Drangme Chhu a world Classic in Bhutan 2023

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BHUTAN… also known as DRUKYUL or “Land of the Drukpa’s” is perhaps one of the least traveled to places in the world but in recent years becoming one of the must travel to destinations. Maintaining it’s tourism policy of “low volume, high value” and a King’s concept of “Gross National Happiness”, this little land-locked country that’s sandwiched between India in the south, east and west and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China in the north, offers to the world a “Shangri-la” that has it’s environment intact (boasting a 62% forest coverage),a peaceful and fun loving people that has protected it’s ethnic culture & heritage and can lay claim to being perhaps the last remaining Buddhist Kingdom in the world.

What more can be said about this Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom that hasn’t already been said? It’s now time to come see for yourself as to what’s so special about this country and to come face to face with the beauty and splendor of the Hidden Kingdom.. BHUTAN.. As whitewater paddlers, we will share a unique view of this wonderful country, one rarely seen even by the Bhutanese. Join us in further challenging journeys in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” let us guide you and offer you a trip of a lifetime.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive Paro. Night in Paro.

Day 02 : Raft/Kayak the Paro Chhu.( or hike to Taktsang if time does not permit the previous day) Night in Thimphu

Day 03 : Morning sightsee Thimphu. Afternoon drive to Punakha. Night in Punakha

Day 04 : Raft/Kayak the Mo Chhu. Night in Punakha

Day 05 : Drive to Trongsa. Night in Trongsa

Day 06 : Raft/Kayak the Upper Mangde Chhu. Drive to Bumthang

Day 07 : Day in Bumthang. Night in Bumthang ( Day of sightseeing or if you want to break up the drive.. then drive to Yongkola and spend the night there)

Day 08 : Long Drive to Trashigang ( or drive from Yongkola to Trashigang)

Day 09 : Raft/Kayak Gamri Chhu or some section of the upper Drangme

Day 10 : Upper Drangme

Day 11 : Drangme Gorge

Day 12 : Drangme Gorge

Day 13 : Drangme Lower Section

Day 14 : Drangme Lower Section

Day 15 : Morning raft to take out. Cross Border. Night at lodge on the indian side

Day 16 : Drive to Guwahati for flight out ( Flight to Kolkata/Delhi.. if you want to catch the Druk Air flight to Bangkok then trip dates need to coincide with GUW-BKK druk air flight)

Dates and Prices

Cost per person for group size 10 pax or more on twin/double room sharing basis= US $ 7,550

Single supplement : US $ 750

Additional costs
Druk Air flight costs ( One way only)
BKK-PBH US $ 550
KTM-PBH US $ 275

If trip coincides with the GUWAHATI-BKK flight on Druk Air and clients want to go for that option US $ 425

What to bring?

A pair of river shorts or swimming costume.
A pair of Chacos or similar sandals. Trainers are also okay.
Long sleeved shirt to wear under your life jacket.
A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off.
Wide brimmed sunhat.
Sunglasses.
Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head.
Nalgene or similar water bottle.
Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
Thermal Top Medium weight – Heavyweight Capilene or polypropylene is the best.
Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum
Lightweight long trousers.
Lightweight long Sleeved shirt.
Fleece jacket.
Down jacket
Ladies should bring a long skirt or sarong to cover your legs whilst in the company of locals.
Underwear.
Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
Hand wipes
A 3-season sleeping bag and thermarest sleeping mat
Travel Pillow.
Small pack towel.
Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
Shoes or boots for the trek.
Insect Repellent.
Any medication you may be taking.

Optional Items

Your favourite book or a journal for recording your river memories.
Sketchpad.
Photographic or video equipment. We recommend bringing your own waterproof casing and a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.
Waterproof disposable for the “action” on the raft shots.
Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman.
An iPod or other music preferences. We have speakers.

Personal Spending

The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the essentials.

Drangme Chhu,
Bhutan
December 15, 2023