Dur Hot Spring Trek
During this trek you will see spectacular mountain scenery, remote and dramatic monasteries and pristine Himalayan culture. You might encounter Musk Deers, herds of Blue Sheep and the Himalayan Black Bear. Last but not the least, a dip in the Dur Hot spring will surely be rewarding.
Day 01: Arrive Paro, which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake. our representatives will escort you to Hotel. If time prevails visit the National museum & Rinpung Dzong. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: To acclimatize yourself a hike to Taktsang monastery meaning a tiger's den lies at an altitude of 3000m which takes about 2/3 hours. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the paro valley Stroll back to the hotel. Evening at leisure .
Day 03: Drive to Thimphu (2hrs). Upon arrival check into Hotel Druk or River view or similar. PM sightseeing - Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market.
Day 04: AM visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. PM drive 3 hours to Punakkha by crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: Today the drive takes about 6 / 7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscape through scattered hamlets and forest of rhododendrons and pine. Enroute visit Tongsa Dzong. Proceed another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: Bumthang altitude 2600m, has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Sightseeing - Visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip so it is more interesting done on foot. Overnight same.
Day 07: Trek starts to Gorsum. The bus will drop you a little further from Kurjey monastery and begin walk along the Chamkhar river which is filled with rainbow trouts and the trail gradual till the camp at 3050 meters. Walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 08: Gorsum to Lungsum. Today the trek begins through dense forests of Spruce, hemlock, cypress and maples. The trail is more or less muddy and ascends gradually till you reach camp at 3100 meters. Walking time 4/5 hours.
Day 09: Lungsum to Tshochenchen. The trek is up and down through dense vegetation and you might encounter Himalayan Black Bears. Camp is located above tree line at 3500 meters. Walking time 4/5 hours.
Day 10: Tshochenchen to Dur Hot spring. Today the trek will be mostly uphill crossing the Julila pass at 4400 meters. On fine weather surrounding mountains can be viewed. The path then descends all the way and look out for Musk deer, blue sheep and Himalayan black bear. Arrive camp near the Hot spring at 3450 meters. Walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 11: Rest day. Relax and enjoy in the Hot spring which is believed to cure disease or stroll around the area.
Day 12: Trek back the same way to Tshochenchen.
Day 13: Tshochenchen to Gorsum. Today will be long hike so start early. Walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 14: Gorsum to Bumthang. Mountain Journey coach will be waiting and drive back to Hotel.
Day 15: Drive back to Punakha. Overnight Hotel.
Day 16: AM visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Proceed to Thimphu. PM drive back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 17: Transfer to airport for departure.
