Overview
Rafting is not so popular in Bhutan. Some of our clients prefer to embark on this adventurous sport as a part of their cultural tour. Water sports in Bhutan is at its infancy stage, we combine rafting as a part of the tour package so that our clients can feel the taste of adventure. The cost of hiring a raft/kayak is not included in our tour cost, so, you will have to pay extra for hiring a raft/kayak. Rafting is done in most of the rivers of Bhutan. The most popular one is Pho chu and Mo chu in Punakha. The most rivers used for rafting are class iii and class iv rapids. Usually we organise rafting/kayaking for a day unless the clients want to extend it for several days.
Best Season
March, April, May, Sep, Oct and November
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Paro - Thimphu
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.
Day 02: Thimphu - Punakha
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 theweather 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.
Day 03: Punakha - Rafting & Sightseeing
Rafting on Pho Chu river. Class II & III +. Duration-3 hours. Overnight at the hotel, Punakha
Day 04: Drive to Paro
Sightseeing 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 traditionalpractices. 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.
Day 05: Paro - Departure
Fly to your onward destination