This classic section of the Thimphu Chhu has great Class III+ rapids in a beautiful canyon just downstream of Thimphu. It is also known by some locals as the Wang Chhu.
Rafting and kayaking on the Thimphu Chhu in Bhutan
The Thimphu Chhu put-in is about 20 minutes from the capital city of Thimphu and follows the road to Paro. You can scout some of the rapids from the road while driving from Paro to Thimphu.
Trip Highlights
Mile 0: Put in at an unnamed bridge across the Thimphu Chhu. There is a dirt road that branches off the main highway and switchbacks down to the bridge. There are alternate put-ins upstream that add more Class III+ rapids.
Having lunch at the put-in for the Thimphu Chhu
Mile 0.6: The river splits around an island at Island Rapid (III). Most people dodge rocks in the right channel.
Mile 1.3: Unnamed Rapid (III+) has a tricky right channel.
Mile 2: This is another Unnamged Rapid (III) with a channel on the right.
Rafting through the right channel in an unnamed rapid on the Thimphu Chhu
Mile 3.3: A road bridge crosses the river. The rapids become more frequent below here.
Another unnamed rapid on the Thimphu Chhu
Mile 4.5: Take out at Chuzzom where the Thimphu Chhu meets the Paro Chhu and becomes the Wang Chhu. Look for a faint trail on the right before the confluence. If you continue downstream there are Class V and V+ rapids so be sure to scout the take-out ahead of time.
