Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Destination: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa, Bumthang, Lhuentse
The Kuri Chhu (river) Lhobrak River in the eastern Bhutan is one of the major rivers in eastern Bhutan forming a scenic valley with high ridge and deep valley. It is one of the tributary rivers of Manas River, which is the largest river of Bhutan. It is one of the interesting destination for white water sport though general rush down, steep slope and great force river. It is the province most unpredictable river with miles paddling downhill through scenic landscape and fast rapids (class V – class VI) have been strategically used in Kuri Chhu. Like the others rafts & kayaks, Kuri Chhu best fit and months for successful trip is March – April and November – December.
Detailed Itinerary
Lhuentse is one of the northeast district of Bhutan and the ancestral home of the royal family – Jigme Namgyel, the father of the first king of Bhutan. It consists of 2506 households is one of the least developed province of Bhutan. This terrace hillside province mainly grows maize and millet too and used to brew the local alcohol “ara”. The conifers yields turpentine and lemon grass. Moreover the region is known for the weaver who follow a brocading technique, using bright colored silk to make some of the most used, expensive and best “kueshuthara” dress in the country. The province has got less road network with gas station opened recently as September 2005, and power supply is not well distributed. The oicturesque Lhuentse dzong was built in 1654 by Trongsa Penlop Minjur Tempa, strategically positioned on a rock outcrop with a sheer vertical drops on a four sides plugging down to the rusihning Kuri Chhu(river). The dzong enclosed the main administrative section.
- Location: North East Bhutan
- Distance from Mongar: 76 km (3 hours)
- Elevation: 1700m (5580ft)
The Kuri Chhu (river) Lhobrak River in the eastern Bhutan is one of the major rivers in eastern Bhutan forming a scenic valley with high ridge and deep valley. It is one of the tributary rivers of Manas River, which is the largest river of Bhutan. The Kuri Chhu originates its source from Mt. Kula Gangri (7532m) Glaciers and in Tibet, flowing relatively to the low elevation of 1200m/3900ft through the course of Lhuntse Dzong and finally meets the Kulong Chhu (river and Drangme Chhu(river )drain down to meet with Manas River which is the major tributary of the Brahmaputra river in India. Kuri Chhu(river) is one of the interesting destination for white water sport though general rush down, steep slope and great force river. It’s the province most unpredictable river with miles paddling downhill through scenic landscape and fast rapids (class V – class VI) have been strategically used in Kuri Chhu.
Access Point
- Mongar: 67 Km 02 hours
- Bumthang: 196 Km 08 hours
- Trashi Gang: 157 km 05 hours
- Thimphu: 463 Km 18 hours
Scenery: Lhuentse is one of the less populated and less tourist-visited regions with a small town dominated by the Lhuentse Dzong overlooking the valley of Kuri Chhu. It has a spectacular landscape with river gorges and dense coniferous forest and most of the region is part of the environmental protected areas of Bhutan.
Other Information
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS): Lhuentse is part of Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary along with Trashi Yangtse with an area covering around 1184,430ha. It is one of the rich diversity of flora and fauna. The natural landscape and the ecosystem range from sub-tropical forest to alpine meadows with scenic alpine lakes in the higher altitude. The sanctuary is one of the main wintering spots in Bhutan for the migratory rear black-necked crane, which comes in winter month of October and lives there until mid-March. The sanctuary also provides some international significant sites like Singye Dzong, Khempa Jong and others.
What to Bring: We suggest you to bring bathing suits, shoes that best fit for rafts & kayaks, towel, waterproof camera, sunscreen, bug spray, string to hold your sunglasses, sandals to use after the rafts (can keep in the car), and flop flops.
Available Rafts & Kayaks
Kuri Chhu – Upper Run
- Location: Lhuentse (Eastern Bhutan)
- Kayaks Location: Lhunetse – Tangma Chhu
- Sports Length: approximately 14 km (03 hours)
- Difficulty: IV for the 1st 7 km, Class V – VI after 7 km
- Flows: 4000 – 5000 cfs
- Best Season: March – April, November – December (Caution: High water run not recommend for amateurs)
- Craft: Kayaks Only (Tips: the long portages and rapids in the lower canyon makes raft impossible)
Kuri Chhu – Middle Run
- Location: Lhuentse(Eastern Bhutan)
- Rafts & Kayaks Location: Bottom of Upper Canyon – Autsho Village South)
- Sports Length: Approximately 20 km (03 – 04 hours)
- Difficulty: Class V – VI+ with a couple class Vs
- Flows: 4000 – 6000 cfs
- Best Season: March – April, November – December (Caution: high water run not recommended for amateurs)
- Craft: Kayaks and Rafts
Kuri Chhu – Lower Run
- Location: Lhuentse (Eastern Bhutan)
- Rafts & Kayaks Location: Power House – Hydropower Project Site
- Sports Length: Approximately 10 km (01 hour)
- Difficulty: Class III
- Flows: 4000 – 6000 cfs
- Best Season: March – April, November – December (Caution: high water run not recommended for amateurs)
- Crafts: Kayaks & Rafts