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Chukha Hydropower Plant
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The Chukha Hydropower Plant, commissioned in 1986, marks the beginning of the hydropower era in Bhutan and laid the foundation for the country's economic transformation. As the first major hydropower project, it was a visionary undertaking realized in close cooperation with India. With a capacity of 336 megawatts, it was a formidable facility at the time of its completion. Chukha not only advanced Bhutan's electrification but also paved the way for profitable electricity exports, which are now the country's main source of revenue. The construction of the plant required overcoming enormous logistical and technical challenges in the mountainous terrain. Its success proved the potential of Bhutanese hydropower and inspired a series of other, even larger projects in the following decades.
- Location: Bhutan
- Top sights: Bjacho Lhakhang · Chukha Zangdogpelri · Lower Terrace Market Area
- Nearby: Tsimasham (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 13 | 36 | 91 | 173 | 263 | 397 | 304 | 239 | 92 | 5 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Built during the 1980s with crucial Indian assistance, this pioneering hydroelectric facility revolutionized Bhutan's modern economy by highly efficiently harnessing the region's incredibly powerful and swift rivers.
Visiting
Due to its strict status as a critical piece of national infrastructure, access to the interior technical facilities is generally tightly restricted, meaning visitors must typically view the massive exterior structure only.
Where to view it
Excellent vantage points to appreciate the impressive dam structures and the surrounding steep, dramatic river gorges can usually be found from safely designated observation spots along the winding main highway.
Local products
While the immense plant itself exclusively produces clean electricity, travelers stopping at nearby roadside settlements can very often purchase simple local snacks, warm tea, and authentic Bhutanese traditional crafts.
Active season
The rushing river water flows are at their most powerful and visually dramatic during the summer monsoon season, perfectly showcasing the true and immense hydro-potential of the steep, formidable Himalayan terrain.
Nearby
It is highly logical and convenient to spot this modern engineering marvel during the deeply scenic and winding drive between the southern border town of Phuentsholing and the culturally rich capital city of Thimphu.
Geography
Facts
- First major hydropower project in Bhutan
- Located on the Wang Chhu River
- The construction period was almost 10 years
- Was fully funded by India
- The dam is 40 meters high
- Greatly boosted the local economy
- Served as a training ground for Bhutanese engineers
- A large part of the electricity is exported to West Bengal
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Chukha Hydropower Plant (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What was the first major hydropower project in Bhutan?
The Chukha Hydropower Plant, which began operations in the 1980s.
How is the electricity used?
Part of it covers domestic demand, and the rest is sold to India.
Where exactly is the plant located?
Near the town of Tsimasham in Chukha district.
Who financed the project?
It was a joint project between Bhutan and India.
Is the site accessible to tourists?
Only with special permission from the authorities.
Chukha Hydropower Plant: where is it located?
Chukha Hydropower Plant is located in Bhutan.
Chukha Hydropower Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bjacho Lhakhang, Chukha Zangdogpelri, Lower Terrace Market Area.
Chukha Hydropower Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Chukha Hydropower Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Chukha Hydropower Plant, commissioned in 1986, marks the beginning of the hydropower era in Bhutan and laid the foundation for the country's economic transformation.
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Nearby cities
Phuntsholing
Phuntsholing is a border town in southern Bhutan, serving as the primary commercial hub and gateway to India.
Tsimasham
Tsimasham is the headquarters of Chukha district, strategically located along the main highway between Thimphu and the Indian border.
Khulna
Khulna is a major industrial city that serves as the gateway to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest.
Laya
An isolated high-altitude village at 3800 meters, home to the semi-nomadic Layap people known for their unique conical bamboo hats.
Sirajganj
A major river port and transportation hub on the Jamuna River, connecting northern Bangladesh with the rest of the country.
Bogra
One of the oldest cities in Bengal, known as the 'Capital of North Bengal' and famous for its archaeological heritage.
Lhamoizingkha
Lhamoizingkha is a subtropical border town in Bhutan, situated on the banks of the Sunkosh River in an area with lush vegetation.
History & landmarks
Karbandi Monastery
The monastery sits on a hill above Phuntsholing, offering panoramic views of the Bengal plain and the city.
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
A small temple in the heart of Phuntsholing representing the celestial abode of Guru Rinpoche.
Sundarbans
The largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the endangered Bengal tiger.
Buddha Dordenma
A gigantic Buddha statue towering over Thimphu.
Gasa Dzong
A historic mountain fortress built in the 17th century to protect against attacks from the north.
Dochula Pass
A scenic mountain pass featuring 108 memorial chortens.
Bangabandhu Bridge
One of the longest bridges in South Asia, crossing the Jamuna River to connect eastern and western Bangladesh.
Taktsang Monastery
Known as the Tiger's Nest, the monastery clings to a steep cliff above the Paro Valley.
Nature
More places
🗺️
Tala Hydropower Plant
A massive run-of-the-river hydroelectric plant on the Wang Chhu river, considered Bhutan's largest energy project.
🗺️
Pasakha Industrial Estate
Bhutan's largest and most important industrial hub near the Indian border.
Paro Valley
One of the widest and most fertile valleys in Bhutan, forming the cultural and historical center of the country.
Bhutan Ferro Alloys
A leading industrial company in Pasakha manufacturing high-quality ferrosilicon.
Phuentsholing Mini Dry Port
A crucial transshipment hub for Bhutan's foreign trade.
🗺️
Zangtopelri Park
A small but well-maintained park in the center of Phuentsholing, serving as a social gathering spot for locals and travelers.
🗺️
Bjemina Industrial Estate
An industrial estate near the capital Thimphu, focusing on light industries, wood processing, and construction materials.
Motithang Takin Preserve
A wildlife reserve in Thimphu that protects the takin, Bhutan's national animal, which appears to be half goat and half cow.