Kayaking And Rafting

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Trip Facts

  • Destination:Bhutan
  • Trip Grade:Easy
  • Total Duration:9 Days
  • Best Time:Feb,Mar,April,Oct,Nov,Dec.
  • Group Size:1-40 People

Trip Overview

The crystal clear rivers of Bhutan are one of the kingdom’s best kept open secrets. Fed by the glacial-melt of the Eastern Himalayas, six major rivers (Wang Chhu, Sunkosh, Puna Tsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Kuri Chhu, and Dangme Chhu and their tributaries), have been scouted for kayaking and rafting.

They cut through high valleys and low plains to meet up with the Brahmaputra River in India. The pristine natural setting and the sheer variety of the rivers’ courses provides a unique opportunity to explore Bhutan’s beautiful wilderness. Adventurous travelers will not be disappointed by the rugged, untamed waterways of Bhutan. The rivers are plentiful with strong currents varying between slow, gentle flows in some places and powerful, raging torrents can be found throughout the country. Although adventure sports and tourism are relatively recent introductions to Bhutan, they are rapidly gaining in popularity.

The river courses available in Bhutan offer something for all visitors, regardless of experience: There are easy routes for beginners and hair-raising runs for the veterans. Besides the rafts and the kayaks, Bhutanese agents also organize walking and trekking expeditions along the scenic river banks.

Kayaking & Rafting Routes

Paro Chhu (Bondey – Isuna Bridge)

Location: Paro Valley, Western Bhutan
Length: Approximately 10 km (3 hours)
Difficulty: Class III-IV
Flow: About 500 cfs
Season: March – April
Craft: Kayaks recommended due to narrow and steep rapids

Upper Pho Chhu (Wangthangkha – Samdingkha)

Location: Punakha Valley, Western Bhutan
Length: Approximately 7 km (2 hours)
Difficulty: Class III-IV
Flow: 2000 -3000 cfs
Season: March – April, October – November
Craft: Kayaks and Rafts

Mo Chhu – Tashitang Devil’s Gorge Section (Tashithang- Below Punakha Dzong)

Location: Punakha Valley, Western Bhutan
Length: 12 km, 5 -7 hours with scouting
Difficulty: Class V
Flow: 1000 cfs
Season: February/December.
Craft: Kayaks only (too steep for rafts)
(Caution: Higher than medium flows makes this run dangerous. High water runs are not recommended for amateurs)

Mangde Chhu – Upper Section (Yundo Choling Palace- Langthel)

Location: Trongsa, Central Bhutan
Length: Approximately 5 km (2 hours with scouting)
Difficulty: Class IV
Flows: Approximately 3000 cfs
Season: March – April, November – December
Craft: Kayaks

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro.
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing.
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing.
Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha Sightseeing.
Day 6: Punakha - Phobjikha.
Day 7: Phobjikha - Thimphu
Day 8: Thimphu - Paro.
Day 9: Paro Departure.

Note : For detailed itinerary do contact us.

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop.
  • It is private tour, will be accompanied by your personal guide and your driver with vehicle.
  • Camping Equipment and Haulage for Trekking Tours
  • Bottled mineral Water throughout your tour.
  • Accommodation in twin Sharing in 3 Star Hotel.(4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
  • All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
  • All hotel tax & service charges.
  • Bhutan visa processing fee.
  • All inland travel permits.
  • Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) Royalties and taxes.
  • Inland transfers by private car: SUV Vehicles (Toyota Prado / Hyundai Tucson / Hyundai Santa Fe / Toyota Sedans), Toyota Hiace, Toyota Coaster, Hyundai H1 – based on group strength.
  • Local sightseeing with entrance fees where applicable.
  • Services of an English speaking local guide.

Cost Excludes

  • Druk air flights [Please note that the cost of any domestic airfare for the guide must be paid by the clients/agents].
  • Travel insurance
  • Refreshment, any alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages and any other personal expenses
  • Gratuities to guide, driver, trekking staff, etc
  • Other expenses of personal nature

Additional Info

Safety

Bhutanese rafting and kayaking guides are well trained and will do everything to ensure that you enjoy the adventure while minimizing the risks. The rivers of Bhutan were first surveyed for potential routes for water sports in 1997 by Gerry Moffatt and Peter Knowles, both experienced rafters/ kayakers at the invitation of the Royal Government and the Department of Tourism.

They trained the first batch of Bhutanese river-guides and conducted surveys to grade the rivers. Since then, other rivers have been surveyed including the Punatsang Chhu, Manas and Amo Chhu. Tourism council guidelines ensure that all operators use well maintained professional equipment and maintain a reasonable guide-client ratio.

Excellent tour with World Tour Plan! I had a fruitful holidays (11 days 10 nights). for the agency, the application procedure was really smooth with prompt replies. they are willing to discuss the itinerary to suit your needs for the tour guide named Chencho, he is responsible, knowledgeable and experienced, always put safety the first priority. After the tour, I could know more about Bhutan in different ways cultural and religious aspects - the Last Shangri La, and had a memorable time of course. this tour is highly recommended, particularly the tour guide Chencho.

Marco,
United States
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