Dur Hot Spiring (17 Days)
DAY 01 Arrive by Druk-air - Paro
DAY 02 Paro – Sightseeing
DAY 03 Paro - Thimphu
DAY 04 Thimphu – Trongsa
DAY 05 Trongsa – Bumthang
DAY 06 Bumthang – Gorsum
DAY 07 Gorsum – Lungsum
DAY 08 Lungsum – Tsochenchen
DAY 09 Tsochenchen – Dur Tsachu
DAY 10 Dur Tsachu – Halt
DAY 11 Dur Tsachu – Tsochenchen
DAY 12 Tsochenchen – Gorsum
DAY 13 Gorsum – Bumthang
DAY 14 Bumthang – Wangdi
DAY 15 Wangdi – Thimphu
DAY 16 Thimphu – Paro
DAY 17 Paro Airport for departure
Day 01 Arrive at Airport by Druk-air
During this flight (if boarded from Katmandu) one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport the representatives of Bhutan Takin Trails will receive you and transfer you to a hotel for the overnight halt.
Day 02 Paro – sightseeing
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort (destroyed by fire in 1951.) which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. From here one can have the view of sacred Mt. Jhomolhari on clear days. On the way back make a visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch drive to Ta Dzong former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then walk down passing close by the Paro Dzong, crossing the typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town drive back to hotel for the night halt.
Day 03 Paro – Thimphu
This morning follow the winding road beside the Paro Chu (Chu meaning river or water) down stream to its confluence with the Wang-chu then up the valley to Thimphu capital. Lunch at hotel. After lunch visit the memorial Chorten, here one can see the devotees circumambulating the shrine dedicated to the Late King, chanting prayers as they walk. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04 Thimphu – Trongsa
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. Pack lunch will provided at the hotel. Stop for lunch at Chendebjee Chorten. Overnight at lodge/camp in Trongsa.
Day 05 Trongsa – Bumthang
After breakfast sightseeing of the Trongsa Dzong from outside and also visit the Ta-Dzong which houses the temple for Geysar (warrior deity of the Buddhist religion) and stroll in Trongsa town. After early lunch drive to Jakar (Bumthang) which is about 3 hours drive from Trongsa. Tales of the great teacher Guru Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. From the viewpoint you can see Jakar Dzong “Castle of the White bird”. Overnight in hotel/lodge.
Day 06 Bumthang – Lungsum
To day start the trek, which is a distance of 18 km (about 6 to 7 hours)? Alt. 3,160 m. After breakfast the vehicle will reach you up to the trek point just below Kurjey Lhakhang, the holy temple that Bumthang is famous for. The trek route takes you along the Chamkhar-chu for a short while and follows the stream flowing from Dur village. The trek trail from Bumthang to Gorsum is rather gradual through dense forest of spruce, hammock, cypress, juniper and maples. The trail is more or less muddy and ascends gradually till you reach to your campsite. Overnight in camp.
Day 07 Lungsum – Tsochenchen
Trek distance is about 19 km, which is about 6 to 7 hours and alt. Of 3,780 m. The vegetation from Lungsum to Tsochenchen is more or less same till you reach near the campsite. The campsite will be just above the tree line. Overnight in camp.
Day 08 Tsochenchen – Dur Tsachu
Trek distance is about 21 km and about 7 hours walk, alt. 3,590 m. The trek from Tsochenchen is all the way up till you reach the pass called Julila which is about 4,700 m. From here if the day is clear, the surrounding mountains can be viewed. After crossing the pass the trail descends till you reach the campsite. Musk deer, herds of blue sheep and Himalayan bear may be seen en route. Overnight in camp.
Day 09 Dur Tsachu – Halt
After late breakfast relax in the hot spring or hike in and around the campsite. Overnight in camp.
Day 10 Dur Tsachu – Tsochenchen
The trek distance is 21 km and about 7 hours walk, alt. 3,780 m. The trek trail from Dur Tsachu is all the way up, till you reach Lulila. After crossing the pass the trail descends till you reach your campsite. Overnight in camp.
Day 11 Tsochenchen – Gorsum
Trek distance is about 29 km and about 9 hours walk, alt. 3,120 m. The trek begins early as the distance to be covered is long. The trail is gradual all the way till you reach your camp. Overnight in camp.
Day 12 Gorsum – Bumthang
From Gorsum you descend downhill till you cross a bridge near Dur village. Then follow the new motor road till you meet your transport. Drive to Jakar (Bumthang). After lunch at leisure. Overnight at lodge/camp.
Day 13 Bumthang – Wangdi
Drive to Wangdi takes about 7 hours. Pack lunch will be provided on the way. Overnight in Wangdi guest house/camp.
Day 14 Wangdi – Thimphu
Drive to Punakha Dzong. Visit the Punakha Dzong only when the monks are in the Capital. Punakha Dzong was the seat of the nation’s capital until 1966. The remains of the Shabdrung, the saint who unified Bhutan in the 17th century are interred here. The Je Khenpo, head abbot of the religious body of the country resides here with the monk body from Thimphu during winter because it is warmer at this altitude. Then drive back and head towards Thimphu passing the Dochula Pass. Overnight in hotel.
Day 15 Thimphu – Paro
Morning after breakfast drive for the sightseeing of the Thimphu valley with the Zelukha Nunnery, National Library, Painting and crafts school and Handicraft Emporium and then drive back for lunch. After lunch drive to Paro, en route visit Simtokha Dzong which now houses the academy for the national language, Dzongkha. Then continue the drive to Paro. Overnight in hotel.
Day 16 Paro – Airport for departure
Drive to the Airport for departure.
Season : March June & September - November
Group condition : Minimum of three persons but two can be entertained after payment of surcharge.
Climate (general) : Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and in winter temperatures can go below freezing point. There is monsoon showers in summer, (heaviest in July and August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
What to bring : Personal clothing : strong normal clothing (according to season). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothing for the evenings and winter.
For trekking : Strong, comfortable trekking boots and Gye-shoe, sunglasses, headgear, rain coat, & warm clothing for the evenings (lots of spare clothes. A sleeping bag is a must and it is advisable to have a heavy one. A torchlight can be very handy (Note: for trekking, a load of 25 kg is allowed).
Recommendation : The trek is slightly difficult and will require good physical condition. Physical fitness check-up is a must. Those without experiences need one to two months’ preparation.