Bhutan is an interior country in Central Asia’s East Himalayan Mountains. This little country has a population of roughly 8 lakh people and an area of roughly 38 thousand square kilometres. Bhutan is well-known for its rich culture, history, and old traditions. It offers spectacular terrain and rich animals, which draws a large number of tourists each year. Bhutan’s wonderful rivers add to the country’s beauty and majesty. Bhutan’s glaciers are a vital and endless supply of water for the country’s major rivers. Bhutan is a wildlife and environment enthusiast’s dream. It is visited by people from all over the world who come to marvel at the beauty of the riverfront. Bhutan’s rivers are full of mystery, and the inhabitants have a spiritual relationship with them. All Bhutan Rivers eventually feed into the Brahmaputra River in India after flowing through various parts of the nation.
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Major Rivers in Bhutan
The Drangme Chhu, Puna Tsang Chhu, also known as the Sankosh, Wang Chhu, and Amo Chhu are Bhutan‘s four major river systems. Each quickly flows out of the Himalayas, south through the Dooars to join the Brahmaputra River in India, and then into Bangladesh, where the Brahmaputra (or Jamuna in Bangladesh) meets the enormous Ganges (or the Padma in Bangladesh) and flows into the Bay of Bengal. The Drangme Chhu, India’s biggest river system, runs southwesterly from Arunachal Pradesh and has three major branches: the Drangme Chhu, Mangde Chhu, and Bumthang Chhu. You’d be lying if you said that a country’s rivers aren’t one of its most significant elements. We are educated from childhood to appreciate the country’s water sources and to adore them as if they were Gods. The same is true in the case of Bhutan.
Here are the major rivers in Bhutan
1. Drangme Chhu
Drangme Chhu, Bhutan’s greatest river system, is the Bhutanese name for the sacred Manas River. The 376-kilometre-long river runs within Bhutan for 272 kilometres before going through the Indian state of Assam for the last 104 kilometres. It eventually empties into the Brahmaputra River, which empties into the Bay of Bengal. The Drangme Chhu originates in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng District and flows into Bhutan via Trashigang. It includes Trongsa Valley and Bumthang Valley, as well as districts in Eastern Bhutan. In Bhutan, it is separated into three rivers: Mangde Chhu, Bumthang Chhu, and Drangme Chhu. The river is extremely important to the country’s economy. It is a rich natural resource that is used for irrigation by farmers. Furthermore, the river contributes to the natural beauty of the surroundings. It runs through the Royal Manas National Park in Southern Bhutan, beautifying the landscape.
2. Wong Chhu
Wong Chhu, also known as the Raidak River, is a prominent cross-border river and a tributary of the Brahmaputra River. The magnificent Raidak River stretches for 370 kilometres. It passes across three countries: Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India. The Raidak River originates in Tibet from Himalayan glaciers. The river flows through some of Bhutan’s most well-known and important valleys, including Paro, Thimphu, and Haa. It is a highly important element of west-central Bhutan, and it enters the nation through the nation’s westernmost border.
It eventually empties into the Brahmaputra River. Aside from that, the Raidak River is well-known for its adventurous sports such as rafting and kayaking. Because there are so many alternatives, Paro or Thimphu are the most popular destinations for these adventure activities. A Tala Hydroelectric Power Station is also located on the Wang Chu River.
3. Mo Chhu
Originally, the Mo Chhu route begins in Gasa Dzongkhag in northern Bhutan. In Assam, it is known as the “Sankosh River.” Mo Chhu meets Pho Chhu and becomes known as Paro Tsang Chhu as a result. This convergence occurs in Punakha District, near Punakha Dzong. In Bhutan, such confluence places are considered unlucky, hence three chortens have been created nearby to purify the aura. The Punakha Dzong overlooks this beautiful river, and the bridge that spans it offers a spectacular view of the environs. The riverbank is home to a wide range of animals. Many flowers bloom, enhancing the surroundings.
4. Torsa Chhu
Torsa Chhu, also known as Kambu Maqu, Machu, and Amo Chhu, rises from Tibet’s Chumbi Valley. It eventually makes its way to Bhutan, where it is known as Amo Chu. Furthermore, it is the country’s smallest river system. Bhutan accounts for 113 kilometres of the overall length of 358 kilometres. Through the western sections of the nation, it becomes a major component of Bhutan. Torsa Chhu runs through the Dalsingpara tea estate and the Jaldapara National Park.
