Dur Hot Spring Trek
Overview
This trek is particularly famous for its hot springs, which are said to be the most beautiful natural springs in the Himalayas. Dur Tshachu is located in the Wangchuck Centennial Park & seven hot springs are in this region. The average temperature of the hot springs varies from 38 to 52 degrees celsius.
The Dur Hot Springs Trek – trails lead you through forests of cyprus, juniper, spruce, hemlock and maple, the route also offers opportunity to view interesting fauna such as Snow leopard, Bhutan Takin, Musk deer, Blue sheep, Tibetian wolf and Himalayan black bear.
The Dur Hot Springs Trek is a very strenous trek if undertaking the 8day/7night version (as per the details below.) For those who are not as super fit we would suggest extending this trek by one night makign it an 9 day/8 night trek.
The best season for this trek is March to April and September to October.
Bumthang – Gorsum, distance – 18 km, time – 7 hours.
The trek starts from Dur village (3,100m) following the river Yoleng Chhu, a river known for it’s abundance of trout. Today’s trail from Bumthang to Gorsum is a gradual climb. Campsite at an altitiude of 3120m.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Gorsum – Lungsum, distance – 12 km, time – 5 hours.
Today’s trek trail passes through dense forests of spruce, hemlock, cypress, juniper and maples, leading to the campsite at an altitude of 3,160m.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Lungsum – Tsochenchen, distance – 15 km, time – 6 – 7 hours.
In vegetation along today’s route is dense and similar to yesterdays. When you near the campsite the vegetation thins out and you camp just above the tree line at an altitude of 3,780m.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Tsochenchen – Dur Tsachu, distance – 17 km, time – 7 hours.
Today’s walk is all the way uphill until Juli la pass (4,700m), if the day is clear, you will have a great view of the surrounding mountains from the pass. Ater crossing the pass the trail, the trail descends to a lake at 4,220m, then climbs again to Gokthong La (4,640m). From this pass it is steep tail down the the campsite at an altitude of 3,590 m. Musk deer, herds of blue sheep and Himalayan black bear are sometimes seen along this route.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Halt at Dur Tsachu. After a relaxing breakfast relax in the hot springs or explore Dur today on foot.
Overnight Tented Campsite
Dur Tsachu – Tsochenchen, distance – 18kms, time – 8 hours. 1530m ascent, 1340m descent. Return on the route taken on day 3. Today is going to be one of the most challenging on this trek.
Overnight Tented Campsite
Tsochenchen – Gorsum, distance – 27kms, time – 9 hours. 660m descent.
Overnight Tented Campsite
Gorsum – Dur (Bumthang), distance – 18kms, time – 6 hours. 380m descent.
On completion of trek you will be met and transferred by road to your overnight accommodation.
Important Note:
If you wish to add in another night on this trek to make it slightly less challenging the itinerary above remains the same until day 7.
Dur Hot Springs Trek – Option 2.
Tsochenchen – Lungsum, distance – 15kms, time – 5 hours. 620m descent.
Return taken on the route on day 3.
Campsite at altitude 3,160m
Overnight Tented campsite.
Lungsum – Gorsum, distance – 12kms, time – 4 hours. 40m descend.
The trail descends gradually from the campsite. The trail leads through dense forest of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple.
Campsite at altitude 3,120m.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
What's Included?
- Private guided tour
- Visas for Bhutan
- Airport transfers
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
- Accommodation at 3 star hotels
- A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
- An experienced driver
- A tour vehicle
- Entry fees & road permits
- Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
- Mineral bottled water
- Set of traditional costume (to be return at the end of your stay)
- Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
What's Excluded?
- Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
- Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
- Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
- Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Alcoholic drink