DHUR HOT SPRING TREK
17 days
16 nights
GRADE Easy
DHUR HOT SPRING TREK
DHUR HOT SPRING TREK
This trek takes the old expedition route to Gangkar Puensum. Seasons: This trek is recommended from March to April and September to early November.
Day 1: Arrive at Paro. 2250M.
The flight to Paro will offer a life time experience trip-you can see a spectacular sight of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as the Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Gang. As plane enters the breathtaking scene of Paro Valley the first sight to greet you is the tiny Paro Airport. Our guide will meet you outside the exit gate and escort you to the hotel for check – in & Lunch. After lunch, visit National Museum of Bhutan built in 1651 as watchtower for Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) but in 1968 it was converted to National Museum. The museum boasts of quite a collection of ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro sightseeing.
Full day sight seeing in Paro: Visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 to defend Paro Valley from the Tibetan invaders. It now is the head quarters of Paro District and Paro’s monastic community. After lunch, visit Drukgyel Dzong (ruined fortress– 16 kms away from Paro town) built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. It caught fire in 1951 and now preserved as historical site being renovated currently. Visit one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang, built by first King of Tibet Songsten Gembo in the 7th century to spread Buddhism in Bhutan. Night halt in Paro.
Day 3: Paro - Thimphu. 65 Km. 2 Hours. 2350 M.
Head to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take around less than 2 hours. On the way back, pause briefly to admire the oldest fortress in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong (built in 1627). Check in at the hotel. After lunch, visit the National Memorial stupa of the Late King, built in 1974. If time permits, visit the Indigenous Hospital, where traditional medicine (outside only) is still practiced, and finally visit the Institute of Zorig Chusum (the Painting School), where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu - Trongsa. 205 KM. 8 Hours. 2200M.
Have an early breakfast drive to Trongsa via Dochu-la pass (3,088m). one can witness on a clear day the Bhutan’s highest peaks from (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) and Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Continue onwards to Wangduephodrang town, have a brief stop for lunch. On the way before reaching the town, one can see the towering fortress of Wandgdue Dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Then continue towards Tongsa via Pele-la pass (3,300m), the landmark between east and west. One will pass through the villages like Rukubji and Chendebji. Overnight at Tongsa.
Day 5: Trongsa - Jakar (Bumthang). 68 KM. 3 Hours.
Continue to Bumthang where one will pass Yotong la pass 3400m and is also the highest pass on your trip to Bhutan. After crossing the pass, one will descend to Chhumey valley and reach Jakar. The women in this valley are specialized in yathra weaving. After lunch, in the afternoon, visit Kurje monastery, built in the 17th century to mark the place where Guru Padmasambhava had meditated in the 8th century, left his body imprint on the rock. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang – Gorsum (trek starts). 18 KM. 6-7 Hours. 3120M.
After breakfast, the transport will reach you up to starting point of the trek just below Kurje lhakhang. The trek route runs along the Chamkhar Chu, a river famous for trout. The trek trail from Bumthang to Gorsum is rather gradual climb. Overnight camp at 3,120m.
Day 7: Gorsum - Lungsum. 12 KM. 5Hours.3160 M.
The route takes you through dense forests of spruce, hemlock, cypress, juniper and maples. The trail is muddy and climbs gradually till you reach to your campsite at 3160m.
Day 8: Lungsum - Tsochenchen. 15 KM. 6-7 Hours. 3100M.
Trek today is through dense vegetation which remains the same until you reach the camp site, which is above tree level. Halt in the camp.
Day 9: Tsochenchen - Dhur Tsachu. 18 KM. 6 - 7 Hours. 3400M.
The trek from Tsochenchen is uphill, passing a small lake until you finally reach Julila pass at about 3,400m. If the weather is clear, from here surrounding mountains can be viewed. After crossing the pass, walk downhill till the campsite at 3,300m. Musk deer, herds of blue sheep and Himalayan bear sheep may be seen along the route. Halt in camp.
Day 10: Dhur Tsachu - halt.
Have a late breakfast and relax in the hot spring or hike around the surrounding areas. Overnight camp.
Day 11: Dhur Tsachu - Tsochenchen. 18 Km. 5 – 6 Hours. 3100M.
Start early, trek back to Juli-la pass via the same route. The trail descends from here gradually till you reach the campsite at Tsochenchen (3100m). Overnight camp.
Day 12: Tsochenchen – Gorsum. 27 KM. 9 Hours. 3120 M.
Start the trek early, because the distance is longer. The trail leads gradually down hill for about 2 hours till you reach the camp site. Overnight camp at Gorsum (3,120m).
Day 13: Gorsum - Bumthang. 18Km. 5-6 hours.
The trail follows the Chamkhar Chu, descends gradually downhill till you cross the Dur Village bridge. Then follow the new motor road where your transport awaits you to take you to Bumthang. After lunch, leisure time. Halt at hotel in Bumthang.
Day 14: Bumthang - Wangdue.
In the morning drive to Wangdue takes about 7-8 hours. Picnic lunch on the way. Halt at Wangdi.
Day 15: Wangdue - Thimphu.
Visit Punakha en route visit the Dzong which is the winter residence of the monks of Thimphu and the Je-Khenpo, the Head of Abbot of the country. Punkha Dzong used to be the nation's capital until 1955. The remains of Shabdrung, the saint who unified Bhutan in the 17th century, are preserved here. Then drive back to Thimphu over Dochula pass. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 16: Thimphu sightseeing - Paro.
A whole day Thimphu sightseeing and shopping: Visit Tashichhodzong in the morning, and the nunnery. After lunch, visit the Handicrafts Emporium; visit the workshop where all the handicrafts are produced. Late afternoon drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 17: Departure
Our guide will bid you a farewell at Paro International Airport.
