Rafting and Kayaking in Bhutan is at its initial stages, but has the potential for some of the best white water sports on earth. Amazing vegetation and wildlife along the rivers house high boulders within the rivers make Rafting and Kayaking in Bhutan to an awesome adventure.
Chamkar Chhu
Location: Bumthang, Central Bhutan
Route : Thankabi
To: Jakar
Length: 5 km, 1 hour
Difficulty: Class II -III
Flow: 1500 cfs, Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec
Craft: Kayaks and Rafts
The river from Thankabi is mostly a float through the scenic Bumthang valley. At Thankabi, kayakers can put in on the small side creek and paddle about 500m to the confluence with the Chamkar Chhu. The river starts out with a few class III rapids, then the valley opens up and the river flattens out to class II. This would be an excellent half day raft trip for tourists visiting Bhumtang who want to view the Dzong and monasteries from a different perspective.
Paro Chhu
Location: Paro Valley, Western Bhutan
Route : Mitshi Zam to Satsam Chorten
Length: Approximately 10 km, 3 hours
Difficulty: Class III – IV
Flow: About 500 cfs Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. High water will make this much more difficult and is not recommended.
Craft: Due to the very narrow and steep rapids Kayaks recommended only.
From Mitshi Zam, at the footbridge, the river is small and shallow with several class III and IV rapids that are formed where the river constricts. When the dirt road leaves the river, near Drukgyel Dzong, the river drops into Foot Freezer Gorge, a continuous class IV boulder choke about one kilometer long. After the gorge, the river opens up into class II for the rest of the way to the footbridge Satsam Chorten.
Wang Chhu – Lower Run
Location: Thimphu/Paro/Phuntsholing, Western Bhutan
Route: Tam Chhu
To: About 4 km down
Length: 4 km, 1 hour
Difficulty: Class III
Flow: 800 -1000 cfs Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. A high water run may be possible, if scouted carefully.
Craft: Kayaks, Rafts
The lower section of the Wang Chhu opens up and is considerably easier than the upper section, with plenty of class III wave trains. This is a good section for rafts, or an alternative put in for beginner/intermediate kayakers. Take out at the big sandy beach on river left, and walk uphill to the road.
Any other Kayaking (White Water) Tour itinerary will be provided on request within the next 48 hours. So kindly mail us at bhutan.nomad@gmail.com