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Coordinates: 27°19′N 89°32′E / 27.317°N 89.533°E / 27.317; 89.533
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Corrected erroneous reference to Mo Chhu; Added information about Taktshang, bridge to Paro Dzong, and airport
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The '''Paro Chhu''' or '''Mo Chhu''' is a river of western [[Bhutan]]. It is a tributary of the [[Raidak River|Wong Chhu]], which is known as the '''Raidak''' in its lower reaches.
The '''Paro Chhu''' is a river of western [[Bhutan]]. It is a tributary of the [[Raidak River|Wong Chhu]], which is known as the '''Raidak''' in its lower reaches.


==Course==
==Course==
The Paro Chhu rises to the south of [[Mount Jomolhari|Chomo Lhari]] (mountain of the Goddess). Its glacial waters plunge torrentially through alpine meadows and deep gorges in the [[Jigme Dorji National Park]], and descends into a wide, open, undulating valley.<ref name="Negi">{{cite book|author=Negi, Sharad Singh|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=5YtUShKY8zcC&pg=PA109&dq=paro+river&hl=en&ei=aG3qS92nL9r-sQawxpSJDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=paro%20river&f=false|title=Himalayan Rivers, Lakes, and Glaciers|publisher=Indus Publishing|year=1991|page=109}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.fao.org/docrep/field/003/L8853E/L8853E02.htm|title = Physiological Survey|work =River System of Bhutan |publisher = FAO Corporate Document Repository |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref><ref name=valley>{{cite web|url =http://www.incrediblehimalayas.com/trek-paro-lingshi-thimpu.html|title = Paro-Lingshi-Thimpu Trek|work = |publisher =Himalaya Journeys |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref> Sub-alpine and temperate forests are found along its middle and lower reaches.<ref name="Negi"/> A prime [[trout]] stream, it nourishes lush green rice fields and apple and peach orchards on its banks.<ref name=valley/><ref>{{cite book|author=Vas, E. A.|title=The Dragon Kingdom: Journeys Through Bhutan|publisher=Lancer International|page=85|year=1986|isbn=8170620074}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.mountainmadness.com/trekking/Bhutan_trek.cfm|title= Kingdom of Bhutan |work = Chomolhari Trek |publisher = Mountain Madness |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref>
The Paro Chhu rises to the south of [[Mount Jomolhari|Chomo Lhari]] (mountain of the Goddess). Its glacial waters plunge torrentially through alpine meadows and deep gorges in the [[Jigme Dorji National Park]], and descends into a wide, open, undulating valley.<ref name="Negi">{{cite book|author=Negi, Sharad Singh|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=5YtUShKY8zcC&pg=PA109&dq=paro+river&hl=en&ei=aG3qS92nL9r-sQawxpSJDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=paro%20river&f=false|title=Himalayan Rivers, Lakes, and Glaciers|publisher=Indus Publishing|year=1991|page=109}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.fao.org/docrep/field/003/L8853E/L8853E02.htm|title = Physiological Survey|work =River System of Bhutan |publisher = FAO Corporate Document Repository |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref><ref name=valley>{{cite web|url =http://www.incrediblehimalayas.com/trek-paro-lingshi-thimpu.html|title = Paro-Lingshi-Thimpu Trek|work = |publisher =Himalaya Journeys |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref> Sub-alpine and temperate forests are found along its middle and lower reaches.<ref name="Negi"/> A prime [[trout]] stream, it nourishes lush green rice fields and apple and peach orchards on its banks.<ref name=valley/><ref>{{cite book|author=Vas, E. A.|title=The Dragon Kingdom: Journeys Through Bhutan|publisher=Lancer International|page=85|year=1986|isbn=8170620074}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.mountainmadness.com/trekking/Bhutan_trek.cfm|title= Kingdom of Bhutan |work = Chomolhari Trek |publisher = Mountain Madness |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref>

⚫
===Chhuzom===
⚫
Chhuzom (''Chhu'' means river and ''zom'' means join) is the place where Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. For many traditional Bhutanese this confluence is considered the union of a father and mother river. Paro Chhu represents the father and is sometimes called the Pho Chhu, Wong Chu represents the mother and is sometimes called the Mo Chhu. Because Bhutanese traditions regards such a convergence of rivers as inauspicious, there are three [[chorten]]s here to ward off evil spells in the area.<ref>Pommaret (2006), p.160</ref> Each chorten is in a different style – Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali.<ref name="Pommaret 2006, p.129">Pommaret (2006), p.129</ref><ref>Brown ''et al.'', p. 132</ref> The upper reaches of Wong Chhu, above Chhuzom, are sometimes referred to as Thimphu Chhu.<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.himalayahorizon.com/bhutan/druk-white-water-river-rafting.htm|title = Druk White Water River Rafting: 9 DAYS |work = |publisher =Himalayan Horizon |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.buddhaeyetreks.com/bhutan.html|title =Bhutan|work = |publisher =Buddha Eye Treks |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref><ref>Brown ''et al.'', p. 85</ref>


