Outdoor sports

Day Hikes

Possibilities for day hikes are enormous all over Bhutan. Whether it is a short one or two hours walk or a strenuous hike for a whole day, your journey is a discovery of small chortens, little monasteries, beautiful lakes and gorges or enchanting Bhutanese villages.  The route will always reward you for your efforts

Rafting and Kayaking

Wild Rivers and Silent Streams

Hardly any other destination on earth can match the huge offer and variety of rafting and kayaking of Bhutan. Whatever you are looking for, short and easy rafting experiences for beginners or mad adventures for real freaks, you will find the right river for your desire in Bhutan. Besides one day trips Bhutanese rafting and kayaking agents also organize white water fascination in expedition style, combining several of the rivers/sections mentioned below!

Best Times

Best times for River Rafting and Kayaking in Bhutan is March to April and November to December. River water levels in the months May to October will be high. During these times, many of the rivers mentioned here would not be feasible. Water levels in the winter months, January to February, will be low. This means that some of the rivers will no longer be feasible to run again.

All references to water levels are estimated and in cubic feet per second (CFS).

Safety

Bhutanese Rafting and Kayaking Guides are well trained and will do everything to ensure that you will enjoy your adventures without taking risks. All the rivers and sections have been surveyed and described by the North Carolinian adventure agency “Need More Adventures”, who is still organizing rafting trips to Bhutan.

CENTER PART

Paro Chhu

Location: Paro Valley, Western Bhutan

From/To: Mitshi Zam – Satsam Chorten

Length: Approximately 10 km, 3 hours

Difficulty: Class III – IV

Flow: About 500 cfs Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. High water will make this much more difficult and is not recommended.

Craft: Due to the very narrow and steep rapids Kayaks recommended only.

Description: From Mitshi Zam, at the footbridge, the river is small and shallow with several class III and IV rapids that are formed where the river constricts. When the dirt road leaves the river, near Drukgyel Dzong, the river drops into Foot Freezer Gorge, a continuous class IV boulder choke about one kilometer long. After the gorge, the river opens up into class II for the rest of the way to the footbridge Satsam Chorten.

Lower Paro Chhu

Location: Paro Valley, Western Bhutan

From/To: South of Paro – Chuzom (confluence with the Thimphu Chhu)

Length: 7 km, 1 hour

Difficulty: Class II – III, with one V

Flow: Approximately 500 cfs.

Craft: Kayaks only as the river is too small for a raft to be enjoyable.

Description: The lower Paro Chhu river is a good stretch for beginner/intermediate kayakers, there are plenty of small, boulder rapids and wave trains. There is one class IV -V boulder choke, about 3 km from the put in, which can be run on the left and scouted from the right. After this, the river enters a short, scenic canyon with more class II – III rapids. Take out at the road bridge at Chuzom, or for the more experienced kayakers, head down the Wang Chhu.

Wang Chhu – Upper Run

Location: Thimphu/Paro/Phuntsholing, Western Bhutan

From/To: Chuzom – Below Tam Chhu

Length: Approximately 4 km, 2 hours

Difficulty: Class IV, one class V

Flow: 800 -1000 cfs Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. A high water in this section would be extremely dangerous and is not recommended.

Craft: Kayaks only.

Description: The Wang Chhu from Chuzom is continuous and full of ledges and boulder sieves. It is a bad place to swim, washing into the wrong channel could be lethal. For solid class IV paddlers, it is a really fun paddle with lots of complex rapids and steep creek style paddling. Below the bridge at

Chuzom, there is a 6-foot waterfall, which should be scouted from the right. After this is about 2 kilometers of continuous class IV rapids, with a few that should be scouted. The river opens up a bit and eases off, before going into one last class IV section. Following this, the road comes down close to the river again offering a place to take out.

