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
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)DAY 01: Arrive Paro & transfer to Thimphu (54 km, 1 hour)Following the formalities at the airport, you will be greeted by our friendly and professional staff at the entrance. Then the travel to Thimphu starts along the beautiful river.Upon arrival in Thimphu, guests will be facilitated to check-in to the hotel. It is perhaps the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. The evening will comprise of an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s main street and market area. Overnight in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
DAY 02: Thimphu sightseeing
The exciting day in the capital begins with visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) where you will see the giant Buddha statue. Thereafter, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and Textile and Folk Heritage Museums. Post lunch; visit the National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, Takin Preserve and Trashichhoedzong (fortress of the glorious religion).
You will have a relaxed evening and the time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar. Overnight in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320 m).
DAY 03: Thimphu to Punakha & Wangdue Phodrang (75 km, 3 hours drive)
The morning drive will take you to Punakha across Dochu La. Located at a height of 3,088 m, Dochula is a scenic location with 108 stupa and prayer flags which decorate this highest point on the road. It should be possible to see the majestic mountain peaks if the sky is clear.
In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) and later in the day, there will be an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (Monastry) known as the temple of fertility. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily lifestyle of the villagers. Overnight in Punakha / Wangduephodrang. (Altitude 1,300 m)
DAY 04: River Rafting
Finally the adventure begins to raft the thrill away. You will drive to Samdingkha to start your full day of White Water River rafting on Pho-Chu (Male River). The rafting stops in the town of Khuruthang where lunch is served. If time permits, you will raft the Mo-Chu (Female River). Overnight: Camp or hotel in Punakha / Wangduephodrang. (Altitude 1,300 m).
DAY 05: Punakha & Wangdue Phodrang to Paro (125 km, 4 ½ hours drive)
Your return journey to Paro begins, descending back from Dochu La. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortresses of the country. Later in the day, proceed to visit Ta Dzong which now houses the National Museum. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels). Call off the day in Paro. (Altitude 2,280 m).
DAY 06: Paro
An exciting excursion to Taktshang Monastery/ Tiger’s Nest (approx 5 hours round trip walk) is scheduled for today. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor.
Thereafter, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang (temple) and in the evening you will take an exploratory walk around main street and market area. Overnight in Paro. (Altitude 2,280 m).
DAY 07: Depart Paro
Drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. We hope to serve you again with our other exciting tour packages in the future.
