The crystal clear rivers in Bhutan cut through high valleys and low plains to meet up with the
Brahmaputra River in India. Depending on the geographic settings, rivers flow with strong
currents varying between slow, gentle flows in some places and powerful throughout the
Country.
The most popular rivers have been scouted for kayaking and rafting based on the various scales of difficulty. It provides adventurous travelers a unique opportunity to explore Bhutan’s beautiful wilderness. These rivers are fed by the glacial melt of the Eastern Himalayas and rapidly gaining in popularity both among local and international tourists.
The course of the rivers is joined by several small tributaries flowing from nearby mountains that
make the experience even more thrilling and best known for adventure activities related to
rafting and kayaking. The best time for river rafting and kayaking is from March to April and
November to December.
- Paa Chhu
The Pa Chhu (Paro River) is another splendid river rafting location to experience in western
Bhutan. The river flows from the north of Mount Jumolhari through mountain meadows and
enters the most striking landscapes and picturesque valley of Paro. It passes runs along with Paro International Airport before meeting the Wang Chhu River at Chuzom confluence. This makes an exciting spot for sightseeing and adventurous sports.
- Wang Chhu
Wang Chhu (Thimphu River) flows from the Himalayas at an altitude of 6400-m and passes
through raw and rugged terrain before slowing down to pass the open valley of Thimphu. This
impressive river covers the west-central valleys of Thimphu, Paro, and Haa. This river, the
tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra, gives an amazing experience of rafting and kayaking on the banks of Thimphu.
- Pho Chhu
Pho Chhu (Male River) is the white-water river rafting for which it is most famous for its
breathtaking views of the Punakha valley. This 16-km course of rafting with an adrenaline rush
passes through the longest suspension bridge in the country making it lively and adventurous. The
finishing point is before Khurutang town.
- Mo Chhu
Mo Chhu (Female River) is another awesome place for white river rafting on a 10-km course that
takes about an hour and a half to complete. The journey through the most attractive sights in
Punakha Valley will give the experience to see different migratory birds. This rafting is popular
for both adults and children who seek to perform river rafting.
- Punatsangchhu
Punatsangchhu is the longest and the wildest river in western Bhutan. The trip will be an
unforgettable experience of the beauty of the stunning landscape with the lush green valley and
fertile farmlands of Wangdue Phodrang. The river currents vary between slow, gentle flows and
powerful, raging torrents in some places.
- Sunkosh
Sunkosh is the continuation river of Punatsangchhu that flows from northern Bhutan and runs
through the national highway of the south from Wangdue Phodrang to Dagana. The rafting trip
makes an exciting spot for sightseeing and striking landscapes of the lower valley of Dagana.
The river empties into the Brahmaputra in the state of Assam in India.
- Mangde Chhu
Mangde Chhu (Trongsa River) rafting in central Bhutan covers 5-km, which takes about 2-hours
to the finishing point. This trip provides a daunting rafting experience to adventure lovers. It is
not recommended for amateurs.
- Kuri Chhu
Kuri Chhu rafting is the most unpredictable that flows through steep slopes with fast rapid
moving through the eastern region of the country. It is in the midst of a scenic deep valley with a
high ridge formed by the tributary of the Manas River, which is the largest of all the rivers in the
Country.
- Dangme Chhu
Dangme Chhu begins in the eastern Himalayan outlands of Arunachal Pradesh and cuts into
Bhutan in the farthest east. Rafting the river offers the intrepid adventurer the best spots with
enough volume and elevation for an amazing rafting experience. The rafting is ideal for very
beginners, children, and seniors.
- Rafting in Pangbang (Manas)
Pangbang near Manas National Park is the most popular rafting adventure with a whole range of rafting options. It is recommended for both seasoned and beginning though daring rafters. The expeditions are bumpy, fast, and filled with breathtaking views of Royal Manas National Park in southern Bhutan.
