Trip Highlights
- Hiking up to the famed Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
- Rafting Bhutan’s beautiful rivers
- Visiting the famous Punakha Dzong
- Standing beneath the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world
Land of the Thunder Dragon
Bhutan
Rafting, Hiking, and Cultural Tours
Rafting and Cultural Tours in Bhutan
- Length: 9 days
- Activities: Class II/III Rafting, Hiking, and Cultural Tours
- Minimum Age: 12
- Meeting Place: Paro, Bhutan
- Lodging: Hotels
- Trip Cost: $5395
- Additional Costs: $995 for round trip flights from Bangkok and $495 single supplement
Loved Every Minute
★★★★★
“
What an amazing trip! Incredible and profound. Wonderful guides and fellow travelers, beautiful cultural sites, and magnificent water, landscapes and wildlife. Loved every minute!”
-
Laura Van Dyke
Travel with Northwest Rafting Company to Bhutan—often called the last Shangri-La. This tiny Himalayan kingdom, tucked between India and China, blends pristine mountain landscapes with one of the world’s most deeply rooted Buddhist cultures. Our Bhutan rafting adventures combine time on the water with meaningful visits to monasteries, temples, and vibrant Bhutanese communities.
A Journey of Rivers, Culture, and Himalayan Scenery
Most tours in Bhutan focus on sightseeing by bus. Our tour combines visits to monasteries with rafting and hiking that tie the cultural visits together. Each day we weave together Bhutan’s iconic cultural sites with active time hiking and/or rafting its clean, free-flowing rivers.
You’ll raft below the impressive Punakha Dzong, visit the world’s largest seated Buddha, and hike to the famous cliffside sanctuary of Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). Our trips are a unique opportunity to experience Bhutan actively, seeing places that most visitors never reach.
Two Ways to Experience Bhutan
We offer thoughtfully crafted Bhutan itineraries that include whitewater rafting trips. Both include time on Bhutan’s rivers, cultural immersion, and exploration of its major historic and religious sites. Each trip has its own rhythm and level of adventure.
1. Rivers and Dzongs of Bhutan Trip
Our classic itinerary travels to central Bhutan and blends day-trip rafting with daily cultural visits while returning to comfortable hotels each night. It’s a great fit if you want active days, engaging experiences, and no camping.
Explore the full Rivers and Dzongs itinerary »
2. Mountains and Rivers of Bhutan Trip
For those seeking a deeper river experience, this version includes a three-day expedition down the Puna Tseng Chhu. You’ll camp along the river, travel through the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, and get an intimate look at Southern Bhutan.
Explore the full Mountains & Rivers itinerary »
Both itineraries offer a thoughtful balance of adventure and cultural immersion; they simply provide two different ways to experience Bhutan. Can’t decide? Feel free to give us a call in the office we’re always happy to talk through the options.
Trip Details
Your Bhutan rafting and cultural tour includes all group lodging, meals, rafting gear, and entrance fees. Travelers will need to book airfare and hotels to Bangkok. We arrange your flights from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan (not included in trip cost).
Because our trips operate under special government permission, we require non-refundable deposits well in advance. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.