Rafting and Kayaking
Bhutan with its various valleys and rivers offers a variety of choices for people who love water and water sports. The rivers of Bhutan are generally very steep and powerful and road access is limited, so only a relatively short section of the main rivers are suitable for kayaking and rafting.
Bhutan offers a unique destination for avid kayakers whom are comfortable in class three and class four rivers, with incredible rivers that are both challenging and some of the most beautiful in the world. The Pho Chhu (located in Punakha Valley) is the most popular river for water sports; it is easily accessible by road and has a couple of class III rapids. Furthermore, you can sight the world’s most rare bird, the White-belled Heron, which is a common sight on the Pho Chhu River. This river is little technical and a few rapids on the river have names, the Wrathful Buddha and Strainers Paradise.
The river is aqua blue and is much clearer compared to the Mo Chhu which is the river located in the adjacent valley. If you are looking for a peaceful morning in the Punakha Valley our scenic float past the Punakha Dzong is recommended. This section of the Mo Chhu River is graded as class II and I; the total distance of this section of the river is 6 km.
The Mo Chhu is the female river of the Punakha Valley. The starting point is at the base of the Khamsum Yulley monastery, a picturesque spot with a suspension bridge joining the opposite village with terraced rice fields with the road head. Kingfishers who make their presence felt with sharp cries and flash of brilliant blue across the river is the only movement apart from the river flowing down stream. Fish jumping in the river is a common sight and the rural landscape slowly unfolding and then disappearing behind you until you reach the Punakha Dzong.
A beautiful canter leaver bridge connects the old fortress with the modern parking lot. This is raft trip that needs no skill and fitness level and recommended for all including children. Paddling Trips For those wishing to plan a paddling trip to Bhutan, please contact us directly so we can begin to discuss your paddling options. Please view the river classification chart to see the potential rivers to kayak in Bhutan and their classification.
In order, for us to arrange a paddling trip, we will require all the paddlers in the group to be solid class three/four paddlers. Certain sections of the rivers can be extremely sporty and technical. The rivers of Bhutan await you!!