Rafting and Kayaking

lately and is still at budding stage but has the potential for some of the best white water sports. There are plenty of good stretches on many of the rivers ranging from class III to V. The outstanding ones are the Mo Chhu, upstream of Punakha in western Bhutan and Mangdechhu in central Bhutan. The other ideal rivers are Pho Chhu in Punakha and Pachhu in Paro. Description of each one is given here for your knowledge.

Best times for River Rafting and Kayaking in Bhutan is March till May and October & November. River water levels in the months of June to September will be high. During these times, many of the rivers mentioned here would not be feasible. Water levels in the winter months, January to February, will be low. This means that some of the rivers will no longer be feasible to run again.

Bhutanese Rafting and Kayaking Guides are well trained and will do everything to ensure that you will enjoy your adventures without taking risks.

Lower Paro Chhu:
Location: Paro Valley, Western Bhutan
From/To: South of Paro – Chuzom (confluence with the Thimphu Chhu)
Length: 7 km, 1 hour
Difficulty: Class II – III, with one V
Flow: Approximately 500 cfs.
Craft: Kayaks only as the river is too small for a raft to be enjoyable.
Description: The lower Paro Chhu river is a good stretch for beginner/intermediate kayakers, there are plenty of small, boulder rapids and wave trains. There is one class IV -V boulder choke, about 3 km from the put in, which can be run on the left and scouted from the right. After this, the river enters a short, scenic canyon with more class II – III rapids. Take out at the road bridge at Chuzom, or for the more experienced kayakers, head down the Wang Chhu.

Upper Pho Chhu
Location: Punakha Valley, Western/Central Bhutan
From/To: Wangthangka (a two-hour trek from the end of the road) – Samdingkha.
Length: Approximately 7 km, 2 hours with scouting Difficulty: Class III-IV
Flow: 2000 -3000 cfs Mar/Apr, Oct/Nov. High water in this section will make this run very difficult.
Craft: Kayaks and Rafts

Lower Pho Chhu:
Location: Punakha Valley, Western/Central Bhutan
From/To: Samdingkha – Punakha (directly below the Mo Chhu confluence)
Length: 7km, 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Class III with one IV at the bottom
Flow: 2000 -3000 cfs Mar-May, Oct/Nov. Should be run able at high water.
Craft: Kayaks and Rafts