Rafting & Kayaking
Rafting & Kayaking in Bhutan
Bhutan is a small landlocked country nestled in the eastern Himalayas, renowned for its pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and Buddhist spirituality. Its rugged mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and lush forests make it an ideal destination for adventure seekers, particularly for those interested in rafting and kayaking.
Rafting and kayaking in Bhutan offer a unique opportunity to explore the country's untamed wilderness, experience the thrill of riding rapids, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from a different perspective. Here's everything you need to know about rafting and kayaking in Bhutan.
Rafting in Bhutan
Rafting is one of the most popular adventure activities in Bhutan, with numerous rivers offering thrilling white-water experiences. Some of the popular rafting rivers in Bhutan include the Mo Chhu, Pho Chhu, Dang Chhu, and Kuri Chhu. Each river offers a different level of difficulty, ranging from mild to wild. The Mo Chhu river is one of the most popular rafting destinations in Bhutan, with rapids ranging from class II to class IV. The river flows through the Punakha Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Pho Chhu river is another popular rafting destination, with rapids ranging from class II to class IV. The river flows through the scenic valley of Phobjikha, home to the endangered black-necked crane. The Dang Chhu river is located in central Bhutan and is known for its challenging rapids, ranging from class III to class V. The river flows through a remote canyon, offering a unique and exciting rafting experience. The Kuri Chhu river is a relatively milder river, with rapids ranging from class I to class III. The river flows through the Bumthang Valley, known for its rich cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty.
Kayaking in Bhutan
Kayaking is another popular adventure activity in Bhutan, offering a more intimate and personal experience with the river. Kayaking in Bhutan is a great way to explore the country's rivers and valleys at your own pace, without the constraints of a group rafting trip. Bhutan's rivers offer a range of kayaking experiences, from gentle floats to adrenaline-pumping rapids. The Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers are popular kayaking destinations, offering a range of rapids for kayakers of different skill levels. The Dang Chhu river is known for its challenging rapids, making it a great destination for experienced kayakers. Kayaking in Bhutan requires a high level of skill and experience, as the country's rivers can be unpredictable and challenging. It's important to hire a licensed guide or instructor who can provide the necessary equipment and safety precautions.
Best time for Rafting and Kayaking in Bhutan
The best time for rafting and kayaking in Bhutan is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is dry and mild, and the rivers are at their most spectacular. During the monsoon season (June to August), the rivers can be dangerous and unpredictable, and most rafting and kayaking activities are suspended.
Mo Chhu River Rafting
Mo Chhu is one of the most popular rivers for rafting in Bhutan. It is located in the Punakha district of western Bhutan, and it flows down from the Himalayan mountains through scenic valleys and lush forests. The river is fed by the melting snow and glaciers from the peaks of the Bhutanese Himalayas, making it a perfect destination for rafting enthusiasts.
Difficulty Level:
Mo Chhu river rafting is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The river has a few rapids that range from Class II to Class IV, making it a perfect destination for anyone looking for an exciting rafting experience. The rapids on the river are rated as follows:
Class I: Easy, small waves, no obstacles
Class II: Moderate, regular waves, some obstacles
Class III: Difficult, high waves, narrow passages, steep drops
Class IV: Very difficult, powerful waves, narrow passages, steep drops
The rapids on Mo Chhu river are mostly Class II and Class III, with a few Class IV rapids that are reserved for experienced rafters only. However, it is always advisable to check the current water levels and rapids with your tour operator before booking a trip.
Cost:
The cost of Mo Chhu river rafting depends on the duration of the trip, the number of people in the group, and the services provided by the tour operator. Generally, a half-day rafting trip on the Mo Chhu river costs around $70 to $100 per person. This includes transportation, equipment rental, a professional guide, and lunch. Full-day trips that include a picnic lunch and more time on the river can cost around $120 to $150 per person.
Pho Chhu River Rafting
Pho Chhu river is another popular destination for rafting in Bhutan. It is located in the Punakha district of western Bhutan, and it is fed by the melting snow and glaciers from the Himalayas. The river flows through deep gorges, lush forests, and traditional Bhutanese villages, offering a unique rafting experience.
Difficulty Level:
Pho Chhu river rafting is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The river has a few rapids that range from Class II to Class IV, making it a perfect destination for anyone looking for an exciting rafting experience. The rapids on the river are rated as follows:
Class I: Easy, small waves, no obstacles
Class II: Moderate, regular waves, some obstacles
Class III: Difficult, high waves, narrow passages, steep drops
Class IV: Very difficult, powerful waves, narrow passages, steep drops
The rapids on Pho Chhu river are mostly Class II and Class III, with a few Class IV rapids that are reserved for experienced rafters only. However, it is always advisable to check the current water levels and rapids with your tour operator before booking a trip.
Cost:
The cost of Pho Chhu river rafting depends on the duration of the trip, the number of people in the group, and the services provided by the tour operator. Generally, a half-day rafting trip on the Pho Chhu river costs around $70 to $100 per person. This includes transportation, equipment rental, a professional guide, and lunch. Full-day trips that include a picnic lunch and more time on the river can cost around $120 to $150 per person.
Dang Chhu and Kuri Chhu River Rafting
Dang Chhu and Kuri Chhu are two more rivers that offer great rafting experiences in Bhutan. Both rivers are located in central Bhutan, and they offer a unique combination of challenging rapids, stunning scenery, and cultural experiences.
Difficulty Level:
Dang Chhu and Kuri Chhu rivers are suitable for experienced rafters due to their Class IV and Class V rapids. The rapids on these rivers are rated as follows:
Class I: Easy, small waves, no obstacles
Class II: Moderate, regular waves, some obstacles
Class III: Difficult, high waves, narrow passages, steep drops
Class IV: Very difficult, powerful waves, narrow passages, steep drops
Class V: Extremely difficult, long and violent rapids, steep drops, precise maneuvering required
The rapids on Dang Chhu and Kuri Chhu rivers are mostly Class IV and Class V, which require precise maneuvering and experience to navigate safely. It is always advisable to check the current water levels and rapids with your tour operator before booking a trip.
Cost:
The cost of Dang Chhu and Kuri Chhu river rafting depends on the duration of the trip, the number of people in the group, and the services provided by the tour operator. Generally, a full-day rafting trip on these rivers costs around $250 to $350 per person. This includes transportation, equipment rental, a professional guide, and lunch.