Through the rivers

Sections: Distance: 10 km | Duration: 1–2 hours | Difficulty: Class III–IV | Craft: Kayaks

• After breakfast, take a short drive to Bondey to begin paddling along the Paro Chhu toward Isuna, a small riverside settlement en route to Thimphu. Enjoy scenic landscapes, terraced fields, and moderate rapids along the way. Stop at Isuna for lunch before driving approximately 1–1.5 hours to Thimphu.
• In Thimphu, visit the Postal Museum to learn about Bhutan’s philatelic history and then take a leisurely stroll through Changyul Park, a peaceful riverside green space. Conclude the day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress housing government offices and the monastic body.
• Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Thimphu.

• After breakfast, begin your exploration of Thimphu with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the Third King, His Majesty Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck. Observe devotees circumambulating the stupa, spinning prayer wheels, and enjoy the serene gardens and symbolic architecture. Continue to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) for panoramic views of Thimphu Valley and the surrounding mountains.
• Visit Simply Bhutan to experience traditional rural life, followed by the Folk Heritage Museum and the School of Arts and Traditional Crafts to see artisans at work. In the afternoon, explore the Takin Preserve and nearby Paper factory. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay, with the option of a stroll through Thimphu’s markets to browse handicrafts and souvenirs.

• Drive approximately 45 minutes from Thimphu to Dochula Pass (3,100 m), passing through lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls. At Dochula, stop to admire the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens and enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Afterward, continue the journey for about 1–1.5 hours from Dochula to Punakha, taking in the scenic valley landscapes along the way.
• Upon arrival, hike a short 1-hour round trip to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple, and learn about its local traditions. Then visit Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece situated at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers, and walk across its charming suspension bridge for breathtaking valley views. Conclude the day with an overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha

• Upper Pho Chhu – Wangthangkha to Samdingkha | Distance: 12 km | Duration: 5–7 hours | Difficulty: Class V | Craft: Kayaks only
  Start early in the morning on one of Bhutan’s most thrilling and technical kayaking stretches.
• Lower Mo Chhu – Khamsum Yuling Namgyal Chhorten to Punakha Dzong | Distance: 6 km | Duration: 1 hour | Difficulty: Class I–II | Craft: Kayaks and Rafts
• Visit the exquisite Khamsum Yuling Namgyal Chhorten before paddling downstream to Punakha Dzong. Overnight at a Hotel in Punakha

• Upper Dang Chhu – Wangdue Downstream to Kichu Resort | 3 km | 2 hours | Class IV–V
• Middle Dang Chhu – Kichu Resort to Dang Chhu Downstream | 5 km | 1.5 hours | Class IV–V
• Lower Dang Chhu – Wangdue Upstream to Puna Tsang Chhu Confluence | 17 km | 4 hours | Class III–IV
• Navigate the rivers of Dang Chhu, alternating between technical rapids and calmer stretches.
• Afternoon transfer back to Paro. Overnight at a Hotel in Paro.

• Early morning transfer to Paro Airport for onward flights. Enjoy your final glimpses of the Himalayan scenery and cherish memories of Bhutan’s rivers, mountains, and culture.