Wang Chhu – Lower Run

Location: Thimphu/Paro/Phuntsholing, Western Bhutan

From/To: Tam Chhu – About 4 km down

Length: 4 km, 1 hour

Difficulty: Class III

Flow: 800 -1000 cfs Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. A high water run may be possible, if scouted carefully. Craft: Kayaks, Rafts

Description: The lower section of the Wang Chhu opens up and is considerably easier than the upper section, with plenty of class III wave trains. This is a good section for rafts, or an alternative put in for beginner/intermediate kayakers. Take out at the big sandy beach on river left, and walk uphill to the road.

Upper Pho Chhu

Location: Punakha Valley, Western/Central Bhutan

From/To: Wangthangka (a two-hour trek from the end of the road) – Samdingkha.

Length: Approximately 7 km, 2 hours with scouting Difficulty: Class III-IV

Flow: 2000 -3000 cfs Mar/Apr, Oct/Nov. High water in this section will make this run very difficult.

Craft: Kayaks and Rafts

Description: The upper Pho Chhu (Pho Chhu means “Male River”) is a great paddle through an open valley, and well worth the walking time. There are a few good class IV rapids at the top, full of big boulders and big water moves. There is a good put in, just above the footbridge at Wangthangkha. Immediately below the put in, the first class IV rapid can be scouted from the left. After this, go around the comer and under the footbridge and scout the next class IV from the left. From here, most of the rapids are boat scoutable as the river eases up a bit, and there are lots of big, bouncy class III rapids and a few boulder gardens. Take out at the footbridge at Samdinkha, or continue another 7 km down to

Punakha.

Lower Pho Chhu

Location: Punakha Valley, Western/Central Bhutan

From/To: Samdingkha – Punakha (directly below the Mo Chhu confluence)

Length: 7km, 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Class III with one IV at the bottom

Flow: 2000 -3000 cfs Mar/Apr, Oct/Nov. Should be runnable at high water.

Craft: Kayaks and Rafts

Description: The lower Pho Chhu (Pho Chhu means “Male River”) is much easier than the upper section, with plenty of class III and a good class IV finale. This is currently the most popular rafting tour, since it is not too difficult and a beautiful half-day raft trip. From Samdingkha, the river meanders through a wide-open valley, full of rice fields and farmhouses. About 4 kilometers down is Strainers Paradise, a class III boulder choke. From here, there are some nice wave trains until the grand finale. Right below Bhutan’s longest foot bridge is Wrathful Buddha, a class IV. Take out is right after the confluence with Mo Chhu, next to the impressive Punakha Dzong.

Mo Chhu – Tashitang Devil’s Gorge Section

Location: Punakha Valley, Western/Central Bhutan

From/To: Tashitang (end of the road, about 2-hour’s drive from Punakha) – Punkha Dzong (directly below the Pho Chhu confluence)

Length: 12 km, 5 -7 hours with scouting

Difficulty: Class V

Flow: 1000 cfs, Feb/Dec. Higher than medium flows will make this run dangerous. A high water run is not recommended.

Craft: Kayaks only, this is much too difficult and steep for a raft.

Description: The upper Mo Chhu (Mo Chhu means “Female River”) from Tashitang has lots of class V, with a gradient of about 300 feet per mile. There is a short stretch of flat water about six kilometers down, the end of which marks the start of the Devil’s Gorge, a step up from the whitewater above. There is little access to the road, so paddlers attempting this section of river should be ready to commit to the whole thing. For those, not wanting to bite off such a big chunk of hard whitewater, check out the alternative put in for the upper stretch, described below (Mo Chhu – Upper Run).

Mo Chhu – Upper Run

Location: Punakha Valley, Western/Central Bhutan

From/To: 14 km above Punakha – Sonam’s Put In

Length: 3 km, 1.5 hours with scouting

Difficulty: Class IV -V

Flow: 1500 – 2000 cfs, Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec

Craft: Kayaks only, too difficult for a raft.

