Duration
Duration
Tour Activity
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Bhutan and India with this 15-day trip. From hiking to the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery to rafting down class 4 rapids on the Mo Chhu river, and kayaking and rafting the relatively unknown Drangme Chhu river, this trip offers a mix of cultural experiences and thrilling outdoor activities. Along the way, explore stunning landscapes and immerse yourself in local culture, including attending the Mongar festival. The trip culminates in a safari in the Royal Manas National Park, one of the largest biodiverse regions in the world, before returning home via Delhi or Bangkok.
Day 1 : Arrival at Paro International Airport and hike to Tiger’s Nest
Upon arrival, hike up to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro and spend the night in Paro.
Overnight: Paro
Day 2 : Head to Punakha
Drive/Mountain bike to Punakha over the Dochu La pass (3,116m). In the afternoon, we
will be able to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and stay the evening at a secluded riverside
resort. Paddlers will have the opportunity during the evening to outfit their kayaks ready for the
next day.
Day 3 : White-Water Rafting on the Mo Chhu River
Our first taste of Bhutan white-water will be a morning run down the pristine Mo Chhu
River which is class 2 or 3/4. In the afternoon, various options including bike riding before
spending another night at the riverside resort.
Day 4 : Leisure Day in Wangdue
Spend day rafting or kayaking the Po Chhu (class 3), mountain biking, hiking or
whatever you choose. In the evening we spend the night in Wangdu to cut short the next day’s
drive time.
Day 5 : Long Drive Day to Bumthang and Local Lodge Stay
Long drive day to Bumthang as we head east across Bhutan, with regular stops to take in
the stunning scenery and immerse ourselves in the culture. Spend the night at a local lodge.
Day 6 : Paddling the Upper Chamkhar Chhu and Bumthang Sightseeing
Back on the water for the morning to paddle the Upper Chamkhar Chhu (class 3) and
spend the afternoon sightseeing in Bumthang. Spend the evening at a local lodge.
Day 7 : Drive to Mongar with Mountain Biking Option
A fairly long drive again today to Mongar (options to mountain bike will be available).
This takes us even further east through more rural villages and more remote scenery. Spend the
night at the hotel in Mongar.
Day 8 : Mongar Festival and Sightseeing
Mongar Festival and sightseeing around Mongar.
Day 9 : Trek to Drangme Chhu and Camping on the Beach
Pack up and drive from Mongar to camp and head off to meet the ponies and then hike
to the River. THIS IS WHERE THE REAL ADVENTURE STARTS! From this point, we will
be totally self-sufficient with all of our expedition gear, in one of the last untouched regions of
the world. We pack all our gear in the dry bags and then trek down a small pony trail that winds
down to the Drangme Chhu. Expect about 3 hours of hiking; once we arrive at the River we
camp on a beautiful beach where we meet the Drangme Chhu for the first time.
Day 10 to 12: Kayaking and Rafting on the Drangme Chhu
We set off on our kayaking and rafting descent of the Drangme Chhu. Even
though the River has been run a small number of times before, due to monsoon floods we will
still need to treat this as a relatively unknown run. We camp on riverside beaches surrounded by
wild jungle, lighting camp fires in the evenings and preparing evening meals.
Day 13 : Safari Day in Manas National Park
We end our trip in the Royal Manas National Park on the Indian Border which is one
of the largest bio diverse regions in the world. We take out and cross the border into India and
spend the night at a modest safari lodge.
Day 14 : Farewell Celebration Dinner and Lodge Stay
A day on safari in Manas National Park with elephant rides and time to relax at the
lodge where we spend a second night and enjoy a farewell celebration dinner.
Day 15 : Morning Jeep Drive to Guwahati Airport for Departure.
On our final morning, we will take a morning jeep drive to Guwahati airport and then
fly homewards via Delhi or Bangkok.