&Beyond Punakha
River Lodge
Overview
Africa's Conservation Ethic, on the Mo Chhu
&Beyond built its reputation on African safari lodges and wildlife conservation — this is the brand's first fully-owned property in Asia, and it shows in the details. Just six canvas-and-wood tented suites, a private one-bedroom River House, and a two-bedroom Family Suite sit directly on the banks of the Mo Chhu river in Punakha Valley, with the same light-footprint philosophy and community-first hiring (nearly 80% local staff) that defines &Beyond's African lodges.
This is the most adventure-oriented property on our luxury roster — whitewater rafting departs directly from the lodge, and the itinerary leans into river access and hiking rather than a pure sightseeing circuit.
Tour Highlights
What You'll Experience
Best Time to Visit
Open year-round. High Season: March–May & September–November for clear skies. Rafting conditions are best outside the winter low-water months.
The Property
Conservation Built In, Not Bolted On
Real Conservation Heritage
&Beyond backs Tiger Watch and other wildlife initiatives across South Asia — genuine conservation credentials, not marketing language.
Built on 7 of 50 Owned Acres
A genuinely light footprint by design, with plans for a small hydropower unit — sustainability that shows in construction choices, not just brochures.
Nearly 80% Local Staff
Hired from surrounding rural villages, with land donated to a local farmer who now supplies vegetables and herbs directly to the kitchen.
Adventure Built Into the Itinerary
Whitewater rafting departs directly from the lodge — a default part of the trip, not a paid optional extra like at other properties.
The Itinerary
Day by Day
1
Arrive Paro, Transfer to Thimphu
Touchdown in Paro, then a short transfer to Thimphu — the quietest day of the trip before Punakha's river access and rafting take over. Worth using the afternoon to properly adjust to the altitude rather than rushing into sightseeing. Overnight in Thimphu.
2
Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass and its 108 memorial chortens, then down into the Punakha valley. Arrival at &Beyond Punakha River Lodge is set on the banks of the Mo Chhu, framed by rice paddies and forested hills — the safari-style tented suites are suspended along the riverbank, each with a private veranda and river view. Overnight at &Beyond Punakha River Lodge.
3
Punakha Dzong & Whitewater Rafting
Punakha Dzong at the river confluence in the morning, then an afternoon of whitewater rafting directly from the lodge's riverbank access — complete with a riverside picnic lunch. This is the property's real point of difference: adventure activities built into the itinerary by default, not offered as a paid add-on. Overnight at &Beyond Punakha River Lodge.
4
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike
A hike to the intricate hilltop temple complex of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, passing through orchards of avocado, passion fruit, and orange trees. A gentler walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple, through local rice fields rounds out the day. Overnight at &Beyond Punakha River Lodge.
5
Punakha to Paro
The transfer back to Paro, crossing Dochula Pass once more, positioned for tomorrow's Tiger's Nest hike. Overnight in Paro.
6
Tiger's Nest Hike & Departure
A different kind of climb closes out a trip built around rivers — the hike to Paro Taktsang, clinging to a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. It's a fitting bookend: the water-level adventure of Punakha giving way to the highest point of the whole itinerary. Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure.
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- ✓&Beyond Punakha River Lodge accommodation
- ✓All meals
- ✓Whitewater rafting excursion
- ✓Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- ✓Bhutan visa fee
- ✓Private vehicle & professional driver
- ✓Licensed English-speaking guide
- ✓All monument & museum entry fees
- ✓Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
Not Included
- ✕International flights to/from Paro
- ✕Travel insurance
- ✕Personal expenses & shopping
- ✕Alcoholic & premium beverages
- ✕Spa treatments beyond the itinerary
- ✕Tips for guides, drivers & lodge staff
- ✕Optional activities not in itinerary
- ✕Emergency medical costs
Pricing
Tour Cost
| Group Size | Price Per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveller (1 pax) | Contact for quote | Fully personalised experience |
| 2 Travellers | Contact for quote | Shared private vehicle |
| 3–4 Travellers | Contact for quote | Family Suite recommended |
| 5+ Travellers | Contact for quote | Limited by lodge's 6-suite capacity |
All prices include Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), accommodation, and the whitewater rafting excursion. Rates vary by season and suite category. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Terms
Payment & Cancellation Policy
We believe in transparent, fair terms. Please review our complete Payment Terms and Tour Cancellation Policy before confirming your booking. With just 6 suites, &Beyond Punakha River Lodge availability is among the most limited of any property we work with.
Read Full PolicyGuest Moments
Real Photos from
Our Guests
These are real, unedited moments captured by travellers who explored Bhutan with Found Bhutan. Every photo tells a story — and your story is next.
Explore the full collection of guest photos from across Bhutan.
View All Guest PhotosFAQ
Common Questions
Is &Beyond Punakha River Lodge &Beyond's only property in Bhutan?
What makes this property different from other Punakha luxury lodges?
Is this itinerary suitable for families?
How does this compare to Pemako Punakha or COMO Uma Punakha?
Comparing your options? See our luxury tours comparison, or browse all luxury tour packages.
What Our Guests
Are Saying
Customise Your
Bhutan Tour Today
Fill in the form and our expert team will get back to you within 24 hours.