The Ema Datshi Canyon of the Mangde Chhu flows through a stunning gorge and is one of the more challenging runs in Bhutan. The rapids are powerful big water Class IV drops that come in quick succession. The short recovery time between rapids, deep canyon walls, and powerful nature of the drops make this a Class IV++ run.
Typical rapid in Ema Datshi Canyon
The put-in is at least 2 hours drive south of Trongsa near a small town. After a 20 minute hike down to a bridge crossing the river you can scout the first rapid and start paddling.
Trip Highlights
Mile 0: Put-in below a walking bridge that crosses the river. The first rapid can be seen from this bridge and will give you a sense of what the rest of the rapids will be like.
Kayaking the first rapid in Ema Dashi Canyon on the Mangde Chhu
Mile 3.2: Take-out above the rapid before the driving bridge. You can run this rapid, but if you make a mistake you may swim past the take-out to a sheer walled gorge.
