The Upper Mangde Chhu is a wonderful Class IV run near Trongza. The road to put-in is way above the river making this a wilderness run with many good rapids.
This river is generally pool drop with a few rapids that deserve scouting since wood is common. The three big rapids are named after the three poisons: Ignorance, Attachment, and Aversion.
Trip Highlights
Mile 0: Like many runs in Bhutan there is a very distinct trail to the normal put-in. The trail starts on a switchback on the road near a few farms.
Small eddy at put-in for the Upper Mangde Chhu
Mile 0.1: Ignorance (IV) is a long, fun affair that can be scouted from put-in.
Kayaking Ignorance Rapid on the Mangde Chhu in Bhutan
Mile 0.2: Attachment (IV) The next rapid should be scouted from the left bank since wood is common here.
Kayaking Attachment Rapid on the Upper Mangde Chhu
Downstream is the largest rapid, Aversion (IV+), that should be scouted on the right. This one would be tough to portage.
Aversion Rapid on the Mangde Chhu in Bhutan
Mile 3: Take-out where a small creek enters on the right. You should scout the take-out on your way to put-in since there is a very large rapid just downstream. The next few miles of river are Class V and require an 800+ foot hike up to Trongza Dzong.
