7 Nights 8 Days Bhutan Rafting Tour

We have the most fun and exciting rafting and kayaking tours in the clean and fresh rivers of Bhutan. These rivers are fed by the glacial-melt of the Eastern Himalayas. The six major rivers (Wang Chhu in Thimphu, Puna Tsang Chhu in Punakha, Mangde Chhu in Trongsa, Kuri Chhu in Mongar and Dangme Chhu  in Trashigang and their tributaries), have been spotted for kayaking and rafting.

The most famous rafting in Bhutan lies in the beautiful valley of  Punakha.  Pho Chu (the male river) with its  approx 16 km course with about 15 rapids of class 2-4 joins Mo Chu (the female river) with 10 Km course comprising around 10 rapids with 2 –  2+ rapids.

The tour itinerary below is just a sample of rafting tour itinerary but nevertheless it has been one most famous and preferred rafting tours. We have a wide range of rafting tour packages for the learners, leisure and professionals. For your kind information we are always flexible and we can design and customize the tour packages as per your preference and convenience. You may kindly contact us if you wish to have you tour packages designed and customized as per your convenience and preferences. Our customer service department will be glad to receive calls  and mails from you. To acquire our services, you may simply email us info@adventbhutan.com or call us at +975-17880467 or you can also chat with us via Wechat, skype & QQ details of which are given under ‘Contact Us’ link.

Highlights of the Bhutan Rafting Tour

In this 7 Nights 8 Days rafting tour package, apart from your rafting tour, you also get to explore the beautiful valleys of Paro, Punakha and Thimphu. You will be visiting the Monasteries, Museums, Temples farmhouses and Dzongs (fortresses).

Best seasons for this rafting tour: March, April, May Oct & Nov.

Seasons not recommended for this rafting tour: July till Mid Sept.

Safety

1. We have the best and well trained rafting and kayaking guides.
2. Good quality rafting gears and boats.
3. All your medical aids will be ready should there be any mishaps.

Day 1: Arrive Paro

On arrival at Paro International airport and after completing your immigration formalities, you will be warmly welcomed by the representative of Advent Bhutan Tours who will be your Bhutan tour guide throughout your entire travel in Bhutan.

Check into the hotel and after brief rest and refreshment /lunch visit the following:

The Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress which houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture.  It was built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. From the Dzong, march further down to Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge which lies below the sheer walls of  Rinpung Dzong. Stroll through Rimpung Bridge ( The oldest bridge in Bhutan)

Then visit the Kichu temple – It is one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. To overcome a giant demon who prevented the spread of Buddhism, laid on the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas, King Songtsen Gampo build 108 temples placed on all the points of her body.

Visit a farmhouse, which gives good insight into the authentic lifestyle of a Bhutanese.

In the evening stroll around Paro town

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro –Thimphu(2Hours-55Km) -Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, travel to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, an hourly drive journey.The road runs down through the Paro valley, characterised by the narrow-gauged with high, rocky cliffs on the left. You can stop on the way to visit the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder. Then passage through  Chuzom, is the entrance to the Thimphu valley,  the Confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers. The road passes along the Simtokha Dzong, (Dzong means ‘castle-monastery’) – It is the oldest Dzong built in 1629 by Zhabdrug Ngawang Namgyal (who unified Bhutan). The Dzong functions as a monastic and as well as administrative centre. Today, it is one of the pre-eminent Dzongkha language (National Language) learning institutes.

On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel. After brief rest and refreshment, your sightseeing includes a visit to the following places:

The Traditional Bhutanese paper making factory– Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. This small factory produces traditional Bhutanese paper handmade from the bark of the Daphne bush. The unit now boasts as a major and sole dealer in handmade paper and its products.

The National Textile Museum – Art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colours and designs.  The National Textile Museum is located near the National Library of Bhutan. It was established in 2001 and operated by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. Ever since its establishment, the museum has gained national and international recognition and has generated an important collection of antique textile artifacts.

The School of Thangka Painting-The traditional arts is known as zorigchusum (zo = the ability to make; rig = science or craft; chusum = thirteen). These traditional crafts depict hundreds of years of knowledge and ability that has been passed down through generations.The students undergo a six-year course to consummate learning the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan

The Folk Heritage Museum– The museum was launched on 28 July 2001 under the initiative of founder Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo. The outdoor museum gives an insight into rural life.The museum exhibit diverse materials associated with the Bhutanese culture and way of life.The exhibition comprises of rural households’ artifacts, equipment, objects and tools.

After lunch at Folk Heritage Museum, drive for about 30 minutes to the base camp of Tango Monastery and hike up to the Monastery. Tango is the highest center of Buddhist learning for monks in the country. It is believed that almost every Je Khenpo (religious head of Bhutan) accomplished the 9-year program there. After completing that program, monks traditionally spend years meditating at the nearby Cheri Goemba retreat, built in 1619 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal(unifier of Bhutan).

The climb aloft will take approximately about 45 minutes. The view from Tango Monastery is breathtaking, which shall rejuvenate your soul surrounded by the calm ambiance.

After visiting the monastery, walk back to the road and then drive back to Thimphu.

