River Rafting in Bhutan – 7 Days

After breakfast, visit the following places: Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Arts and Crafts School or Painting School, which offers a six-year course in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; on a visit, you can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. Coronation Park, located on the banks of the river near the city stadium, offers 5.6 acres of parkland with a pleasant, relaxing environment to stroll or sit and watch the river flow by. Kuensel Phodrang, home to the tallest Buddha statue in the country, offering a full view of Thimphu valley below. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), dedicated to connecting people to Bhutan's rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of rural life; its principal exhibit is a restored three-storey traditional rammed-mud and timber house dating back to the mid-19th century, typical of an average household in the Wang area during that era, with household objects and domestic tools on display across all three floors. Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress-like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang; the temple was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet, and its central statue is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads, with a fascinating view of Thimphu valley from the temple courtyard. If your visit falls on a Saturday or Sunday, stop by the Weekend Market, where much of Thimphu's population and many valley dwellers gather on the banks of the river; it's an interesting place to mingle with the local people. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, travel to Punakha over Dochula Pass (3,140m). On a clear day, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Pass by the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and wellbeing of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. Punakha has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture; it served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 until 1907, and its dzong is historically important, standing as a symbol of a unified Bhutan. On the way, stop for lunch at Metsina village, then visit the Divine Madman's Monastery, Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing. Then visit Punakha Dzong, located at the junction of the Pho Chhu (male river) and the Mo Chhu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region, and its woodwork is considered among the finest in the country. In the evening, visit Rinchengang and Lobesa villages, where you will take a short walk and have a free interaction with the villagers. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: a beautiful hike takes you to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley, with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. In the afternoon, enjoy a river rafting excursion on the Mo Chhu, one of Bhutan's most scenic and gentle stretches of water and ideal for both first-time rafters and experienced paddlers. Drift past forested hillsides, small villages and the towering walls of Punakha Dzong before pulling in near Punakha town. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, travel to Paro. On arrival, check into your hotel and visit the following: the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower), where an intriguing collection of artifacts provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, meaning 'fortress that sits on a heap of jewels,' is a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. This imposing dzong, located above the Paro River, features inward-sloping walls that rise to an impressive height. It was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on the foundation of an earlier monastery built by Guru Rinpoche, who is regarded as the 'second Buddha'. From the dzong, walk further down to Nyamai Zampa, the oldest traditional cantilever bridge in Bhutan. In the evening, stroll through Paro town and visit local handicraft stores. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the base of Taktsang, which takes about 1 hour, and then hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as 'Tiger's Nest'. The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your fitness, and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshments at the viewpoint cafeteria, then walk further up to the monastery, which takes about another hour. It is said that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was severely damaged by fire in 1998 but has since been fully restored to its former glory. After visiting the monastery, walk back downhill towards the road, stopping for lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria on the way, then continue down to the road point, where you will be driven back to the hotel. On the way, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. According to legend, a giant demoness lay across the whole of Tibet and the Himalayas, preventing the spread of Buddhism. To subdue her, King Songtsen Gampo built 108 temples at key points on her body; of these, 12 were built to precise plans, and it was in this way that, around AD 638, the Jokhang temple in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demoness. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Bhutan river rafting journey.