Description: From this put in the gradient reduces slightly, although the rapids are still continuous class IV with several class Vs which may need scouting. At the put in, the first rapid, Whiplash, can be scouted from river left. After Whiplash, the river continues to drop away in horizon line after horizon line. After about two kilometers, there is a short piece of flat water, recognizable because it is the only flat water on this section. This marks the start of a long, two-part class V rapid called Paula Jones. About one kilometer of class IV remains after Paula Jones, and the section ends with Baba Raj, a class IV that can be scouted from the left. Take out here, or continue down- stream.

Sonam’s Put In

Location: Punakha Valley, Western/Central Bhutan

From/To: Sonam’s Put In – Khamsum Yuling Namgayal Chorten

Length: 5 km, about 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Class III – IV

Flow: 1500 – 2000 cfs, Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. Might be runnable at higher flows if scouted carefully. Craft: Kayaks and Rafts

Description: From Sonam’s Put In, the river eases into pool drop class III and IV and offers a good place to put in for a raft or for intermediate kayakers. At the put in, there is a class III rapid that leads into the class IV rapid, Kingpin. Run the class III, then get out and scout on the left. There are a couple of class IV wall rapids after this, then the river continues with lots of pool drop class III until after the S -Bend, which you can see from the road. One boulder choke remains, which is runnable down the left. Take out below the temple, which was recently constructed on the river right, below the footbridge.

Lower Mo Chhu

Location: Punakha Valley, Western/Central Bhutan

From/To: Khamsum Yuling Namgayal Chorten – Pho Chhu confluence

Length: 6 km, 1 hour (high winds in the spring can make this stretch much longer, as there is little current to carry you downstream).

Difficulty: Class I – II

Craft: Kayaks,Rafts,Bath toysand anything that floats

Description:

This section is a good place for beginner kayakers, since there are plenty of eddies and small

wave trains, but not enough current to be pushy at all. It is also a great scenic raft trip for folks who don’t want too much excitement and appreciate the novelty of floating past the Punakha Dzong.

Upper Dang Chhu

Location: Wangdue Phodrang, Western/Central Bhutan

From/To: From Wangdi 7 km downstream – Kichu Resort

Length: Approximately 3km, 2 hours with scouting

Difficulty: Class IV -V at medium flows, V -V at higher flows

Flow: 400-500 cfs Mar/Apr, Oct/Nov. High water will make this run lethal.

Craft: Kayaks only, too small, too steep, and too difficult for a raft.

Description: From the bridge, there is about 2km of pool drop class IV warm-up until the first major class V. It is about 500m long and drops an average of 300 feet per mile. It is very technical, and a swim in any part of it could be disastrous. Scout from river left. After this, the river continues to drop steeply, but the rapids are shorter and there are pools below them. Any horizon line should be scouted, as there are several pinning possibilities and lots of other places you wouldn’t want to be.

Middle Dang Chhu

Location: Wangdue Phodrang, Western/Central Bhutan

From: Kichu Resort – 5km downstream of Dang Chhu

Length: 5km, 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Class IV with 3 class V scouts

Craft: Kayaks, a raft would be possible, but only with a strong team, several portages for rafts. It would be very time consuming, and there are other more rewarding raft runs in the area.

Description: Right below the Kichu Resort is a class V drop that is runnable on the left, scout from either side. The -river gorges in before the next rapid, scout on the right. Following this are several other class IV rapids, most are boat scoutable. There is a major boulder choke, which can be run far left. The last major class V is a tight squeeze between two boulders. Scout this one carefully – from the left, as there may be a log jammed underwater directly below the crux move. After this, there are a few more horizon lines, then the river eases up a bit and becomes the lower run. There is a possible takeout where the lower run begins, but it’s a long walk up and a short paddle down.

Lower Dang Chhu

Location: Wangdue Phodrang, Western/Central Bhutan

From/To: 5 km uprstream from Wangdi Phodrang – Puna Tsang Chhu confluence

Length: Approximately 5km, 1 hour

Difficulty: Class III+

Flow: Class IV with 3 class V scouts. Runnable at high water if the first section is scouted carefully and the paddlers are strong.

