Rafting in Bhutan
Bhutan’s fresh water rivers are a source of envy to many, constantly fed by natural glacier lakes, in the Himalayas. It supports fresh water life forms, major hydropower projects and has recently gained popularity for adventure sports such as rafting, kayaking and fishing. Rivers are characterized by huge upper and under currents. Major rivers boast of 200 CFS – 7000 CFS of water volume. Rapids are good and are suitable for beginners as well as professionals. The valley of Punakha is famous for rafting with Bhutan’s two most prized rivers Po Chhu and Mo Chhu. A rafting tour or overnight camping near Po Chhu, followed by a day of rafting next day is an absolute treat. Best times for rafting in Bhutan are from March to April and November to December. Water levels in the month of May and October are high and low in the winter months of January and February. Guides are well trained in safety measures. Having said that, ensure that all safety measures are undertaken and most importantly, follow your guide's instruction very carefully.
Source: Tourism council of Bhutan (http://www.tourism.gov.bt)
|
River |
Area |
Distance |
Duration |
Class |
Water Volume |
Equipment |
|
Upper Paro Chhu |
Misti Zam- Satsam Chorten |
10 km |
3 hour |
III-IV |
500 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Lower Paro Chhu |
South of Paro – Chuzom |
7 km |
1 hour |
II-III, one V |
500 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Upper Wang Chhu |
Chuzom – Tam Chhu |
4 km |
2 hour |
IV, one V |
800-1000 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Lower Wang Chhu |
Tam Chhu-4 km dowm |
4 km |
1 hour |
III |
800-1000 CFS |
Kayak and Raft |
|
Upper Pho Chhu |
Wangthangka – Samdingkha |
7 km |
2 hour |
III-IV |
2000-3000 CFS |
Kayak and Raft |
|
Lower Pho Chhu |
Samdingkha- Punakha |
7 Km |
1.5 hour |
III-IV |
2000-3000 CFS |
Kayak and Raft |
|
Mo Chhu |
Tashitang- Punakha Dzong |
12 kms |
5-7 hour |
V |
1000 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Upper Mo Chhu |
Punakha –Sonam Put In |
3 kms |
1.5 hour |
IV-V |
1500-2000 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Lower Mo Chhu |
Khamsum Chorten – Pho Chhu Confluence |
6 km |
1 hour |
I-II |
NA |
Kayak and Raft |
|
Upper Dang Chhu |
Wangdi – Kichu Resort |
3 Km |
2 hour |
IV-V, V-V |
400-500 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Middle Dand Chhu |
Kichu Resort- 5 Km Dowm |
5 Km |
1.5 hour |
IV |
NA |
Kayak |
|
Lower Dang Chhu |
Wangdi-Puna Tang Chhu Confluence |
5 Km |
1 hour |
III+ |
NA |
Kayak and Raft |
|
Puna Tang Chhu |
Kami Chhu- Waklaytar Bridge |
15 Km |
4 hour |
IV-V |
5000-7000 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Puna Tang Chhu |
Waklaytar – Sunkoshtak |
17 Km |
4 hour |
III-IV |
5000-7000 CFS |
Kayak and Raft |
|
Mangde Chhu |
2 Km upstream from Yincholling palace |
5 Km |
2 hour |
IV |
3000 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Mangde Chhu |
Langtel |
7 Km |
3 hour |
III-IV |
3000 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Mandge Chhu |
Ema Datzi Canyon- Tingtibi |
50 Km |
2 river day |
V-VI |
3000 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Chamkar Chhu |
Thankabi – Jakar |
5 Km |
1 hour |
II – III |
1500 CFS |
Kayak and Raft |
|
Tang Chu |
Misitang – Jakar |
10 Km |
2 hour |
III-IV |
300-500 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Kuru Chhu |
Lhuentse – 14 Km down Stream |
14 Km |
3 hour |
IV-VI |
4000-6000 CFS |
Kayak |
|
Kuru Chhu |
Bottom of upper Canyon – Austho Village |
20 Km |
4 hour |
IV-IV+ |
4000-6000 CFS |
Kayak and Raft |
|
Kuru Chhu |
Power house – Hydropower site |
10 Km |
1 hour |
III |
4000-6000 CFS |
Kayak and Raft |
