Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Destination: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdue
The Paro Chhu beautifully flows southward through the midst of Paro valley having its source rises to the south of Mt. Jomolhari (24000ft/7314m), which is revered as the abode of goddess Jomo. This glacier rivers drains through the alpine meadows and deep gorges through Jigme Dorji National Park and descends into the wide, open valley of Paro which is the site of one of Bhutan’s main town. The Paro Chh because of its small river, it is best fit for kayaks, especially for the beginners with a good stretch of 7 km. Best time for float is the spring season of March – April.
Detailed Itinerary
Paro is one of the beautiful valleys in Bhutan with rich culture, scenic beauty and this beautiful terrace valley is home to many historical ancient golden roofed temples and monasteries. It is also a land of myths and legends. The only airport is located here. In reality Paro is a village now transformed into a small town and undeniably going through lots of constructions following the traditional Bhutanese architecture. The valley of Paro is just about 1 hours drive from the capital city of Thimphu and today it is one of the most visited tourist destination in the country with array of ancient historical sites dated back from seventh century.
- Location: Western Bhutan
- Distance from Thimphu: 65 Km (1 hour)
- Elevation: 7385ft/2250m
Places of Attraction
Kyechu Lhakhang: One the oldest temple in Bhutan along with Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang. Dated back to 7th Century
Ta Dzong (Museum): Dated back to 17th century and now turned into museum since 1967
Tamchog Lhakhang: Built by Tibetain saint Thong Tong Gyelpo in 14th century
Ragoedrak Lhakhang: Located atop of the cliff and was founded by Guru Rinpoche in 8th century.
Drukgyel Dzong: It was built in 17th century as a fortification against Tibetan invasion. Now lies in ruin since destroyed by fire in 1951.
Tahtshang Goemba: Is one of the most iconic landmark and most visited Buddhist pilgrimage site
Kuenzang Chholing Lhakhang: A sharp 3 hours uphill climb from Paro Shaba. The lhakhang is considered exceptionally a sacred site
Jangsa Dumtse Lhakhang: The only temple built in the form of stupa and was built by Tibetan saint Thongtong Gyelpo in 14th century
Kila Goempa: Built on the face of a cliff and now house the main center for Numnnery
Rinpung Dzong: The main administrative and religious center of Paro. Built in 1645 by Zhabdrung
Access Point
- Thimphu: 65 Km 01 hours
- Haa: 60 Km 02 hours
- P/Ling: 176 Km 06 hours
Scenery: Paro is notably one of the best places to visit with scenic landscape and terrace rice fields. The Paro valley is dotted with elegant farmhouses and traditional homes which is considered to be the best of the country.
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.
Other Information
Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park (JDWNP): Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park has an area of 434,950ha, covering Paro, Thimphu, Gasa and Punakha. It is one of the full operational national parks. Having a largest protected areas and is the natural conservatory of glacier, alpine meadows and scrub lands, sub-alpine and temperate conifer forest, warm and cool temperate broad-leaf forests, major river and streams, and the flora and fauna inhabits. The park also has an inhabitance of wild animals’ like- Takin, Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, Tiger, Marmots, Red Panda, Himalayan Barking Deer and many species of birds. Several valuable plants were found in the park.
Available only Kayaks
Paro Chhu (Bondey – Isuna Bridge)
- Location: Western Bhutan (Paro Valley)
- Kayaks Location: Bondey – Isuna Bridge
- Sports Length: Approximately 10 Km 03 hours
- Difficulty: Class III – IV
- Flow: Above 500 cfs
- Best Season: Spring March – April
- Crafts: Kayaks Only (recommended due to steep rapids)
Lower Paro Chhu
- Location: Western Bhutan (Paro Valley)
- Kayaks Location: Isuna Bridge – down till Chunzom)
- Sports Length: 7 Km 01 hours
- Difficulty: Class II – III, wit class V
- Flow: Approximately 500 cfs
- Best Season: Spring March – May
- Crafts: Kayaks Only (too small for raft)