Panbang Bhutan Trip from Manas Reserve Forest | Royal Manas, Hanging Bridge & Manas River

A Glimpse of Panbang: Hanging Bridges, Riverside Views & Bhutanese Hospitality

What we least expected during our journey was the discovery of the stunning Panbang region while visiting the Royal Manas region. Lying on the banks of the Manas River, this serene town of Bhutan offered the best of nature and culture.

Entering the Kingdom of Bhutan, we soon found that the landscape of the region was changing to become one of green hills, dense forests, and bluish water river views. The calmness of the surroundings and the natural beauty were sure signs of what Bhutan had to offer.

 

Walking Over the Hanging Bridge

The main attraction of the town of Panbang is its famous hanging bridge that is built above the Manas River or Drangme Chhu (the local Bhutanese name for the Manas River system) . Crossing over this suspension bridge is indeed a thrilling experience, especially as you get mesmerizing views of the mountains and river from here.

This bridge is the best place for taking photos.

                                            

                                 

              

Picturesque View of the Manas River
The great Manas River serves as the natural border separating India from Bhutan and is one of the most picturesque rivers of the area. We took some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery of the river along with clicking pictures of the amazing landscape.

The combination of water, serene surroundings, and forest-covered hills makes Panbang the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.

Adventure Opportunity: River Rafting in Panbang

During our conversation with local residents, we learned that adventure seekers can also experience river rafting on the Mangde Chhu River. According to them, rafting trips can be arranged with prior permission from the concerned authorities and local operators. The approximate cost was around ₹7,000 per group, though prices may vary depending on the season, river conditions, and group size.

         

Enjoying Bhutanese Cuisine

After exploring the area, we stopped at a local Bhutanese restaurant for a light lunch.

The simple yet delicious meal provided a wonderful opportunity to experience Bhutanese hospitality and local flavors. Sitting by the riverside while enjoying lunch added another memorable moment to our journey.

Why Panbang Should Be Part of Your Manas Itinerary

Many travelers visit Manas National Park solely for wildlife safaris, but exploring Panbang adds an entirely different dimension to the experience.

From crossing a hanging bridge and enjoying spectacular river views to tasting Bhutanese cuisine and learning about adventure activities, Panbang offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.

For us, this short excursion transformed our Manas trip into a unique cross-border adventure, making it much more than just a wildlife safari.

India-Bhutan Border- Physical border markers

Travel Tips for Visiting Panbang

• Carry valid identification documents while visiting border areas.
• Start early from Manas Reserve Forest to make the most of your day trip.
• Wear comfortable footwear for walking across the hanging bridge and exploring nearby attractions.
• Keep a camera handy to capture the stunning river and mountain views.
• Check local regulations and permissions for adventure activities such as river rafting.

Final Thoughts

Our visit to Panbang added a unique international touch to our Manas National Park journey. From walking across the iconic hanging bridge and admiring the scenic Manas River to enjoying authentic Bhutanese food and learning about adventure opportunities, Panbang offered a perfect combination of nature, culture, and relaxation.

For travelers visiting Manas National Park or Royal Manas , a trip to Panbang is highly recommended. It is a destination where natural beauty, tranquility, and cross-border cultural experiences come together to create lasting memories.