For all Bhutan program information and reservations contact:
phil@adventurekayaking.com
+1(530) 663-3014
“Not a day has gone by since I have returned from Bhutan that I have not thought of my time there and smiled. Thank you both for your never-ending patience, kindness, good spirits and joy that you share daily. The trip was wonderful.”– Julia G., NV
Bhutan is the last remaining Buddhist Kingdom in the world. Situated along the southeast slope of the Himalayas, this benevolent country is about the size of Switzerland. It is surrounded on three sides by India, with Tibet to the north. The 750,000 or so Bhutanese refer to their country as Druk Yul, Land of the Thunder Dragon. The landscape consists of a succession of rugged mountains and deep valleys. The highest mountain, Kula Kangri reaches a height of over 24,000 ft (7,553 m).
Arriving in Bhutan is to truly step back in time. The national dress, agricultural techniques and pace of life are signs that you are not in Kansas anymore! The rich culture and religious traditions have molded a lively and accepting people. Their earthy humor is contagious, as is their warmth and kindness. Often we “happen upon” some innocent interaction or unplanned, spontaneous event that gives us uncensored insight into the culture.
Water levels in October/November are ideal. The crisp, fall weather means sunny days and cold nights. The harvest of rice, buckwheat and apples is underway. Weekly the landscape changes dramatically. Ancient fortress-monasteries dot the hillsides and prayer flags flutter in the wind. Traveling with us gets you out of the bubble. Hiking the countryside, touring temples and villages, celebrating religious festivals, and paddling the stunning rivers that flow down from the Himalayas are some of the ways we spend our days. You can plan on it, in Bhutan, serendipitous events are commonplace and “astounding” is a daily experience.
We first traveled to Bhutan in 2006 and have returned nearly every year since. During that time we’ve lead numerous river trips, including a handful of first descents, as well as groups for trekking, photography and Buddhist studies.
Do you have a friend or family member that wants to visit Bhutan with you but doesn’t paddle. That’s why we created our Class III+ with concurrent Land Tour. You’ll do separate activities during the day and come together at each night’s lodging to share your experiences.
Oct. 18-30, 2026 (almost full)
Class III+ Kayak and Culture (Concurrent with Land Tour)
Pack Rafters with solid skills welcomed
13 Days in Country
Price: $7100.00
Oct 18-30, 2026 (almost full)
Land Tour
(Concurrent w/ class III+ kayak trip)
13 Days in Country
Price: $7100.00
- Both programs include in country meals, lodging (double occupancy), transportation, cultural guide, visa, Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee ($100/day) and entry fees to all sites we tour.
- Kayaking tours include kayak & kayak guides.
- Rafting during Land Tour includes wetsuit, paddle jacket, helmet, life jacket.
- Includes domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro (based on itinereary).
- Does Not include international flights to and from home country to Paro, Bhutan.
- If requested there is additional single room supplement of $495.00.
In 2015 we did a first descent of the Kuri Chu (chu means river or water) into the Drangme Chu that finished in Manas National Park at the border with India. This was a 3 day, self-support kayaking trip that saw us running challenging rapids in a remote and stunning setting. We have long wanted to return and are making plans to do so in 2026. We’ve structured this as an extension of the class IV trip. Check out the itinerary for both the Class IV Kayak and Culture trip and the Kuri Chu Extension option.
Nov 7-18, 2026 space available
Class IV Kayak and Culture
Must be solid at Class IV level
12 Days in country
Price: $7100.00
Nov 7-22, 2026 space available
Class IV and Kuri Chu River self-support extension
Class IV+/V- Paddlers should have solid skills
16 Days in country
Price: $8600.00
- Includes in country meals, lodging (double occupancy), transportation, cultural guide, visa, Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee ($100/day) and entry fees to all sites we tour.
- Includes kayak & kayak guides.
- Domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro (based on itinereary)
- Price does not include international flights to and from home country to Paro, Bhutan.
- If requested there is additional single room supplement of $495.00.
- Includes in country meals, lodging, transportation, cultural guide, Bhutan visa, Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee ($100/day) and entry fees to all sites we tour.
- Includes kayak & kayak guides.
- Lodging in India on the last night.
- Transport to Guwahati, India airport on the last day.
- Price does not include international flights to and from home country to Paro, Bhutan at start of trip and Guwahati, India to home country at end of trip.
- If requested there is additional single room supplement of $100.
Daga La Trek
5 days
Oct 30 – Nov 4, 2026
Starts on last day of Class III+ or Land Tour
Approx 22 miles
Price $2660.00 *
*pricing is based on combining with class III+ kayak or with land tour. Contact Phil if wishing to do solely the trek.
“DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking and our Bhutanese guides were amazing! As others have already stated, this was a trip of a lifetime and if anyone is considering Bhutan, this is the way to do it. I also encourage you to do it sooner than later as our world(s) evolve. DeRiemer and their colleagues are expert guides and their in-country knowledge is boundless… don’t wait”
– Judy Thorne, ID
Contact us to create your custom trip, or add another activity to the end of one of our outstanding itineraries.
For all Bhutan program information and reservations contact:
phil@adventurekayaking.com
+1(530) 663-3014
