Flowing down from the Himalayas through the Paro Valley the Paro Chuu River flows by Paro town that is the location of some of Bhutan’s most well known monasteries and the country’s only international airport. Uma by COMO Bhutan a Bhutan luxury hotel in Paro arranges Bhutan tour packages to explore the country.
The Paro Chuu River nourished by the melting snows of the Himalayas flows through Alpine meadows in its upper reaches in western Bhutan and the gorges of Jigme Dorji National Park before winding its way through the Paro Valley’s Sub Alpine forests. As one of the main rivers of the country its waters are important to the rice fields, fruit and vegetable cultivations on its banks.
A 7 km stretch of the lower reaches of the river is popular with beginners and intermediate kayakers. Boulder rapids, wave trains and a boulder choke between class IV and V makes it a course worth tackling. A short canyon further down provides class II and III rapids. Experienced kayakers can go further down past Chhuzom where the Paro Chuu and the Wong Chuu Rivers meet for more excitement at their confluence. The lower reaches of the river is also where the Druk Yul Dragon Boat Race takes place where rowers will come across more than adequate obstacles to make it exciting for them as well as for spectators waiting expectantly on the river bank. As the river is well stocked with brown and croup’s trout fly fishing is a popular pastime. For sightseers the river not only provides natural grand spectacles of blue tinged mountains and forests but many traditional Dzongs, Buddha statues and stupas on its banks that are architectural gems. From time to time they will also come across khatas or strings of flags strung across narrow parts of the river. Of the 155 temples and monasteries around Paro, some are found perched perilously by the river bank. The river and the city combined is one of the most visited areas in Bhutan for its cultural value, natural beauty and adventure sports.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
