Rafting In Bhutan

Generally rafting conjures of images of crashing through horrendous rapids and monstrous waves with laughing and screaming joyful rafters hanging on but in the context of Rafting in Bhutan, it is a gentle drift-down-the-river admiring the scenery and running a few small yet exciting rapids. The most of the rivers in Bhutan are very steep and highly rushing with limited road access makes it considerably unsuitable for white water rafting. Only a few rivers are opened for rafting considering their safe course and easy access.

The Pho Chu, with its approx 16 km course with about 15 rapids of class 2-4 is the most popular for rafting in Bhutan followed by Mo Chu river with 10 Km course comprising around 10 rapids with 2 – 2+ rapids.
Drifting past imposing 17th century Punakha Dzong (fort cum monastery) watching world’s rarest bird, the white belled Heron in its natural habitat and Kingfishers frolicking on riverbank – all these topped off with spectacular sight of serene lush green alpine valleys, are the most amazing experience you would love to treasure. Rafting in Bhutan is a superb experience in its own right.

No special experience is required as long as you do not mind doing a bit of paddling and getting a bit wet – or quite possibly very wet! – then you will have an exciting time riding the white waters of the Himalayan Rivers. Rivers in Bhutan also offer great potential for Kayaking. If you are looking for more adventure, we will be happy to customize a suitable Kayaking adventure in Bhutan.

How to Book and costs

Please note Rafting packages with Druk Rafting Service can be booked as an additional activity to your already booked tour packages to Bhutan. We do not arrange hotels and tours directly; we only operate Rafting – no tours/accommodation services can be arranged through us. Please book your travel packages, accommodation and visas through a local/international tour operator of your choice. Once your entire Bhutan Travel packages/accommodation etc are booked you can contact us for your Rafting Adventure.
Or you can also book it on the spot through your local tour guide or Travel operator who has arranged your travel packages.

PHO CHU AND MO CHU TWO HOURS RIVER RAFTING TARIFF:

Mo Chu – Khamsum Yulay Namgyal Chorten base to Khuruthang take out
Pho Chu – Samdingkhar put in to Khuruthang take out

Fly onboard Druk Air to Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro.On arrival, once you have cleared any airport formalities, you will be met and transferred to Thimphu (2 hrs).
Overnight at hotel, Thimphu.

Morning drive to Punakha. The journey of some 70 km (around 40 miles) takes approximately 3 hours, crossing over the Dochu la (3100m) and Thinlegang. If the weather is clear there are wonderful Himalayan views from the pass.
Afternoon rafting on Mochu river. Class III & IV +. Duration- 2 hours. Overnight at the hotel,Punakha.

Rafting on Pho Chu river. Class II & III +. Duration-3 hours. Overnight at the hotel, Punakha

The journey of some 135 km takes approximately 5 hours, passing the scenic Simtokha Dzong.
A half day tour of Paro will allow you to see the principal sites of the Paro Valley – Ta Dzong, and the ruined fort of Drukgyel Dzong.
Drukgyel Dzong is situated some 15 km, (10 miles) North of Paro (beyond the side valley where the Tigers Nest monastery is located).
It was built in 1649 to protect the country against threatening Tibetans. One feature of the fort is a false entry to lure invaders into an enclosed courtyard, which, along with other tactics helped the Bhutanese protect their country successfully through the 17th century.
Below the Dzong, the village of Drukgyel is home to a farming community and you may be able to visit one to see how the Bhutanese retain many of their traditional practices. The National Museum is housed in Ta Dzong, a circular building from the same period as the fort, and was originally a fort overseeing Paro itself.
The building was renovated in 1967 to house the country’s national museum, which comprises a host of religious and cultural artifacts, thangkas, carvings, weapons and other equipment captured from invading Tibetan armies. Overnight at the hotel, Paro.

Fly to your onward destination Season March, April, May, Sep, Oct and November