In the evening visit the Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, aligned neatly below Norzin Lam, opposite to Nehru Wangchuk Cultural Center, to witness Bhutanese fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, and other eye-catching items made from local materials

Overnight at a  hotel in Thimphu

Day 03: Thimphu-Punakha-Wangdue (3Hours -76Km)

In the morning, travel to Punakha via the Dochula pass. The Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft) is a mountain pass, with the breathtaking view of 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens”  built under the initiative of Royal Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk( the eldest Queen Mother), built in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of the state of Bhutan), Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Journey to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the central monk body. It is also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang (meaning “the palace of great happiness or bliss). It is the second oldest and largest dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (Unifier of Bhutan) to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. Visit the Punakha Dzong, majestically sprawl between the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River).

After lunch, drive to Metshina Village and take 15 minutes walk through the rice fields to the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where it is believed, one can receive special fertility blessings.

Afterwards, a drive to Wangdue (25 Minutes journey from Punakha). Visit Wangdue Dzong. It was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638. In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying Shar Chog Khorlo Tsebgay (the western, central and southern regions of the country). It is one of the largest dzongkhags (districts) in the country covering 4,308 sq km and ranges from 800-5800 m in altitude. On 24 June 2012, the dzong caught fire and was burnt down.The renovation is still ongoing and is expected to continue until 2021.

In the evening you may visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery and enjoy the beautiful view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys.

Dinner and Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Bhutan Tour itinerary

Day 04: Pho Chu (Male River) Rafting Tours in Punakha-Day 1- 4hours

After breakfast, we shall prepare for our thrilling rafting tour. It begins with a few minutes drive towards the destination. After the detailed safety instruction, we will kick start our smooth rafting experience down the Pho-Chu (Male River). You may require to paddle which will be exercise alike. During the course of your exciting rafting experience, you will enjoy the mesmeric beauty of the valley along the course side. We will drift along to Punakha Dzong, majestically sprawl between the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River).

After the end of the rafting, we will have picnic lunch on the riverside. Then, drive to the upper Punakha valley and take a hike through farmhouses to the beautiful visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten(stupa),(also known as Nyizergang Chöten and Punakha Zangdopelri). It was built in 2004 by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. The establishment of the stupa is to bring peace and firmness in the world. Enjoy the amazing view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys from there.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Mochu (Female River) Rafting tour-Day 2- 45 Minutes

Get ready for awaited another thrilling rafting tour. Today, firstly we will Start the day by taking an hourly hike up to the temple at Nyezengong. Then kick start the rafting experience floating down the scenic Mo Chhu(Female River) past the Punakha Dzong and to the take out at the high school. It is recommended to finish rafting by mid-afternoon, as an upstream wind is common most afternoons.

In the evening, visit Rinchengang village in Wangduephodrang. To the opposite, you will see the majestic view of WanguePhodrang Dzong. On 24 June 2012, the dzong caught fire and was burnt down.The renovation is still ongoing and is expected to continue until 2021.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 06: Punakha-Thimphu (3 hours-71 km)

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Check into the hotel and  after lunch at Thimphu visit the following Places:

The Kuenselphodrang (commonly known as Buddha Point) – The Great Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, facing towards the Southern approach to Thimphu. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, at 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas.

The Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal, Takin (The national animal of Bhutan). The reason for declaring Takin as the national animal is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation (goat’s head and cattle’s body) in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley. Drive further to Sangaygang to get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Thimphu Valley

The Tashichho Dzong – It is a Buddhist monastery and fortress of the glorious religion on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu, built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It was rebuilt into the present structure by the late King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

The Centenary Farmers’ market – Thimphu weekend market is one of the largest domestic markets for Bhutanese farmers. Farmers sell their own produced vegetables, flour, rice, roasted rice, rice flakes, spices, fruits and livestock products (cheese and butter). And also sell wild ferns or bamboo shoots which are collected from forests. People from villages from different cities as well as from town come to this weekend market.

The Memorial Chorten– Also known as the Thimphu Chorten, was built in 1974 to honour the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), who is regarded as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”.   Buddhist call the monument “The mind of the Buddha”. It is an honoured landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells, widely known as “the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan”.

Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 07: Thimphu-Paro (2Hours-55Km) &Paro Excursion to Taktsang (3hours 30 minutes Walk)

Drive to Paro till to the  Satsam Chorten and then hike to the Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest. Normally it takes about three and half hours to complete the hike but might take longer depending on your fitness.  Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, is an important  Buddhist sacred site which clings to the rock face, 900 metres above the valley floor.To the rear of the Taktsang lies Senge Samdup cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is popularly known for the thirteen Taktsang or “tiger lair” caves in which he meditated..it is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to Taktshang from Tibet on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong. This place was consecrated to tame the Tiger demon.

Refreshment will be served at View Point Cafeteria en route.After visiting the monastery, descend back to viewpoint cafeteria for lunch and then further descend downhill to the base. Then drive back to the hotel.

In the evening, you can relax after your tiresome journey/ you may relax in the traditional hot stone bath

Dinner and overnight in Paro

Day 08: Paro – Departure

Advent Bhutan Tours & Travels (your local Bhutan travel agent) will see you off at the Paro International Airport for your onward destinations.

End of the tour

Tour Price

***Thank you & Tashi Delek***