Cheers to Goonch (Devil Catfish) and Himalayan Mahseer!
Dear Sport Anglers,
We are pleased to once again be able to offer you a tour fully matching our name “Global Fishing Adventures” – because here, in addition to fishing in an extremely isolated location, the focus is above all on adventure. The experience of being in a very special place – and catching fish that hardly any angler has ever seen.
Fishing at the feet of the Himalayan mountains in the border area between India and Nepal with focus on 2 very extraordinary fish species: The Golden Mahseer and the Goonch, or “Devil Catfish” — both fish that are not easy to catch and that pose a real challenge to anglers. A tour that has absolute expedition character.
Fishing expeditions in the Himalayas have nothing to do with mass tourism – and so we are currently offering only one guided tour in October to the “Roof of the World” in October 2023, with only 4 participants.
We have very experienced local guides who have known the area for years and who will take us to the best spots.
The Himalayan Golden Mahseer is one on the most desirable fish among sport fishermen worldwide. It can be found only in the mountain rivers of the Himalayas and is often called “river tiger” by the natives. Here certainly not only the appearance, but especially its tremendous fighting power plays a major role.
The fish is considered to be highly adaptive and intelligent – and is even recognized for its ability to communicate with each other. It is said that if an artificial lure has caught a mahseer, this lure will not entice a second fish of this species to bite. Whether this is true or not may not be proven. But in any case you should be prepared for the fact that the catch is already a little challenge.
The goonch is truly a figure straight out of a chamber of horrors. This prehistoric-looking catfish has anything but a good reputation among the locals. Incidents where the teeth-baring loudmouths have even attacked people are not uncommon. There are very few anglers who have been able to land such a fish. The devil catfish prefers to live in the deeper pools of the Ramganga River to lie in wait for its prey. While spinnerbaits are also used when fishing for Mahseer, only natural baits are used here. Once the goonch has taken the bait, a fierce fight by hook or by crook begins – which does not always end in the angler’s favour. There are specimens of all sizes in the river – from 10 pounds to 300 pounds and 2 metres in length….
The target region of our tour is the western Ramganga, a tributary of the Ganges almost 600 km long. Its headwaters are in the western Himalayas. The big advantage this river has over most others in the region: It hosts both the Himalayan Golden Mahseer and the Goonch – and therefore both species are also the target fish of our tour. There are other fish species here as well, which can make up the bycatch: Brown trout, rainbow trout, eel, redfin mahseer and chocolate mahseer.
“Outdoor spirit” is the name of the game on this tour – if you expect 5-star standard, this tour is definitely not for you. A certain physical resilience should not be completely ignored on such a tour – because we are on the road for several days in wild nature – without any contact with the civilisation.
You must bring your own fishing tackle for this tour. We will send you detailed information in good time.
One more hint: Goonch and Mahseer are among the most extraordinary fish you can catch on our planet. It goes without saying that it is not that easy. We have the best local guides and fish in absolutely top waters for these species — but it still requires a lot of patience and also a portion of luck to get these fish on the hook.
It has only happened once in 36 years — but if the Ramganga River region is inaccessible due to heavy rains, we may have to change plans (even on location) and fish a different river system (e.g. the Kali River, which however only hosts Himalayan Golden Mahseer).
Planned schedule of the Tour:
Direct flight Frankfurt – New Delhi (Lufthansa), or alternatively with a stopover via Zurich (SWISS). Connecting flights from other German airports are possible.
After arrival in New Delhi, transfer to the guesthouse of our local partner to freshen up a little before catching the train to Lal Kuan at 05:30. The comfortable train journey takes about 5 hours. After arrival at Lal Kuan, we continue by car (approx. 2 hours) to Marchula. There we check in at the Marchula Resort, where we can enjoy another night of very high standard before the actual expedition begins – during which the accommodation for the coming days will of course only be very “basic”. Full board.
Breakfast in the resort and then around noon start of our journey to the first fishing spot on the Ranganga River. Here we set up camp for the next few days (tent accommodation – each guest has his own tent) and fish along the banks of the river. There are 3-4 pools for Goonch, as well as numerous spots for spin fishing for Himalayan Golden Mahseer.
Programme according to the description above. Full board.
After breakfast we pack up the camp and drive to our 2nd fishing spot, which is about 70 km away (about 4 hours drive in the Himalayan Mountains). We arrive here in the afternoon and will fish for a few hours. Accommodation in tented camp + full board.
Fishing in the 2nd fishing area. Accommodation + Catering like before.
On this day we fish until about 15:00 and then go back to Marchula Resort, where we spend the night.
After breakfast we return to Lal Kuan where we take the train to New Delhi. Arrival New Delhi around 21:00, where we will have our farewell dinner in a restaurant. Afterwards drive to the airport.
Scheduled return flight at night with arrival in Germany in the early hours of the morning.
- All transfers
- Train ride New Delhi – Lal Kuan (h/r)
- Drive Lal Kuan – Marchula Resort (h/r)
- 2 nights at Marchula Resort
- 8 days in a tented camp on the Ramganga River
- 9 days fishing incl. guide. Alternately on Golden Mahseer or Goonch
- Full board for the whole time
- Guiding: Kai Witt, Global Fishing Adventures
Price per person: € 4.999,–
Not included in the price:
- Flight Frankfurt- Delhi (we will be happy to make you an offer for this)
- Tips
Please book in time – places are very limited.
Note: It has only happened once in 36 years – but if the Ramganga River region is not accessible due to heavy rains, we will have to change plans (if necessary even just on the spot) and possibly fish another river system (e.g. the Kali River, which however only hosts Himalayan Golden Mahseer).
- Price per Person: € 4.999,--
- Number of participants: 4
- Mail: GFAdventures@aol.com
- Phone: +49-405594173
