Dur Hot Spring Trek (16 Nights / 17 Days)

Overview

• Day 1: Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu.
• Day 2: Drive from Thimphu to Gangtey via Wangdue.
• Day 3: Drive from Gangtey to Bumthang via Trongsa.
• Day 4: Sightseeing in Bumthang.
• Day 5: Begin trek from Bumthang to Gorsum.
• Day 6: Trek from Gorsum to Lungsum.
• Day 7: Trek from Lungsum to Tsochenchen.
• Day 8: Trek from Tsochenchen to Dur Tsachhu.
• Day 9: Rest day at Dur Tsachhu (hot springs).
• Day 10: Return trek to Tsochenchen.
• Day 11: Trek from Tsochenchen to Gorsum via Lungsum.
• Day 12: Complete trek and return to Bumthang.
• Day 13: Drive from Bumthang to Gangtey.
• Day 14: Drive from Gangtey to Punakha.
• Day 15: Drive from Punakha to Paro.
• Day 16: Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
• Day 17: Departure from Paro.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Paro (2,250m) – Thimphu (2,350m)

Arrive in Paro by the Bhutanese National Carrier, flying over the world’s highest mountains and landing in the lush Paro valley. After clearing customs and meeting your guide, transfer to Paro town for lunch.

Then drive to Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan) for about 1.5 hours. En-route, hike to Tamchog Monastery, a private temple owned by descendants of the famous Tibetan bridge-builder Thangthong Gaylpo. In Thimphu, visit Buddha Point for stunning views and Takin Compound, home of Bhutan’s national animal. Continue to Tashi Choe Dzong, Folk Heritage Museum, and Centenary Farmers Market. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Thimphu – Wangdue – Gangtey (2,900m)

After breakfast, drive towards Gangtey via Wangdue. The road climbs through forests of pine and cedar near Dochula Pass (3,050 m), which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas on clear days. Stop for tea before descending to Wangdue for a short visit to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, dramatically located at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. Gradually climb into Gangtey valley (Phobjikha) to visit Gangtey Gompa, an old monastery from the 17th century. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang (2,800m)

Early start with a drive to Bumthang via Trongsa, taking about six hours and crossing Pelela Pass (3,300 m) and Yotongla Pass (3,400 m). The road climbs through semi-tropical vegetation to Pelela Pass with alpine rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. If clear, spot Jhomulhari (7314 m) to the west. Visit Trongsa Dzong before continuing to Bumthang valley, known as one of the most beautiful spots in the Himalayas. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: In Bumthang - Sightseeing (2,800m)

In the morning visit Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred place where Guru Rinpoche meditated. A tarmac road leads south along the river to Jambey Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples from the 7th century. After lunch, hike to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 with ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Later visit Jakar Dzong and stroll through Bumthang’s market area before returning to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05: Bumthang - Gorsum (3,120m)

After breakfast drive to Kurjey Lhakhang; from here it's an 8 km drive on an unpaved road. The trek starts at Dur Zam alongside Chamkhar River and is gradual throughout. Overnight in Camp. (Walking Duration: 6-7 hrs)

Day 06: Trek to Lungsum (3,160m)

The route passes through dense forests of cyprus, juniper, spruce, hemlock, and maples; this muddy trail climbs gradually until reaching campsite. Overnight in Camp. (Walking Duration: 5 hrs)

Day 07: Trek to Tsochenchen (3780m)

Trek through similar vegetation until reaching campsite above tree line. Overnight in Camp. (Walking Duration: 6-7 hrs)

Day 08: Trek to Dur Tsachhu (3,590m)

The trek is uphill until reaching Julila Pass at 4700m; on clear days enjoy views of surrounding mountains. After crossing the pass, descend to camp; musk deer and blue sheep may be seen en-route. Overnight in Camp. (Walking Duration: 6-7 hrs)

Day 09: Rest day at Dur Tsachu

This is a rest day at Tsachhu hot springs. Overnight in Camp.

Day 10: Trek to Tsochenchen (3,100m)

The trail from Dur Tsachu is uphill until Julila; after crossing the pass trail descends until reaching campsite. Overnight at Camp. (Walking Duration: 7 hrs)

Day 11: Trek to Lungsum- Gorsum (3,120m)

This day involves more hours of walking covering two days' distance so it starts early; trail goes through Tsochenchen-Lungsum-Gorsum. Overnight at Camp. (Walking Duration: 9 hrs)

Day 12: Trek to Bumthang (2,800m)

The last day of trek starts at Gorsum and ends at Dur Zam; from here drive towards Bumthang. The trial descends downhill until crossing Dur Village bridge then follows new motor road back to Bumthang. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13: Bumthang – Gangtey (2320m)

After breakfast re-trace route back towards Gangtey; today’s journey takes about six hours; upon arrival check-in hotel. Overnight at Hotel

Day 14: Gangtey – Punakha (1310m)

After an early breakfast drive towards Punakha for about three hours; en-route take a short hike through rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang—a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley known as “the Divine Madman.” Visit Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of Pho-chu and Mo-chu rivers; arguably the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel

Day 15: Punakha – Paro (2250m)

After breakfast trace route back to Paro; visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal; it continues its function as seat of district administration and monastic body; southern approach features Nemi Zam bridge. Overnight at Hotel

Day 16: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)

After breakfast drive towards base camp for a hike up to Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest; about two hours hike up to cafeteria for spectacular views where Guru Padmasambhava landed on a tigress in the 8th century; visit Taktsang Monastery then return down before visiting Kyichu Lhakhang—one of Bhutan's oldest shrines before heading back to hotel.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 17: Paro Departure

After breakfast transfer to airport for onward flight; bid farewell to the legendary Dragon Kingdom as it disappears behind its guardian mountains.