Trip Title: Highland Trout to Jungle Mahseer
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Season: April to June or September to November
Style: Guided fishing and cultural expedition across western, central, and southern Bhutan
– Fishing Regions: Haa River, Chamkhar Chhu (Bumthang), Manas River
– Fish Species Targeted: Snow Trout, Golden Mahseer
– Altitude Range: 800 m (Manas) to 3,800 m (Chelela)
– Accommodation: Homestays, eco-camps, boutique lodges
Arrive at Paro International Airport. After airport formalities, meet your local guide and transfer to a heritage lodge. Spend the afternoon walking through Paro town, visiting Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Prepare gear for your first trout session the following day. Overnight in Paro.
Depart early for the drive to Haa Valley via Chelela Pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable point. Arrive at Haa River and begin fishing for native snow trout in its glacial-fed currents. Late afternoon cultural visit to Lhakhang Karpo and traditional homestay dinner. Overnight in Haa.
Return through winding roads to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Visit Buddha Dordenma, Folk Heritage Museum, and the Royal Textile Academy. Enjoy a market walk and dinner at a local restaurant with seasonal dishes. Overnight in Thimphu.
Board a short domestic flight to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan. Spend the afternoon fishing along the Chamkhar Chhu River for high-altitude snow trout. Visit Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey temples. Overnight in a riverside lodge.
Continue fly fishing upstream through remote stretches of Chamkhar Chhu. Learn local angling techniques and river lore from regional guides. Afternoon visit to a nearby farmhouse for traditional lunch and cultural exchange. Overnight in Bumthang.
Set out early for a long drive south toward Panbang in Zhemgang district, gateway to Bhutan’s southern jungle belt. As altitude drops, terrain shifts to dense forest and warmer climate. Arrive late afternoon at jungle-edge eco-camp. Overnight in Panbang.
Transfer to a riverside camp near Manas River, on the Bhutan–India border. Full-day guided fishing targeting Golden Mahseer in deep jungle pools and gravel runs. Campfire dinner and stories from local fish scouts. Overnight in riverside tented camp.
Second day on the Manas River, drifting through stretches of braided channels and boulder fields. Final session casting for Mahseer and snow trout. Afternoon visit to a nearby village and optional wildlife sighting across the national park buffer zone. Overnight at camp.
Early morning drive to Samdrup Jongkhar border and cross into India. Continue by road to Guwahati Airport (approx. 4 hours) for outbound flight.
– Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
– Domestic flight from Thimphu to Bumthang
– All ground transport with driver and guide
– Fishing permits and conservation fees for all regions
– Local fly-fishing guides at each river section
– Accommodation for 8 nights in locally selected lodges and camps
– All meals from arrival to departure
– Cultural visits, homestay lunch, gear support
– Border facilitation and India transfer assistance
– International flights to Bhutan and from Guwahati
– Indian tourist visa
– Personal fishing equipment (can be arranged on request)
– Travel insurance (required)
– Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
– Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
