Punakha River Rafting on the Mo Chhu
Raft down the Mo Chhu from above Punakha through subtropical forest and past dramatic cliff faces, with the fortress walls of Punakha Dzong appearing dramatically as the river rounds a final bend — one of Bhutan's most accessible and scenic adventure activities.
- 1
Rafting Launch Point
Begin at the put-in point above the confluence where the river is calm enough to gear up, receive safety briefing from guides, and launch the inflatable rafts into the clear glacial water.
- 2
Forest Canyon Section
Float through a forested canyon where subtropical trees overhang the river, kingfishers dart between rocks, and the only sounds are water, birds, and the occasional splash of paddles.
- 3
Cliff Face Rapid
Navigate past a dramatic cliff face where the river narrows and speeds up — the most technically challenging section of the raft, requiring coordination between paddlers under guide instruction.
- 4
Dzong Approach by River
As the river curves below the confluence, Punakha Dzong appears suddenly around the bend — the most dramatic possible introduction to Bhutan's most beautiful fortress, seen from water level.
- 5
Confluence Take-Out
Reach the confluence of Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu directly below the dzong — the traditional take-out point where rafters pull onto the bank and look up at the dzong towering above the junction.
- 6
Post-Rafting Riverside Rest
Dry off on the riverbank with views of the dzong, the two rivers joined below, and the subtropical valley stretching back through the hills — the perfect end to a rafting journey through Bhutan's hidden heartland.