Craft: Kayaks and Rafts

Description: From the trail leading to the river, there is one continuous bouldery class III+ rapid. It is very technical and can present some difficulty to beginner kayakers, as there are very few eddies and it’s hard to stop. After this, there are a few more class three rapids, then the river flattens out and becomes class II all the way to the confluence. Take out on river right after the confluence with the Puna Tsang Chhu.

Puna Tsang Chhu – The Canyon

Location: Wangdue Phodrang, Western/Central Bhutan

From/To: Kami Chhu – Waklaytar Bridge

Length: Approximately 15km, 4 hours in a kayak with scouting, longer for a raft due to portages.

Difficulty: Class IV-V at low to medium flows, solid Vat high flows.

Flows: 5000 – 7000 cfs Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. A high water will be extremely difficult, not recommended.

Craft: Kayaks. Rafting would be possible, but only with a strong crew.

Description: From the Kami Chhu, the river eases off a bit and offers a chance to paddle some big rapids in a more reasonable setting. There are several class IV pool drop rapids and two major class Vs before the confluence with the Hara Chhu, from the left. The first class V is recognizable by a large boulder choke, which may or may not be runnable through a sneak chute on the right. Scout from river right. For rafts, this will probably need to be portaged, as there is a long lead in and the sneak chute is pretty tight. The second class V is a couple kilometers below, where there is a large landslide coming in on the left. This one is not so easy to recognize, and if not paying attention, an unlucky paddler could find himself committed to running the large whole at the bottom. After the Hara Chhu, there are still several big class IV rapids, most of which can be scouted from a kayak. A raft team will probably need to do more scouting.

Puna Tsang Chhu – Waklaytar to Sunkoshtar

Location: Wangdue Phodrang, Western/Central Bhutan

From/To: Waklaytar Bridge – Sunkoshtar

Length: Approximately 17km, 4 hours

Difficulty: Class III-IV at most flows.

Flows: 5000 – 7000 cfs Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. High water will make this run much more difficult, but more reasonable, than the canyon stretch.

Craft: Kayaks and Rafts

Description: This is a beautiful section of river that is ideal for a one-day raft trip or kayak trip. It can also be extended to make a two-day raft trip. Almost all the rapids are scoutable from a kayak, although there are some large holes, so if you can’t see downstream, get out and take a look. At Waklaytar, there is an amazing surf wave on river left when the water is at the right level. Downstream, the river starts off with a few big, bouncy class III rapids, before going around a left comer into the first big rapid, Tata Stopper, which features a huge, but easily avoidable hole on the river right. Run left. After a couple more comer rapids is Momma Mia, a sharp right turn with a big hole in the middle. Run either left or right of the hole, scout left. This marks the start of the hardest section of the river. Following Momma Mia, there are three more class IV rapids which need to be scouted, including Ara Ura and Rich and Famous. The river continues with some nice pool drop rapids down to the Buri Chhu coming in from river left, a possible put in or take out if you’re looking to cut the run a little shorter. Immediately after the Buri Chhu is Two Girlfriends, runnable down the right through the two big holes. One major rapid remains, a boulder choke called Bupen Falls, scout from the left, stay away from the right. Several more rapids and about 4 kilometers remain before reaching the takeout at Sunkoshtar. An alternative take out would be at the river camp at Chachey, about one kilometer above Sunkoshtar.

Mangde Chhu – Upper Section

Location: Trongsa, Central Bhutan

From/To: 2 km upstream from Yincholling Palace – Langtel

Length: Approximately 5km, 2 hours with scouting

Difficulty: Continuous class IV in Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec

Flows: Approximately 3000 cfs in Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec

Craft: Kayaks

Description: From the put-in, the river goes right into continuous class IV and doesn’t let up until the footbridge. The rapids are long, bouldery and full of technical moves. The river is steep and powerful, and being offline can land you in some big holes. There are approximately five scouts, depending on the water level and the boater’s ability. While many of the rapids can be scouted from a kayak, the more you scout, the less likely you are to find yourself stuffed into a rock or surfing a big hole.

