Bhutan River Rafting Tour

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum and Rimpung Dzong. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and Tashichhoe Dzong which houses some ministries, His Majesty's secretariat, and the central monk body. If your visit coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market to see the variety of food of Bhutan (open Friday until mid Sunday).

Drive over the Dochula Pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness" built in 1637. In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike through rice fields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk.

RAFTING STARTS TODAY! After breakfast, drive to Yabesa village and hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten. After that, RAFTING begins on the Punakha River. Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639, the strategically located Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. In the 17th century, Wangduephodrang played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country.

Drive back to Thimphu where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores, visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. The Dzong, built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. Afterwards, drive to Haa via Chelela Pass where you will enjoy panoramic views of the Paro and Haa Valleys as well as Mt Jumolhari and the beautiful Himalayan ranges of Bhutan. From Chelela, drive down through a deep pine forest and into the narrow valley of Haa.

The extraordinarily beautiful Haa Valley is newly opened to tourists. Haa is a picturesque fertile valley ideal for mountain biking and hiking. Visit Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo (white temple and black temple) that was built in the 8th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, after he sent two doves (one black and one white) to find a sacred place to build a monastery. Enjoy the serene beauty of this hidden gem.

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). In the afternoon, drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. Enjoy a relaxing hot stone bath in the evening.

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Depart with thrilling memories of rafting through Himalayan rapids and the spiritual peace of Bhutan's sacred sites. Tashi Delek!