The lovely terrain is ideal for family vacations, and its wildlife refuge is home to a diverse range of creatures. It finally flows into India’s northern state of West Bengal. It also runs through Bhutan’s only natural reserve, the Torsa Strict Nature Reserve. Other notable settlements on its banks are Phuntsholing, Bhutan, and Cooch Behar, India. Because of its pure and spectacular nature, Torsa Chhu is becoming incredibly well-known practically everywhere in the globe.
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5. Kuri Chhu
It is without a doubt one of Bhutan’s most well-known rivers. The river has created a beautiful valley with steep slopes and lofty mountains. Kuri Chhu emerges as a tributary of Bhutan’s most important river. The primary tributaries of Kuri Chhu are Tangkhar Chhu, Chuneygang Chhu, Kilung Chhu, Rong Chhu, Nye, and Dungkhar Chhu. Kuri Chhu is also a popular venue for whitewater activities like kayaking and rafting. The river provides a variety of runs of varying lengths. The bottom run is suitable for rafting and kayaking, while the middle and higher runs are exclusively suitable for kayaking.
6. Jaldhaka River
The Jaldhaka River, also known as the Dichu River, is a cross-border river that flows from Bitang Lake in southeastern Sikkim. The Jaldhaka River passes through Bhutan as well as the West Bengal districts of Kalimpong and Cooch Behar, as well as Jalpaiguri. Jaldhaka River was formed by the confluence of three streams. Furthermore, the Jaldhaka River is unquestionably one of the valley’s top sites for birding and trekking.
7. Ha Chhu
The Ha Chhu river flows across west-central Bhutan. It is also a tributary of the Raidak River. The river starts on the south-facing slope of the major Himalayas, and its source is located in the unique Chomo Lhari. This river has a lot of rocky outcrops. The Ha Chhu watershed region is mostly covered with temperate mixed, alpine, and subalpine forests. Furthermore, Ha Chhu has a great fish culture that draws a large number of visitors to the river.
8. Paro Chhu
It is a tributary of Raidak and is one of the most well-known rivers in Western Bhutan. It runs across the Paro Valley and passes through the major towns of Bhutan as well as numerous notable monasteries. Furthermore, the monasteries showcase the country’s pinnacle and greatest architecture. The beautiful Paro Chhu is bridged under the Dzong by a traditional wood-encased bridge known as Nyamai Zam. The river flows underneath the town towards Bhutan’s sole international airport. Furthermore, the Paro Chhu is an excellent place for kayaking, with the lower section of the river ideal for intermediate paddlers. Whereas skilled kayakers should head to the Wong Chhu.
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9. Tang Chhu
Tang Chuu is a tributary of Mo Chhu in Western Bhutan. The river comes from the Himalayas at Thowadra Gompa and is fed by several hill streams. The Tang Chuu then enters the Mo Chhu river. The Tang Chuu has a beautiful lake known as the Burning Lake or Membartsho. Furthermore, the Tang Chuu is well-known for its trout fishing. It is, in fact, the ideal place for travellers that enjoy outdoor fishing.
10. Manas River
The Manas River in Bhutan is a trans-border river that runs through southern Bhutan and into India. The river gets its name from Manasa, a snake God in Hindu mythology. Furthermore, with a length of 377 kilometres, the Manas River is Bhutan’s largest river system. Because of the large elevation range, the river has a high level of biological variety and a wide range of climatic conditions. The Manas River valley is divided into two important reserve forest areas: the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary and the Royal Manas National Park.
There is a biosphere reserve, an elephant reserve, and a Project Tiger Reserve among these locations. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1985. The river is quite important economically. Farmers utilise it for irrigation since it is a rich natural resource. The river adds to the natural beauty of the area. Manas River is an excellent tourist destination for those interested in animals and the environment.
11. Mangde Chhu
Mangde Chhu, commonly known as the Tongsa river, runs across central Bhutan, running north-south. It rises in the Dzongkha district of Wangdue Phodrang. The river drains the eastern slopes of the Black Mountains, paving the way for the eastern boundaries of Royal Manas National Park and Black Mountain National Park. The key cities and locations through which the Trongsa route travels are Shemgang, Taama, Bataase, and Surrey rice fields. Trongsa Dzong, the Buddhist Monastery, is located high above Mangde Chhu. Furthermore, it is linked by a series of lovely paved courtyards, stone steps, and corridors.
Conclusion
Bhutan is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous and stunning places on the planet. Bhutan’s rivers contribute to and enhance the country’s attractiveness. Furthermore, the biodiversity of Bhutan is captivating, and the exquisite beauty of the surroundings is indescribable. Furthermore, few places in the world can compete with Bhutan in terms of immaculate beauty and elegance. On your next vacation to Bhutan, make sure to explore the many rivers and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere.
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