Mangde Chhu – Ema Datzi Canyon

Location: Trongsa, Central Bhutan

From/To: Langtel – km below Langtel

Length: Approximately 7km, 3 hours with scouting

Difficulty: Pool drop class III-IV at medium flows

Flows: Approximately 3000 cfs in Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec, high water would make this section very dangerous

Craft: Kayaks

Description: For paddlers new to Bhutan it is recommended that you put in directly above the Ema Datzi Canyon, as it offers a beautiful class III-IV paddle, a full grade easier than the upper stretch, and with pools between the rapids, you get a chance embrace the stunning scenery. The first rapid, Nemesis, is right around the corner from the put in. It consists of a river wide hole with a tricky lead in-scout from the left. After Nemesis, the river drops into a very committing, sheer walled gorge. Waterfalls from side streams pour over the cliffs, and monkeys dangle from the trees, making this one of the most spectacular places to paddle in Bhutan.

The river continues with several class III and IV rapids which empty into big pools. Any blind horizon lines should be scouted, as there are lots of tricky drops, big holes, and occasional boulder sieves. The hardest rapids are towards the end, starting with a long rock garden that leads into a tough class IV drop. Run the rock garden until it’s too steep to see any farther downstream, then scout the rest from the left. The next rapid, Rocky-VI (named after the movie series), is short and steep, with big ledges on the right side and some holes in the middle-scout from the right. Two more rapids remain directly above the takeout, both are steep and bouldery, scout from the left. The very last rapid above the bridge provides an excellent finale to this run, driving left beside another Tata Bus eating hole. At the bridge, pick up your boat and start walking uphill for about 30 minutes to the road, or continue downstream for two days into Kevorkian Canyon.

Mangde Chhu – Kevorkian Canyon

Location: Trongsa, Central Bhutan

From/To: Takeout for the Ema Datzi Canyon – Tingtibi

Length: Approximately 50km, 2 river days

Difficulty: Class V -VI at low to medium flows

Flows: Approximately 3000 cfs in Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec, high water runs not recommended

Craft: Kayaks only

Description:

An experienced team (Mike Abbott, Ravi Frye & Marcus Morse) paddled this canyon in spring 1997 and found it to be extremely demanding and committing. It flows through a sheer sided gorge, and the road is far away from the river. They reported a lot of tough Class V and VI, including thirty foot waterfall, named Kevorkian falls. This drop has been run, but it was afterwards considered a bad decision. Any team considering paddling this section should be strong, experienced and ready to portage. High flows could make this run lethal.

Chamkar Chhu

Location: Bumthang, Central Bhutan

From/To: Thankabi – Jakar

Length: 5 km, 1 hour

Difficulty: Class II -III

Flows: 1500 cfs, Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec

Craft: Kayaks and Rafts

Description: The river from Thankabi is mostly a float through the scenic Bumthang valley. At Thankabi, kayakers can put in on the small side creek and paddle about 500m to the confluence with the Chamkar Chhu. The river starts out with a few class III rapids, then the valley opens up and the river flattens out to class II. This would be an excellent half day raft trip for tourists visiting Bhumtang who want to view the Dzong and monasteries from a different perspective.

Tang Chhu

Location: Bumthang, Central Bhutan

From/To: Misitang – Jakar

Length: 10 km, 2 hours

Difficulty: Class III -IV (including one of the only class VI pieces of flatwater in the world)

Flows: 300 -500 cfs Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. High water runs not recommended

Craft: Kayaks only, the rapids in the lower section are too narrow to allow a raft to pass. Portaging is not an option.

