Rivers & Dzongs of Bhutan Itinerary

Dzonka-English Translations:
Chhu = river, La = pass, Dzong = monastery/fortress, Lhakhang = temple, Stupa/Chorten = shrine

Day 1 – Arrive in Bhutan: Explore Paro
Arrive in Paro, Bhutan (7,200 feet) after a scenic flight with views of the eastern Himalayas. Begin your adventure with a visit to the Rinpung Dzong, a magnificent fortress, followed by the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang.
Overnight in Paro (Lunch, Dinner)

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Day 2 – Raft the Paro Chhu, Journey to Thimphu
Start your day rafting the Paro Chhu, a pristine Himalayan river, with a stop at a historic 14th-century iron bridge. Travel to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu (7,656 feet), and visit the awe-inspiring Buddha Dordenma Statue, the world’s largest seated Buddha. If time permits, explore the National Library or the Memorial Chorten.
Overnight in Thimphu (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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Day 3 – Cross Dochu La Pass, Discover the Temple of the Divine Madman
Drive through the stunning Dochu La Pass (10,300 feet), adorned with 108 chortens and prayer flags, into the Punakha Valley. Enjoy a scenic hike to the quirky Temple of the Divine Madman, known for its fertility blessings and fascinating legends.
Overnight in Punakha (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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Day 4 – Raft the Pho Chhu, Visit the Iconic Punakha Dzong
Paddle the Pho Chhu River’s turquoise waters and Class II-III rapids, finishing at the confluence with the Mo Chhu beside the magnificent Punakha Dzong. Built in 1637, this fortress is a symbol of Bhutanese history and resilience.
Overnight in Punakha. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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Day 5 – Scenic Drive to Trongsa, Explore Trongsa Dzong
Travel over the Pele La Pass (11,200 feet) to Trongsa (6,900 feet), where you’ll visit Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest fortress overlooking the Mangde Chhu Valley.
Overnight in Trongsa (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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Day 6 – Journey to Bumthang, Visit Jakar Dzong
Drive through the Yutong La Pass (11,350 feet) to reach the picturesque Bumthang Valley (8,400 feet). Explore the majestic Jakar Dzong, offering sweeping views of the valley below.
Overnight in Bumthang (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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Day 7 – Raft the Chamkar Chhu, Visit Jambay Lhakhang
Raft the pristine Chamkar Chhu River, surrounded by dramatic gorges, then visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries.
Overnight in Bumthang (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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Day 8 – Return to Paro, Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
Fly back to Paro and hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. This sacred site is steeped in legend and offers unparalleled views and spiritual serenity.
Overnight in Paro  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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Day 9 – Depart Bhutan: Fly to Bangkok
Conclude your adventure with a flight back to Bangkok. Extend your stay in Bangkok or return home.

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Note: This itinerary may adjust due to local festivals, water conditions, or accessibility to ensure an exceptional experience.

Video: Bhutan Rafting and Cultural Trips

What to Expect

Making the most of your trip

We find people have the most fun when they remain flexible. The itinerary may vary depending on local festivals, water flow, roads and/or river access. Activities may be substituted or the schedule adjusted to provide the best possible trip.

Weather

In November, Bhutan enjoys late autumn weather, making it one of the best times to visit. The country’s altitudes range from about 200 meters (656 feet) in the southern foothills to over 7,000 meters (22,966 feet) in the high Himalayas, creating varied climates.

• Lower altitudes (e.g., Punakha, 1,200 meters / 3,937 feet): Daytime temperatures range from 20–25°C (68–77°F), with cooler nights around 10°C (50°F).
• Central valleys (e.g., Thimphu and Paro, 2,200–2,500 meters / 7,218–8,202 feet): Daytime temperatures are typically 12–20°C (54–68°F), while nights drop to 0–5°C (32–41°F).
• Higher-altitude trekking areas (above 3,000 meters / 9,843 feet): Daytime temperatures are colder, around 5–10°C (41–50°F), and nights can fall well below freezing.

Skies are generally clear with bright sunshine, and rainfall is rare, creating ideal conditions for hiking, rafting, and sightseeing. Visitors should pack layers to stay comfortable across these varying climates.

Group Size & Rafts

Trips are limited to 12 guests plus a mixture of Bhutanese and American guides, usually at least one of each. On river. 14-foot long paddle raft carries six people plus a guide. Each person paddles as a guide calls out the paddling commands.

Dietary Restrictions

Bhutanese people are generally receptive to dietary requests and do their best to accommodate, especially with prior notice. Carrying snacks like nuts, dried fruits, or energy bars can also be helpful to ensure you have something to eat when options are scarce.

Price Includes

Gratuities

Guides appreciate gratuities for their efforts. Typically, tips range around 10% to 15% of the trip cost and can be given to the head guide to be evenly distributed amongst the crew. That being said, the choice to tip is yours and depends upon your feelings about the trip and tipping in general as well as your financial means.

Packing for your river trip

You will be provided with a suggested packing list after signing up for the trip. The key equipment is being able to layer to adjust to the changes conditions. While rain rarely falls in the December, proper rain gear will make it a much more joyful experience if it does. Here are some rain gear, footwear, and other clothing options we recommend.

Getting There and Away

Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan

While it is possible to fly into Bhutan from other locations, these trips are most convenient when all group members fly in from Bangkok. Spending a day or two in Bangkok before your trip is a great way to overcome jet lag and experience the vibrant city. The flight from Bangkok (Thailand) to Paro (Bhutan) typically takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. This is the most common route for international flights into Bhutan, as Paro is the only international airport in the country. Flights to Bhutan are limited, with only a few carriers operating to and from Paro, and many routes, other than from Bangkok, have limited schedules and may not be flown daily.

Map of Bhutan

Bangkok

A bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture, diverse attractions, and unique energy, Bankok serves as a convenient stop for travelers on their way to Bhutan. The city can be overwhelming at first, but with time, its chaotic nature becomes part of its charm.

Transportation in Bangkok is quite accessible. The BTS Skytrain provides an efficient way to navigate certain areas, especially during peak traffic times. However, it doesn’t reach all parts of the city, so taxis or tuk-tuks may be necessary for more specific destinations. Sukhumvit Road, a central area in Bangkok, is home to a wide range of accommodations and is well-connected to public transportation. A popular mid-range option is the Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11, located on Soi 11.

For those looking for a more lively and budget-friendly area, Khao San Road is popular with backpackers and offers a mix of street food, bars, and reasonably priced guesthouses. If you’re interested in exploring the city from the water, boat taxis along the Chao Phraya River are an excellent option, especially for reaching historic sites like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace.