Druk Rafting
Explore Bhutan via a different route — by drifting down the river admiring the Bhutanese scenery and handling a few small yet exciting rapids.
Whitewater rafting in Bhutan might no be as exciting as it is in other locations, but what it might lack in thrilling rapids, it more than makes up for with beautiful sceneries, diverse and thriving wildlife, and even small yet thrilling rapids of its own. Druk Rafting offers rafting services for the Pho Chu — a 16-kilometre course that consists of 15 class 2 to 4 rapids, and the Mo Chu — a 10-kilometre course that consists of 10 class 2 to 2+ rapids. These two are the most popular and suitable rivers in the country for whitewater rafting, and the routes allow guests to see the Punakha Dzong, the white-bellied heron which is one of the world’s rarest bird, and kingfishers.
Location
The Druk Rafting Service is located in Changyul, Punakha.
Opening Days and Hours
The Druk Rafting Service is open every day, from 08:00 to 17:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Rafting services cost around BTN 2,000 (USD 30) to BTN 2,500 (USD 37) per person during the peak season and BTN 1,000 (USD 15) to BTN 1,500 (USD 22) per person during the offseason. Cost is per river and can be added on to your tour package. The cost includes life jackets, splash jackets, helmets, experienced guides, and raft rentals.
How to Get There
- You can fly into Bhutan via the country’s sole international airport in Paro.
- From the Paro city centre, you can rent a car and travel for four hours going to Punakha.
- From the Punakha city centre, you can visit the Druk Rafting Service office or contact your tour provider to sign up for a tour.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
Rafting tours take an average 1 to 2 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
You can enjoy white water rafting in the country throughout the year, but the best months to do it would be from March to May, and September to November, during prime weather conditions and water temperatures.
Food
Food is not included in the rafting package and there are no restaurants located nearby. You can opt to bring ample snacks with you if needed.
Nearby Attractions
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
- Chimi L’hakhang Temple
Stay
The nearest hotel is the Dhensa Boutique Resort, which costs around USD 286 per night.
Good to Know
Some items you have to bring with you include extra t-shirts/clothes, socks, hats, sunblock lotion, river or aqua shoes, and water resistant bags for valuables.