Description: The Tang Chhu is a beautiful river, running through the remote and seldom visited Tang valley. Put in at Misitang, where an impressive monastery sits against a diff on the river right side. A road is under construction here and it may be possible in the future to drive higher up the valley. From the put in, there is about 6 km of class II as the river meanders through the wooded river valley. Even though the road is not far away, this river feels extremely remote, as we have never seen any other people while paddling down. As the river bank starts to get steeper, the river enters a steep sided canyon, and the rapids become more technical. It is recommended to scout anything that you can’t see, as there is a lot of wood in this river, and strainers are not uncommon.

There is one rapid towards the bottom of the gorge that should be scouted. Look for a boulder choke with a sharp horizon line and a big wall on the right. Scout from the right. This rapid runs out into a short, sheer sided gorge, which sometimes has a log wedged in it sideways. If the water is low enough, kayakers should be able to duck under the log and continue downstream. If the water is high enough, a portage may be necessary. Directly downstream from the gorge, a short class II rapid leads into the Burning Lakes. Take out at the top of the rapid on river left, don’t miss it! Even though the Burning Lakes is flatwater, it is a very sacred place and must be portaged. It should be easily recognizable by two sheer walls, an abundance of prayer flags, and a small footbridge crossing the river. Walk around to the other side of the Burning lakes and put in downstream. One rapid remains, a five foot drop between some boulders into a big pool. Scout from the left. Be careful here, as the hydraulic at the bottom of the drop is a nasty one, and high water could make it very dangerous. Take out at the road bridge downstream.

Kuru Chhu -Upper run

Location: Lhuentse, Central-Eastern Bhutan

From/To: Lhuentse – 14km downstream

Length: Approximately 14km

Difficulty: IV for the first 7 km, class V -VI after that

Flows: 4000 -6000 Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. High water runs not recommended

Craft: Kayaks only. The long portages and big rapids in the lower canyon would make this impossible for a raft.

Description: From the put in, we found the river to be big volume, pool drop class IV for about 7 km. The rapids are full of big boulders and big water, technical moves, similar to the lower Puna Tsang

Chhu from Waklaytar Bridge. After 7 km, a small side stream enters from river left, offering a good

possibility for a take out point, because after this the road leaves the river. There’s a reason for this! At this point, the river enters a deep canyon and the gradient increases dramatically. Several huge landslides come in from both sides of the river, creating massive, complex rapids. The first one is called  Skin Of Your Teeth, a long, solid class V. Scout carefully from the left, as different water levels could make this rapid unrunnable. After this, the rapids continue, and we found ourselves either portaging over house sized boulders or running class V sneak routes around class VI drops. This is very hard work and stressful. It took four hours to negotiate the 3 kilometers that made up the toughest part of the canyon, and we portaged 3 times. After the main canyon, there is about 4 kilometers of class IV, with one class VI portage. Take out where the footbridge crosses the river, and walk up the foot path for about 20 minutes, or for those who don’t want to walk, continue downstream through the next section.

Kuru Chhu -Middle run

Location: Lhuentse, Central-Eastern Bhutan

From/To: Bottom of the upper canyon – South of Austho Village

Length: Approximately 20 km, 3-4 hours

Difficulty: Class IV-IV+ with a couple class Vs

Flows: 4000 -6000 Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. High water runs not recommended

Craft: Kayaks and Rafts

Description: From the footbridge at the bottom of the upper canyon, the river eases off and becomes much more runnable. The rapids are much like the first seven kilometers of the upper section; big volume, pool-drop, with many big boulders and technical big water moves. There are several class IV moves which need scouting. The road parallels the river for the first 13 km down to the village of Autsho. For intermediate paddlers, this is a good take out, because the river jumps up a grade after this, and the road winds away from the river.

Just downstream from Autsho, there is a big class IV+ running up against a sheer diff on river right. This should be visible on the drive up. Scout from the left. Directly downstream is another big

rapid that can be scouted from left or right. As the road winds away, the river drops into a beautiful canyon for about 7 kilometers. The rapids from here are still pool drop, but they are more difficult, class IV+ and V, and many require scouting. There is a big flat spot next to the road on river left which makes a great campsite and takeout for this section. Downstream, the river drops away into another class V-VI gorge.