==Paro==
==Paro==
The Paro Chhu flows through one of Bhutan's main towns, [[Paro, Bhutan|Paro]]. Its approach from the northwest flows through what is known as the Paro Valley, home to many important monasteries. It flows past [[Drukyel Dzong]], about 16 kilometres (10 miles) northwest of Paro and in Paro it flows past the [[Rinpung Dzong|Paro Dzong]], one of Bhutan’s most prominent Buddhist monasteries and one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.<ref name="Pommaret 2006, p.129"/><ref>Brown ''et al.'', p. 122</ref> Below the dzong, a traditional wooden covered bridge called Nyamai Zam spans the Paro Chhu. The original bridge was washed away in a flood in 1969 and the present one is a reconstruction. Earlier versions of this bridge were removed to protect the dzong.<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bhutan/western-bhutan/paro/sights/449123|title = Paro (Rinpung) Dzong|work = |publisher = Lonely Planet |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref>
The Paro Chhu flows through the Paro Valley, which is the site of one of Bhutan's main towns, [[Paro, Bhutan|Paro]], and many important monasteries. The two best known of the monasteries are [[Taktshang]] ("Tiger's nest" in [[Dzongkha]]), and [[Rinpung Dzong|Paro Dzong]]. Taktshang clings to a ledge of a high cliff approximately 15 km north of Paro. Taktshang and Paro Dzong are two of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.<ref name="Pommaret 2006, p.129"/><ref>Brown ''et al.'', p. 122</ref> Below the dzong, a traditional wooden covered bridge called Nyamai Zam spans the Paro Chhu. The original bridge was washed away in a flood in 1969 and the present one is a reconstruction. Earlier versions of this bridge were removed to protect the dzong. The bridge was also shown in the movie [[Little Buddha]] by [[Bernardo Bertolucci]] <ref>{{cite web|urlalso=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bhutan/western-bhutan/paro/sights/449123|title = Paro (Rinpung) Dzong|work = |publisher = Lonely Planet |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref> Below the town of Paro, the river runs immediately to the west of Bhutan's only international airport. That airport is renowned for the hair-raising final approach. Only one airline, [[Druk Air]], is licensed to fly into and out of this airport.

[[File:Rinpung Dzong Paro 2007-11-11 CJF.JPG|thumb|Paro Chhu flowing past Paro Dzong]]
[[File:Rinpung Dzong Paro 2007-11-11 CJF.JPG|thumb|Paro Chhu flowing past Paro Dzong]]
==Kayaking==
==Kayaking==
The lower Paro Chhu river is a good stretch of about {{convert|7|km}} for beginner/intermediate [[kayaking|kayakers]]. This stretch has many small, boulder rapids and wave trains. There is one class IV–V boulder choke, about 3&nbsp;km from the put in, which can be run on the left and scouted from the right. It is suitable for [[kayak]]s only as the river is too small for a [[raft]] to be enjoyable. After this, the river enters a short, scenic [[canyon]] with more class II–III rapids. The stretch ends at Chhuzom. More experienced kayakers can continue down the Wong Chhu.<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.bhutanholiday.net/rafting-and-kayaking-in-bhutan|title = Rafting and kayaking in Bhutan 2010|work = |publisher = Bhutan Holiday |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref>
The lower Paro Chhu river is a good stretch of about {{convert|7|km}} for beginner/intermediate [[kayaking|kayakers]]. This stretch has many small, boulder rapids and wave trains. There is one class IV–V boulder choke, about 3&nbsp;km from the put in, which can be run on the left and scouted from the right. It is suitable for [[kayak]]s only as the river is too small for a [[raft]] to be enjoyable. After this, the river enters a short, scenic [[canyon]] with more class II–III rapids. The stretch ends at Chhuzom. More experienced kayakers can continue down the Wong Chhu.<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.bhutanholiday.net/rafting-and-kayaking-in-bhutan|title = Rafting and kayaking in Bhutan 2010|work = |publisher = Bhutan Holiday |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref>

