The Wheel of Life (Bhavacakra)
From the instant we landed in Bhutan, my brain was on overdrive. Everything was beautiful and new, and I wanted to soak up every detail. It felt incredibly overwhelming, in…
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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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do We Meet?
We usually have an optional pre-trip meeting in Bangkok the night before we fly to Paro. If you can’t make that meeting then we’ll meet you when you arrive at the Paro, Bhutan airport.
What Is the “Single Room” Option When I Book?
If you are traveling solo and prefer not to share a hotel room with another guest/guide of the same sex, you can select the Single Room option to have your own private room. This option is also available for guests traveling in a group who would like their own room. If you are comfortable sharing a room, there is no additional cost.
What Is the Food Like?
The food is served buffet style and varies from day to day. At breakfast, you will typically find eggs, toast, sausage, veggies, yogurt, cereal, porridge, coffee, and tea. Lunch and dinner tend to be a mix of “international cuisine” with rice, meat, veggie curries, and noodles. The national dish is a spicy cheese sauce over rice with chilis called Ema Datshi. You will see it out at most meals, and it is fun to give a try if you like spicy food.
Have more questions? Find everything you need to know on our Bhutan FAQ page.
Articles about Bhutan
Vajrakilaya in Bhutan: Cutting Through Obstacles with Compassion
When I travel and guide in Bhutan, one figure I encounter again and again in temples and monasteries is Vajrakilaya (in Sanskrit, वज्रकीलाय). His paintings and sculptures are everywhere, and…
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Puna Tseng Chhu: A Hidden River Adventure in the Heart of the Himalayas
For many travelers, Bhutan holds a special place on the bucket list—an elusive kingdom where ancient traditions blend with modern life, and time seems to slow down. Since 2010, Northwest…
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