Kuru Chhu – Lower Run

Location: Lhuentse, Central-Eastern Bhutan

From/To: Power house – Hydropower Project Site

Length: Approximately 10 km, 1 hour

Difficulty: Class III

Flows: 4000 -6000 Mar/Apr, Nov/Dec. High water runs not recommended

Craft: Rafts and Kayaks

Description: A German group paddled led by this stretch in early October 1999 when the water levels were very high and reported it to be mostly class III. This can be confirmed from road scouts. A road continues south of the East -West road bridge for about 6 kilometers and parallels the river dosely for most of the way. At the end of the road is a large hydro power project, which will create a reservoir that will back the river up some six kilometers, making most of this lower run a flatwater paddle.

Bicycling

Thimphu:

Thimphu- Pangri Zampa (28km roundtrip) Town Square 2350m – Dechenchholing

2420m (8km) -  Pangri Zampa – Taba Top (6km forest/ dirt road)  Return 60% downhill.

Punakha:

Khuruthang  – Tashithang  (62km roundtrip) Start at Khuruthang town 1240m  -

Punakha Dzong 1250m (4km)  -  Phuntsho Pelri (5km)  -Yebesa (3km) Rimchu (9km)-

Tashithang 1840m (10km/ dirt road) Tashithang is along the Mo Chu. Rimchu area is

among the hot spots for birding.Rafting and kayaking is also a option on this section.

Wangdue Phodrang:

Wangdue Phodrang  – Phobjikha  (64km oneway) Start in Wangdue town 1315m  -

Chhuzomsa 1410m (8km) – Tikke Zampa 1490(4km) Nobding 2640m (27km) -

Dungdung Nyelsa 2910m(7km) -  Lawala Junction 3240m (5km) – Lawala 3360m(3km) – Gangtey Gompa 3000m (3km)  -  Phobjikha- Tabiting 2830m(7km). There are several day trips in and around Gangtey and Phobji Geog. There is a 5.5km forest road under construction to Gogona, 6km dirt road + 2hours walk/bike to Khebethang and 7km dirt road to Kunkuthang.

Bumthang:

Jakar  – Tang  (62km roundtrip) Start at Jakar town 2580m  -  Membartsho 2570m (11km) -  Mesithang (17km/uphill dirt road )  – Kizom Suspension bridge 2760m (3km) cross the

bridge and 30min uphill walk to Ugyenchholing. The Guest house and Museum

(lifestyle/artworks) is run by the Ugyenchholing Trust. The Rodongla Trek also starts

from Tang and the Bumthang Cultural Trek can be done backwards from Tang.

Trashigang:

Trashigang – Phongme – Trashigang (70km roundtrip). Start at Trashigang town 1070m

-  Riju 860m (4km) – Lungtenzampa (5km) Rangjung bridge 1060 (7km) – Rangjung 1080

(1km) – Radi School 1870m (8km) – Phongme 1800m (10km).

The biker will have plenty of opportunity to sneak into any of the villages and get into the culture of rural Bhutan. Villages that fall along the trail are namely; Bajo, Jimthang, Manakha, Oladama, Tshochagsa and Aumtekha. Trail between Oldama and Tshochagsa is very interesting in terms of scenic value. One can have the view of Dochula, Talo Goenpa, Labtsakha and punakha valley with magnificent Punakha Dzong and monasteries. While descending from Tshochagsa, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang could also be seen.

MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS

1. KHURUTHANG – SAMDINGKHA – PUNAKHA

Physical Description

The proposed biking journey will be over 17 Km. It is suggested that journey take off at Khuruthang and stay following the feeder road until Samdingkha where footpath suspension bridge exists.

