all Bhutan packages.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings  

Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations. Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment 

• Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3 
• Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees) 
• Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT. 

Is it easy to travel to Bhutan?
The answer is YES! Bhutan is serviced by several popular travel hubs including Bangkok, New Dehli, Singapore and others. Travel to Bhutan is also commonly combined with other regional visits. Most anglers from the U.S. access Bhutan by flying through Bankgok, Thailand on Drukair.

Isn't travel to Bhutan highly restricted and exclusive?
Bhutan is committed to the philosophy of high value/low volume tourism – the vision of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the Fourth King of Bhutan. This philosophy has resulted in the focused preservation of cultural integrity within the kingdom and a unique, unforgettable tourist experience. Our outfitter handles and arranges all visas, government approvals, and logistics for these trip packages, making this a very easy program.

Is recreational fishing allowed in Bhutan?
Recreational angling was first allowed in 1974 for brown trout (introduced) and snow trout (native). But very little regulation existed when it came to fishing for Golden and Chocolate Mahseer, and targeting these species has historically been highly restricted. In 2022, the Kingdom decided to open up recreational angling for all species in Bhutan for the first time in history, providing anglers access to some of the finest mahseer fishing on the planet.

Do I need to hire a guide to fish in Bhutan?
Fly fishing in Bhutan requires the hiring of a trained and certified fishing guide. Non-Bhutanese may never fish without a Bhutanese guide or risk penalties and confiscation of equipment. It is important to note that there is no DIY fishing allowed in the Kingdom.

Bhutan is famous for its cultural attractions. Are these included in trip itineraries?
Absolutely! Visits to Bhutan's most famous cultural attractions including the Tigress’s Nest monastery, the Punakha Dzong, and the world's largest sitting Buddha statue are part of every adventure. 

Are non-anglers welcome to join these trips?
YES! Non-angling guests are welcome and encouraged to join these adventures. There are many recreational options on HFA trips including cultural visits, home stays, hiking and trekking, yoga, meditation, cultural festivals, bird and butterfly watching, wildlife viewing and even golf.