⚫
==Chhuzom==
⚫
Chhuzom (''Chhu'' means river and ''zom'' means join) is the place where Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. For many traditional Bhutanese this confluence is considered the union of a father and mother river. Paro Chhu represents the father and is sometimes called the Pho Chhu, Wong Chu represents the mother. Because Bhutanese traditions regards such a convergence of rivers as inauspicious, there are three [[chorten]]s here to ward off evil spells in the area.<ref>Pommaret (2006), p.160</ref> Each chorten is in a different style – Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali.<ref name="Pommaret 2006, p.129">Pommaret (2006), p.129</ref><ref>Brown ''et al.'', p. 132</ref> The upper reaches of Wong Chhu, above Chhuzom, are sometimes referred to as Thimphu Chhu.<ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.himalayahorizon.com/bhutan/druk-white-water-river-rafting.htm|title = Druk White Water River Rafting: 9 DAYS |work = |publisher =Himalayan Horizon |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =http://www.buddhaeyetreks.com/bhutan.html|title =Bhutan|work = |publisher =Buddha Eye Treks |accessdate = 2010-05-09}}</ref><ref>Brown ''et al.'', p. 85</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==

Revision as of 03:21, 6 May 2011

Paro Chhu
Map
Physical characteristics
MouthChhuzom
Basin features
River systemWong Chhu

The Paro Chhu is a river of western Bhutan. It is a tributary of the Wong Chhu, which is known as the Raidak in its lower reaches.

Course

The Paro Chhu rises to the south of Chomo Lhari (mountain of the Goddess). Its glacial waters plunge torrentially through alpine meadows and deep gorges in the Jigme Dorji National Park, and descends into a wide, open, undulating valley.[1][2][3] Sub-alpine and temperate forests are found along its middle and lower reaches.[1] A prime trout stream, it nourishes lush green rice fields and apple and peach orchards on its banks.[3][4][5]

Paro

The Paro Chhu flows through the Paro Valley, which is the site of one of Bhutan's main towns, Paro, and many important monasteries. The two best known of the monasteries are Taktshang ("Tiger's nest" in Dzongkha), and Paro Dzong. Taktshang clings to a ledge of a high cliff approximately 15 km north of Paro. Taktshang and Paro Dzong are two of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.[6][7] Below the dzong, a traditional wooden covered bridge called Nyamai Zam spans the Paro Chhu. The original bridge was washed away in a flood in 1969 and the present one is a reconstruction. Earlier versions of this bridge were removed to protect the dzong. The bridge was also shown in the movie Little Buddha by Bernardo Bertolucci [8] Below the town of Paro, the river runs immediately to the west of Bhutan's only international airport. That airport is renowned for the hair-raising final approach. Only one airline, Druk Air, is licensed to fly into and out of this airport.

Paro Chhu flowing past Paro Dzong

Kayaking

The lower Paro Chhu river is a good stretch of about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) for beginner/intermediate kayakers. This stretch has many small, boulder rapids and wave trains. There is one class IV–V boulder choke, about 3 km from the put in, which can be run on the left and scouted from the right. It is suitable for kayaks only as the river is too small for a raft to be enjoyable. After this, the river enters a short, scenic canyon with more class II–III rapids. The stretch ends at Chhuzom. More experienced kayakers can continue down the Wong Chhu.[9]

Chhuzom

Chhuzom (Chhu means river and zom means join) is the place where Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. For many traditional Bhutanese this confluence is considered the union of a father and mother river. Paro Chhu represents the father and is sometimes called the Pho Chhu, Wong Chu represents the mother. Because Bhutanese traditions regards such a convergence of rivers as inauspicious, there are three chortens here to ward off evil spells in the area.[10] Each chorten is in a different style – Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali.[6][11] The upper reaches of Wong Chhu, above Chhuzom, are sometimes referred to as Thimphu Chhu.[12][13][14]

Notes

  1. ^ a b Negi, Sharad Singh (1991). Himalayan Rivers, Lakes, and Glaciers. Indus Publishing. p. 109.
  2. ^ "Physiological Survey". River System of Bhutan. FAO Corporate Document Repository. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
  3. ^ a b "Paro-Lingshi-Thimpu Trek". Himalaya Journeys. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
  4. ^ Vas, E. A. (1986). The Dragon Kingdom: Journeys Through Bhutan. Lancer International. p. 85. ISBN 8170620074.
  5. ^ "Kingdom of Bhutan". Chomolhari Trek. Mountain Madness. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
  6. ^ a b Pommaret (2006), p.129
  7. ^ Brown et al., p. 122
  8. ^ "Paro (Rinpung) Dzong". Lonely Planet. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help); Unknown parameter |urlalso= ignored (help)
  9. ^ "Rafting and kayaking in Bhutan 2010". Bhutan Holiday. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
  10. ^ Pommaret (2006), p.160
  11. ^ Brown et al., p. 132
  12. ^ "Druk White Water River Rafting: 9 DAYS". Himalayan Horizon. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
  13. ^ "Bhutan". Buddha Eye Treks. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
  14. ^ Brown et al., p. 85

Bibliography

27°19′N 89°32′E / 27.317°N 89.533°E / 27.317; 89.533

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