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River Rafting in Bhutan – 7 Days

Not Rated
Duration

7 Days 6 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

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River rafting in Bhutan will not be disappointed by the rugged, untamed waterways of Bhutan. The rivers are plentiful with strong currents varying between slow, gentle flows in some places and powerful, ranging torrents that can be found throughout the country. There are easy routes for beginners and hair-raising runs for the veterans. The best time for rafting and kayaking is from March to April and November to December. Check out rivers of Bhutan.

Bhutan has six major rivers for sports activity and they are perfect for rafting and kayaking. You can try rafting and kayaking in Paro Chhu, Upper Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu- Tashitang Devils Gorge section and Mangde Chhu. Whether youre a beginner or expert, looking for a gentle flow or a powerful rush of water, there are many levels of kayaking and rafting.

Highlights

  • Land Paro - Transfer to Thimphu 2000 m
  • Tour of Thimphu 2200 m
  • Thimphu - Punakha 2400 m
  • Excursion in & around Punakha 3048 m
  • Punakha – Paro 1214 m
  • Excursion to Tiger’s Nest 3120 m
  • Depart from Paro 3120 m

Day 1: LAND PARO - TRANSFER TO THIMPHU

Fly into Paro by DrukAir / Bhutan Airline.After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour and drive to Thimphu.National Memorial Chorten, chorten literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly local in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten.Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over).Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.Craft Bazaar -A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts. And also visit other handicraft stores.

Day 2: EXPLORE THIMPHU

After breakfast visit following place:• Institute for Zorig Chusum - commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.• Coronation Park - Located on the banks of the river (near the city stadium), this 5.6 acres of parkland offer a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by.• Kuensel Phodrang and visit tallest Buddha statue and enjoy the full view of Thimphu Valley below.• The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim) - It is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programes and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid 19thm century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and equipments that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various domestic purposes in the rural households.• Changangkha Lhakhang - It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.• Weekend Market - Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu's scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.

Day 3: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA

After breakfast, travel to Punakha through Dochula Pass 3140 m.In the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. . Then pass by the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and well being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. Punakha has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture.Punakha had served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907. The dzong is historically important and stands as the symbol for a unified Bhutan. On the way, stop for lunch at Metsina village and then visit the Devine Madman’s MonasteryChhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.Then visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. At the dzong, you can see the highest standards in woodwork. In the evening visit Rinchengang & Lobesa villages where you will take a short walk through the village and have free interaction with the villagers.

Day 4: EXCURSION IN AND AROUND PUNAKHA

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten:A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.RAFTING PROGRAM:After lunch visit following place Limbukha: – Drive towards limbukha village later walk across the suspension bridge (about 200m long) through absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the farm houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers and surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha.Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. This particular rice needs clean mountain spring so that the taste is good and nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. Legends say that during medieval wars the "limpus" or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during yearly festival called 'Serda' when the men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks the drive to Gangtey valley.

Day 5: PUNAKHA – PARO

After breakfast travel to paro.On arrival at paro check into your hotel and visit the following: National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. It is also known as the Rinpung Dzong which means a “fortress that sits on a heap of jewels”. This imposing dzong located above the Paro River is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture with its inward sloping walls that rise to an impressive height.The dzong was built in the 16th century on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche (who is regarded as the "second Buddha.") .From the dzong, walk further down to Nyamai Zampa, an oldest traditional cantilever bridge in Bhutan. In the evening stroll through the Paro town and visit local handicraft stores. Over night at Paro.

Day 6: EXCURSION TO TIGER’S NEST MONASSATERY

After breakfast,drive to Paro which takes about 1 hr and then hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’.The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 – 1 ½ hrs depending on your fitness and from View Point you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory.After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point. Then drive back to hotel. On the way visit Kyichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans. Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demon.

Day 7: DEPART PARO

  • Breakfast and dinner at respective hotels and lunch at local tourist standard restaurant
  • Accommodation (Twin Bed / Dbl Bed sharing basis) in 3 star hotel
  • All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
  • Daily USD 200 per person/night Gov. Sustainable Development Fee
  • Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments.
  • English Speaking Local guide.
  • Sightseeing.
  • Visa fee USD 40
  • Single room supplement charges USD 25 per room per night
  • Insurance Premiums
  • Payments for service provided on a personal basis
  • Cost for any services not mentioned in the "Cost Include head"
  • Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
  • Personal expense in items such as laundry, soft drinks, Camera Charges, Bottle water, Incidentals, Portage, Bellboy charges tips or any other service
  • Airfare

Tour's Location

Do visitors need a visa to visit Bhutan?
1.1. Yes, all visitors will need a visa to visit Bhutan, except for visitors from India, who will require a permit.1.2. Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives shall be eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry.1.3. Nationals of Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic and official passports shall be eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry.1.4. Visitors from India will need a permit to visit Bhutan. This applies to anyone holding an Indian passport, or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals aged under 18 years, a passport or a birth certificate will suffice, and they must be accompanied by legal guardians.
How can visitors process their visa or permit?
2.1. Visitors can process a visa or permit online from the website of the Department of Immigration. Visitors can also engage tourism service providers (see www.bhutan.travel for more details) to process the travel documents and plan a trip. The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) will also offer customer service to help answer questions regarding visa applications and to answer questions about travel within the country.2.2. Although visitors from Bangladesh and Maldives can process visas on arrival and visitors from India can process permits on arrival at the port of entry, it is recommended that these be applied online to reduce wait time and for faster clearance at the port of entry.
What are the documents required to process the visa?
3.1. A passport copy is required. The passport must be valid for six months from the intended date of departure from the Kingdom;3.2. Travel insurance valid for the duration of the trip; and3.3. A recent passport size photograph.
How much is the visa fee and how long does it take to issue?
4.1. The visa fee is USD 40 per person and it is non-refundable. While the process to issue the visa is usually quick, the visa can take up to five working days to process.
What are the documents required to process the permit (for Indian guests)?
5.1. Visitors from India can use a passport or voter ID card. Children under 18 years of age can use a birth certificate or passport, and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.5.2. Passport size photograph is also required.5.3. Travel insurance is required and should be valid for the whole duration of the trip.
How can I purchase insurance if I don’t have any?
6.1 There is also an option to purchase domestic travel insurance from Bhutanese insurance providers at the port of entry during arrivals. There are also tourism information officers stationed at all ports of entry who can assist travellers. Click here to get details on the insurance from Bhutan Insurance Limited.
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Email

bhutantravelgate@gmail.com

Website

https://bhutanbesttouragent.com

Phone

+97577399640

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