River Rafting & Kayaking Tour-Bhutan

Day 01: Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu(60kms and 1 hr drive)

Once you land at the Paro International Airport(2250mtrs), you will be well received by our Professional Tour Guide and Driver.

After that, proceed to Thimphu visiting a few places on the way:

Tachog Monastery and Iron Bridge: Viewing from a hilltop, this Monastery was built in the 15th century by a great spiritual master Thang Thong Gyelpo. In addition, he also built an Iron Bridge which your guide will show you on the way to the Monastery. After the Monastery, continue till the mid-way where you will witness the confluence of two rivers, “Pa Chu” and “Wang Chu” accompanied by three different types of Stupas (Tibetan, Bhutanese, and Nepalese). After a short walk, continue your journey till you reach Thimphu(Capital City of Bhutan).

After the arrival, have lunch/snacks and explore the Capital City on foot. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong(Fortress): Built in the 17th Century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal(First Governor of Bhutan), it is divided into two parts: Administrative block and Monastic block. It also houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Moreover, the annual Festival “Tshechu” is also celebrated at this Fortress. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu Local Sightseeing

After breakfast visit the following places:

Cheri Monastery: Take a 45 minutes drive to reach the base of Cheri Monastery and embrace an hour hike to the Monastery. Built in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is the retreat centre for the Drukpa lineage of  Kagyu sect of Buddhism. Your guide will give you the insights of the Monastery.

Kuensel Phodrang(Buddha Point): Standing at a height of 169ft(51.5m) is The Buddha Dordenma which was built from 2006 to 2015 to have peace and prosperity in the world.

Takin Preserve Centre: Here you can witness the National Animal of Bhutan Takin who has the head of a goat and the body of a cow. Mythologically it was created by a great spiritual master Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man) in the 15th century and it is an endangered species.

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery: Established in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo(Iron Bridge Builder),Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. Here the nuns they study Buddhism and dedicate their lives for community service. Currently is has about 70 nuns.

National Library and Archives: This Library was established in 1967 to preserve and promote the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan where sacred religious books and manuscripts are collected. In addition, it also has the world’s Largest Book.

Painting School: It is a school where students learn 13 arts and crafts like wood carving, painting, embroidery, sculpturing, tailoring, etc. You can witness the students learning the skills in different classrooms.

Simply Bhutan: It is a living museum where you will experience the Bhutanese way of living. You will be engaged in different activities like tasting the local wine, dancing in the folk music, playing archery, etc.

Textile Museum: Established in 2001 by the Queen Mother, it showcases the textile and the art of weaving. Make a visit to know the textiles and the techniques used to weave the Bhutanese attire.

Centenary Vegetable Market: Explore the local vegetable market where you will find the local and organic fruits, vegetables, dairy products, etc.

Visit Changlimithang Archery Ground: Here you will witness the live Archery(National Game) matches. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha and local sightseeing (80kms and 2 hrs drive)
After breakfast proceed to Punakha(1350mtrs) and visit the following places:

Simtokha Dzong: It was the first Dzong built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Legend has it that the site was occupied by a demon that would harm travelers who stayed there overnight. Zhabdrung visited the place and subdued the demon, banishing her into the rock on the hill where the present dzong is located. Hence the name Simtokha, comes from simmo (demoness) and dho (stone). Additionally, it was also very good location for wat tactics.

Dochula Pass(30mins): On the way to Punahka, stop at Dochu La Pass(3150m) to witness the 108 stupas built in 2003 by the Queen Mother. Additionally, you will also have a view of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges if the weather is clear.

Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): Upon reaching Punakha, take a short hike towards Chimi Lhakhang crossing a small village and paddy fields. Built in 15th century by Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man), the temple is know as No Dog Temple. However, today it is also known as the temple of fertility where people come to get the fertility blessing if they are barren. People all around the globe visits the temple and receives the fertility blessing. Your guide will narrate the story of No Dog Temple and show you the evidences of fertility.

Punakha Dzong(Fortress): Lying between the two rivers, Pho Chu(male river) and Mochu(female river) is Punakha Dzong previously known as Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for war tactics. Today it serves as the winter residence of Monastic Body of Bhutan. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha River Rafting along Pho Chu(Male River)- Option 1

After breakfast, drive towards rafting point for the adventure. The Pho Chu Raft is more swift and aggressive compared to Mo Chu Raft. Therefore, follow the instructions of the rafting guide properly. Moreover, you can also opt for Kayaking if you want.

River Rafting along Mo Chu(Female River)-Option 2

If you want to go for lesser gradient rafting with medium river flow and less rapids then you can choose Mo Chu over Pho Chu River Rafting.

After the raft visit the following places:

Suspension Bridge: It is one of the longest Suspension Bridges in Bhutan with the length of about 300mtrs. It connects the Dzong with the villages on the other side of Pho Chu. Take a short walk on the bridge, experience the cool breeze with the flattering flags and mingle with the locals.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery: Built in 2008 by Yab Ugyen Dorji and his wife, the nunnery serves as Buddhists college for nuns. Today it has about 100 nuns undergoing training. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha sightseeing, transfer to Paro and sightseeing(140kms and 3hrs drive).

After the Breakfast, take a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal: After a 30mins hike, you will reach to a chorten(stupa) build by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk, in 2004 to have peace and prosperity in the world. From here you will have the 360 degree view of Punakha.

After the hike, proceed further to Paro(2250mtrs) and visit the following places:

Ta Dzong(National Museum): Built in 1649 as a watch Tower by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal so that they could watch over Paro Valley or enemies coming. Later in 1968, it was established as a National Museum of Bhutan.

Paro Ringpung Dzong(Fortress of Heap of Jewel): Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for administrative and monastic purposes for Paro Districts. In 1993 some scenes of a film named Little Buddha were also filmed in this Dzong. Later you can try wearing our national dress Gho(male)/Kira(female) and take photographs(optional). In the evening, explore Paro market by walk. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 06: Taktsang(Tiger’s Nest) Hike