From Samdingkha the new trail follows mostly along the footpath at an average gradient of 10% until Punakha Dzong where the trail connects the asphalt road. The terrain topography of the new trail is generally steep exceeding 100% in some stretches. However, the trail is an up-gradation of the footpath which the terrain topography is therefore not much of a concern.

After reaching Punakha Dzong, keep following the asphalt road along Mochhu until Khuruthang Town, a place to stretch the arms and spend a night at the cosy hotel.

Flora and Fauna

Chir pine is the dominant forest with very little undergrowths. These forests are poor in terrestrial birds. However, along river courses plenty water birds could be spotted especially during winter. Some water birds spotted during survey are; Ruddy Shelduck, Common Shelduck, Mallard, Crested Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Great Cormorant, River Lapwing and Ibisbill.

Socio – Culture

Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan and the winter residence of Central Monastic Body. Punakha Dzong is the most impressive of the all Dzongs in Bhutan, built at the confluence of two rivers Phochhu and Mochhu. It has survived many natural disaster even the most recent flood due to glacial lake outburst, upstream of Phochhu. The trail passes through several villages such as Jimthang, Manakha, Jara, Samdingkha, Jangkhorlo and Tempakha.

2. BAJO – JANGSABU – TSOCHAGSA

Physical Description

To make a loop, it is suggested that biking start at Bajo via Jangsabu then to Tshochagsa and end at Bajo junction making about 40km. the terrain topography is very mild not exceeding 70%.

From Tshochagsa, there is also an option of either going to visit Lingmukha village which is 6Km away or descend towards Bajo following a farm road. The terrain the average gradient of farm road is recorded at 12%. The last two hairpin bends of the farm road before reaching Bajo is rather very steep with an average gradient recorded at 18%.

The trail falls between the altitude of 1200 and 2000 meters above sea level.

Flora & Fauna

From Bajo – jangsabu, the vegetation is mainly scrub forest. Water birds such as Ruddy Shelduck, Common Shelduck, Mallard, Crested Kingfisher, White – throated Kingfisher, Great Cormorant, River Lapwing, Ibisbill, etc are spotted along Punatsangchhu.

From Jangsabu, chirpine forest begins with very little undergrowths. Patches of broadleaved forests mainly dominated by oak is also visible around Tshochagsa and along streams. Birds spotted in the forest are Kalij Pheasant, Rufous – bellied Woodpecker, Oriental Turtle Dove, Eurasian Jay, Scarlet Minivet, Blue Whistling Thrush, Spotted Forktail, Green-Backed Tit etc. Wild animals spotted are Barking deer and wild Boar.

Socio – Culture

Rock climbing

Rock climbing was first introduced in Bhutan in 1998 by the “Vertical Bhutan Climbing Club”. The “Nose”, a climbing rock ideally situated just above Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, offers 13 different safely bolted climbing routes in difficulty degrees from 4B up to 7B in lengths between 12 and 27 meters. The Vertical Bhutan Climbing Club welcomes every visitor to join in. The club provides climbing equipment and training if required. Find more information at HYPERLINK “http://www.verticalbhutan.com” www.verticalbhutan.com.

Golf

The Royal Thimphu Golf Course is a challenging nine hole (par 33 golf) course beautifully set up between Thimphu’s Tashichodzong and the views of spectacular mountains. The course’s water hazards are man made and are strategically placed for a challenging game on the narrow fairways.  A different set of tees for the back nine makes it a great double round of 18 holes. The restaurant at the golf course is said to be one of the best in Thimphu.

Fishing

Bhutan is one of the last unexplored fishing destinations in the world. Here, you will experience the unique joy of fishing in beautiful trout streams that blend harmoniously with mountains and cultural scenes. Fishing in the crystal clear rivers set against breathtaking landscape is what every angler dreams for. About forty species have been recorded, with new species discovered every year. Fishing spots range from large rivers to crystal clear spring-fed streams. Altitudes range from a low of 1,200 m. to 3,000m. The most common varieties are the snow trout and the brown trout. The best times for fishing are in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).



  • Destination