Rafting adventure
Tour Summary
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. The best time for rafting and kayaking is from March to April and November to December.
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 Mofatt 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. TCB guidelines ensure that all operators use well maintained professional equipment and maintain a reasonable guide-client ratio.
As you approach the Paro International Airport (2200 meters above sea level), you will have a spectacular—a real treat of beautiful land to your eyes—valley. When you walk out of the plane, you will be greeted by an unusually fresh and clean breeze before your guides come with a silken scarf to receive you.
From there, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
In Thimphu (2300m), if time permits, take an orientation walk in town, do shopping and get settled.
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)
DAY 2:THIMPHU/PUNĀKHA
Today, we will leave Thimphu for Punakha.
We will first stop at Docula Pass (3150m) and visit Druk Wangyel Chortens. Here, there are 108 stupas and it was built under the command of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, to celebrate the victory over Indian Militants in 2003.
Then, we will descend down and stop as Chhimi Lhakhang. The temple here is known as the temple of fertility because it is strongly believed that all of the childless couples who seek the blessings will be granted their wishes.
This afternoon, we will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong (1200m). This fortress served as the capital of Bhutan for year in the past. If time permits, we will visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)
DAY 3: PUNĀKHA
Punakha is known for its natural beauty. To explore its unusually exotic landscape that even rhymes in some of the classical Bhutanese songs, we will hike through rice terraces, usually golden fields, and forests to Khamsum Yueley Chorten.
After that, we will ramble through the suspension bridge over Pho Chhu.
The signature feature of Punakha is the confluence of the two rivers and without experiencing river rafting on one of the river, you would feel half contented. Thus, in the afternoon programme, we have a river rafting. You will raft on the whitewaters of Mochhu river under the guidance of some of the trained rafters.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)
DAY 5: punakha/PARO
Right after early breakfast, we will travel towards Paro. It is almost four hours journey.
On our way, if time permits, we will stop at Semtokha to visit the oldest dzong in the country which was built in 1629 by the father of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
Then, after lunch at Paro, we will go to Paro Dzong. This dzong is believed to have built on the heap of jewels, the name Paro Rinpung Dzong is derived from this. Today, it is the seat of the district administration. The first structure was built in 15th century and the mostf of the present structure was built in 17th century.
Then, we will visit the National Museum which was once a watch tower. After that, we will visit one of the oldest temples built in 8th century, Kyichu Lhakhang.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)
DAY 5: Taktsang hike
Travel to Bhutan and if you go back without hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, famously known as Taktsang Monastery (2900M), you have not completed your Bhutan trip. Thus, today, we will hike to the monastery. It will take at least 2 hours to reach the monastery.
The monastery was built by Guru Padmasambava in 8th century. The legend has it that he came riding on the furious tigress and subdued a demon that devoured human living in the valley.
After the hike, we will visit a home-stay and enjoy cultural program with dinner in pure Bhutanese style in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)
DAY 6: Departure
In Bhutan, there is a saying that a journey that begins must end. Thus, your journey to Bhutan comes to an end today. We will see you off at Paro International Airport.
GROUP SIZE: Any group Size |
TRIP SEASONS: Throughout year |
INCLUDED
- Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees and taxes.
- Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
- All meals, including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the trip.
- All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees.
- Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
- Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp serivce.
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights in and out of Bhutan.
- Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry
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