Exlusive Drangme Chhu River Trip

Exclusive Drangme Chhu River Exploratory Expedition

Expedition Dates: 1st - 15th November 2012

This is an exclusive one off trip with limited places with bookings on a first place basis

This expedition offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the last wilderness river descents in Asia. Opened recently this multi day river trip has only had a small number of descents through one of the most isolated regions in Bhutan. This region was recently featured in the BBC 'Land of the Lost Tigers'.

Our white water rafting and kayaking expedition takes us on a journey across the Kingdom of Bhutan and culminates with a descent of the Drangme Chhu River, a magical river whose powerful waters cut a distinctive path through the Himalaya. We then flow into one of greatest bio-diverse regions on the planet, the 'Royal Manas National Park' and spend two nights in the park on safari to see this diverse region. This river is the link between the Bhutanese Himalaya and the Indian subcontinent. Rarely explored, it is the key to unlocking the mysteries of one of the most secluded countries left on our planet.

On our quest to reach the heart of this hidden kingdom the expedition will descend several of Bhutan’s classic rivers, explore castles, monastic fortresses and hidden hamlets. With unique access to parts of Bhutan rarely seen by western eyes, our expedition will travel far from the beaten track to area’s described on the map as “dense mixed jungle”- the last Shangri-La. This will be an unforgettable journey, not to mention a unique glimpse into the delicate balance of mindful development and sustainability.

No previous experience is required for rafters however; a reasonable level of fitness and a positive attitude are a must. Kayakers should be confident on class 3-4 WW and have a solid roll. This is a professionally guided kayak expedition, if you require more advice regarding your ability as a kayaker don’t hesitate to contact our office.

THE COUNTRY

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is an anomaly in today’s fast-paced world, both striving and succeeding in developing a harmonious relationship with its cultural belief system and pristine environment. This expedition reveals a kingdom that, although tiny, is home to a wealth of different peoples and a remarkable variety of climates and ecosystems.

The Land of the Thunder Dragon and Shangri-La – is a mystical land tucked away in the high Himalaya. It is the only remaining Buddhist Kingdom on earth, whose monarchs have just led the country to parliamentary democracy in the 21st century. It is largely undiscovered by western adventurers. On a physical level, Bhutan is widely acknowledged as the most photogenic of the Himalayan Kingdom’s. Colourful monasteries and ancient temples stand silhouetted against the mountainsides just as they have for hundreds of years. Wildlife is abundant, rivers are pristine and forests unaltered. In order to protect this breathtaking landscape, culture, and a simple way of life, a successful policy of ‘restricted’ tourism has been initiated. In addition, Bhutan has developed a unique and fascinating form of governance focused on the goals of “Gross National Happiness”. GNH is not just a catch phrase, it is a complex set of ideals and principles, which is attracting international attention.

Expedition Leader

Anthony Eddies - Davies is one of the directors of Live the Adventure Travel and has spent over 20 years descending the rivers in the Himalayas (see 'About Us'). In 2006 he was part of the team involved with the Discovery Channel production and first descent of the Mangde Chhu River. This included extensively paddling the rivers of Bhutan before descending the Mangde Chhu into the Manas region of Bhutan, where this trip will finish. He will be assisted in leading this trip with Ugyen Dorji who co-ordinated the 2006 trip and other subsequent trips with Anthony. Ugyen and his team will act as our guides as we travel across Bhutan.

THE ITINERARY

1st Nov: Fly from Delhi to Paro. Arrive Paro and hike to the famous monastery ‘Tigers Nest’ and stay the night in Paro at a comfortable lodge.

2nd Nov: Drive to Punakha in comfortable motor coaches over the Dochu La pass (3116m). In the afternoon you will be able to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and stay the evening at a secluded riverside resort. Paddlers will have the opportunity during the evening to outfit their kayaks ready for the next day.

3rd Nov: Our first taste of Bhutan white-water will be a morning run down the pristine Mo Chhu river class 3/4. In the afternoon there will be multi sport options before spending another night at the riverside resort.

4th Nov: Spend another day rafting, mountain biking, hiking or kayaking whatever you choose. In the evening we spend the night in Wangdue to cut short the next day’s drive time.

5th Nov: Long drive day to Bumthang as we head east across Bhutan, with regular stops to take in the stunning scenery and immerse ourselves in the culture. Spend the night at a local lodge.

6th Nov: Back on the water for the morning to paddle the Upper Chamkhar Chhu and spend the afternoon sightseeing in Bumthang. Spend the evening at a local lodge.

7th Nov: A fairly long drive again today to Mongar. This takes us even further east through more rural villages and more remote scenery with the opportunity to visit the local Dzong on arrival. Have an overnight stay at a local lodge.

8th Nov: Drive to Tashigang and visit local Dzong. This section of the road is absolutely stunning and changed from high passes to semi- tropical rainforests. By this time we have now reached the far east of Bhutan, an area rarely experienced by western visitors, with our first views of the Drangme Chhu River.

9th Nov: Opportunities to explore the local area and the possibility to paddle the upper section of the Drangme/ Gamri Chu

10th Nov: Drive to Pema Gatsel, the closest point we can drive to the river and spend the night at camp.

11th-14th Nov: THIS IS WHERE THE REAL ADVENTURE STARTS! We leave the road behind us and trek to the put in of Drangme Chhu. From this point we will be totally self sufficient with all of our expedition gear, in one of the last untouched regions of the world. From this point on the only other road access will be 100km away, and even though the river has been run a small number of times before, due to monsoon floods we will still need to treat this as a relatively unknown run.

15th Nov: We end our trip in the Manas National Park on the Indian Border which is one of the largest bio diverse regions in the world. We take out and cross the border into India and spend the night at Bansbari Lodge.

Expedition Cost: $6700.00 (£4154.00 as of 22.06.12 charges are in Dollars and will be converted at time of payment)

Cost Includes

Flights in and out of Bhutan from Delhi (we can advise on suitable international flights to match the itinerary)
UK guide, river and raft guides and local cultural guides
Camp group porters and support
Accommodation in standard hotels in double/twin occupancy basis
All camping equipment where required
Rafts and PPE, and Kayaks
Government Visa's and Fee's/ Permits and cultural site fee's
All meals
All land transport in private coaches
Full board accommodation at Bansbari Lodge and Safari itinerary.

Cost Excludes

International flights to and from Delhi
Alcoholic beverages and non alcoholic soft drinks
Gratuities for guides
Any personal expenditure
All expedition participants will be required to hold their own personal insurance cover for this trip
Participants will be required to obtain an Indian visa prior to departure (please ask for advice)