ADVENTURE OPPURTUNITIES IN BHUTAN

Fly Fishing

Bhutan’s fish and fishing opportunities remain significantly under-discovered. There has yet to be a comprehensive survey of the fish inhabiting the country’s lakes and rivers. Forty-two species have been recorded, though potentially there may be an additional two hundred. Furthermore, since most are not aware of this option, fewer than ten fly-fishers annually visit Bhutan. There therefore exists the chance of making some interesting and unexpected discoveries.

Fishing spots range from large rivers such as at Punakha, the glacial-fed waters of Bumthang, Paro and Thimphu, to the crystal clear spring-fed streams at Gangtey and Nikachu. Altitudes range from a low of 4,000 to a high of 9,000 feet. The most common varieties are the snow trout (belonging to the carp family) and the brown trout (which has thrived since its introduction some decades ago). The best times for fishing are in spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).

Perhaps what is most remarkable about the fishing experience in Bhutan is the general ambiance. The overall natural environment is one of the purest and richest in the world, and a traditional way of life remains little disturbed by modern influences. Being in Bhutan therefore offers an unusual serenity and a rare sense of being completely detached from one’s everyday life.

Hiking

Bhutan is the main destination where you breathe the fresh air, feel the icy springs, smell the tree bark, listen to the birds sing, feel the wrinkly and spiny leaves, creep upon roaring rivers. Our hiking tours are organized in such a manner that you get the true essence of all the sights, sounds and smell. Imagine yourself strolling along the alpine forest and communicating with the rich flora and fauna of the Himalayas, viewing the world from the hills and mountains, enjoying the fantastic scenery of our national parks and blazing the full color of the last Shangri la, experiencing the nature, learning the history of magnificent dzongs, hiking to the monastery, and hike through the villages taking in the hospitality of Bhutanese people Bhutan Nor Ter Adventure makes everything possible according to your dream.

Hiking tours connects directly with the local people, nature and culture along the way. Bhutan Nor Ter Adventure is dedicated to providing fun; quality and share the experiences of its own culture.

Mountain biking/Motor Cycling

Mountain biking in Bhutan is a whole new sport that is steadily gaining popularity amongst the Bhutanese and visitors alike. The country’s topography, especially in the western, central and eastern regions, are not the most cycle-friendly but that is precisely why mountain biking is gaining momentum amongst more and more visitors. The mode of transport itself calls for a certain intimacy seldom experienced in vehicles.
With better roads replacing the old and the increasing number of off-road roads, biking is now becoming a very unique and original way of seeing and interacting with the country, people and the Bhutanese environment. Most biking trips go through well paved roads while others trail on to dirt roads and trails. The traffic is still relatively very light and the experience very intimate. This is the “Road Less Travelled.”

The more adventurous have the option of making side excursions for more “off-the-road” ventures if preferred. The surface accommodates most types of frame styles: from MTB, Hybrid, and Road, depending on your cycling style and experience.

Biking trails mostly meander through small towns and villages and rural areas; it’s just you, your bike, the tour group and the agrarian and natural scenery. Biking in Bhutan allows you many opportunities for self reflection along with the absorbing, rich environment. There are also numerous opportunities for optional hikes with a bit of climbing thrown in. There are some challenging climbs with one in particular that is more than seven hours. You peddle the pads over two miles (3,400 meters) above sea level. The effort made is equally rewarded with a view and an experience that is as rare as anything in this increasingly globalizing and monotonous world. Riders should have an adequate level of fitness and stamina and be experienced enough in the art of mountain biking. Tours are fully supported by a van following riders. The van allows riders the option to sit in and take a break.

Kayaking and Rafting

The clean and clear rivers of Bhutan are one of the kingdom’s best kept open secrets. Fed by the Eastern Himalayas, the six rivers (Wang Chhu, Sunkosh, Puna Tsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Kuri Chhu and Dangme Chhu and their tributaries) have been scouted for kayaking and rafting. They cut through high valleys and low plains to meet up with the Brahmaputra River in India. The natural setting and the sheer variety of the rivers’ courses makes up for a unique opportunity to explore Bhutan’s beautiful wilderness. It is more than a teaser and an invitation to anyone interested in adventure travels. The rivers are plentiful with high currents and depths reaching a maximum of about five meters; at places it passes gently on and in others the rivers rage through loudly, dominating the environs. Although adventure sports and tourism are relatively recent introductions, it is gaining on in popularity.

The sport offers something for everyone: There is easy rafting for beginners and hair-raising runs for the veterans. Besides the rafts and the kayaks, Bhutanese agents also organize walking and trekking expeditions along the scenic river banks. The best time for rafting and kayaking is from March to April and November to December.

Safety

Bhutanese rafting and kayaking guides are well trained and will do everything to ensure that you enjoy the adventures minus the risks. The rivers of Bhutan were first graded for water sports in 1997 by the experienced duo Gerry Mofatt and Peter Knowles at the invitation of the Royal Government, under the erstwhile Department of Tourism to survey potential routes. They trained the first batch of Bhutanese river-guides and conducted surveys Since then, other rivers have been surveyed including the Punatsang Chhu, Manas and Amo Chhu TCB guidelines ensure that all operators use well maintained professional equipment and a reasonable guide-client ratio

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Some of our Adventure Tours

NAME	TYPE	DESCRIPTION
Motorcycle Safari tour of Darjeeling, Kalimpong & Bhutan	Adventure	Motorcycle safari combination tour of Darjeeling, Kalimpong & Bhutan for 14 nights.