This trek is challenging yet famous for its hot springs which are said to contain medicinal values that helps to cure different types of ailments. It is one of 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.
This trek takes us with steep ascents and descents, welcomes with serene beauty of the landscapes, and a huge variety of wildlife (trout, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer and Himalayan Black Bear), views of mountains, lakes, forests teeming with trees like spruce, hemlock, juniper and maple. Bhutanese believe the hot springs have amazing medicinal values and these are touted as the best in the entire Himalayas.
Note: This trek is very strenuous with 7Nights/8Days for those who are not fit. We suggest you to have one extra night (8Nights/9Days) to make it less challenging.
On your flight to Paro, if the weather permits, you will be able to spot snowcapped Himalayas including mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Our representative will be there waiting to receive you. You can drive to the hotel to check in and later in the day you can visit Ta Dzong, originally a watch tower now converted into a museum since 1968 under the command of our third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk since it is of no use as watch tower. Then visit 17th century old fortress called Paro Rinpung Dzong literal meaning- “fortress on the heap of jewels”. Next you can visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most divine temples in Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip) the trail is along an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels.
As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most popular Buddhist shrine in Bhutan perched on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire in early 1998 and It has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava flew on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Lair.
Your drive to Thimphu takes about an hour. On the way, stop at one of our oldest iron bridges built in the 15th century by DrupthobThangthongGyalpo and again stop at Chuzom (the confluence of Paro and Thimphu River). After reaching Thimphu, visit the National memorial stupa (built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Centenary farmers market, visit the giant Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley with 169 feet/51.5 meters and its tallest of its kind, Takin reservation center and stroll freely in Thimphu city and experience the lifestyle of the people. Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Punakha district, our ancient capital city before Thimphu and stop at one of the most beautiful passes in the country called Dochula Pass(3100m) adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel chortens and colourful prayer flags surrounded by spectacular views of Himalayan ranges on clear weather. Continue driving to Punakha valley. On the way you can stop at Lobesa to hike up to Chimi Lhakhang through rice paddy fields and through Metsina village with colourful painted Phallus on the walls to bless the household with fertility and to ward off evil spirits. The temple is dedicated to the accomplished master in the 15th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. After this visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country with intricate metal and wood carvings situated between male and female rivers like an anchored ship built in 1637 by Zhabdrung and then a short walk to see one of the longest suspension bridges.
Start your journey to Bumthang via Trongsa crossing Pelela pass which stands at 3300m and a short stop at Chendebji stupa. Visit Trongsa dzong which is one of the largest dzongs in the country. Trongsa means”New village” in Dzongkha and it is located in central Bhutan. The rulers of Trongsa, the Penlops (governors) of Wangchuck dynasty, who resided at Trongsa dzong were very powerful as they control over east-west trade for centuries until the first king of Bhutan was elected unanimously in 1907 and the only way to eastern and western Bhutan was through the courtyard of the dzong. Trongsa dzong was initially founded as a small meditation temple by lama Ngagi Wangchuk (The great grandfather of Zhabdrung) in 1543 on the spur overlooking the gorge of Mangde river. Lama Ngagiwangchuk came to trongsa in 1541 and when he was meditating nearby in the village called Yuling, he witnessed a light on the spur where the present dzong stands. He found a small spring on the spot believed to be used by the protective deity Mahakali (Palden Lhamo). Another version of the story says he found the hoof prints of a horse that belonged to the protective deity Palden Lhamo. He believed this to be an auspicious sign and founded a small meditation temple on the spur. And visit five storey Ta Dzong(“watchtower”) built by ChoejeMinjur Tenpa, the first governor of Trongsa in 1652. From 2005 to 2008 it underwent extensive structural and interior designing work in order to become a museum as there is no exterior threat since then. Continue driving another 2 hours to Bumthang crossing Yotongla pass at 3400m and numerous villages. If time permits visit Jambay Lhakhang which is believed to be one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king SongtsenGampo in the 7th century. You will also visit the Kurjey Lhakhang monastery complex, where Guru Padmasambhava, the great tantric master blessed and meditated. One can still see his body imprint on a rock created by his long retreat. Overnight in the hotel.
Distance: 18 km|Time: 6-7 hours|Camp Altitude: 3120m
The trek begins at Dur village (3,100 m), following the Yoleng Chhu, a trout-rich river. The trail ascends gradually through forested terrain.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Distance: 12 km|Time: 5 hours|Camp Altitude: 3160m
The trail ascends gradually through dense forest of spruce, hemlock, Cypress,
Juniper and Maple. The trail is expected to be muddy until you reach your campsite. Overnight:Tented campsite
Distance: 15 km| Time: 6-7 hours: Camp Altitude: 3780m
Continue through similar vegetation. As you approach camp, the forest thins and you arrive above the tree line.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Distance:18 km| Time: 7 hours| Camp Altitude:3590m
Ascend steadily to Juli La Pass (4,700 m) for spectacular mountain views if weather is clear. Descend to a lake at 4,220 m, then ascend again to Gokthong La (4,640 m) before a steep descent to the campsite at 3,590 m. On this day there’s a possibility to spot wild animalssuch as musk deer, blue sheep, and Himalayan black bears.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Enjoy a relaxing day soaking in the natural hot springs or exploring the surroundings on foot.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Distance: 18 km|Time: 7-8 hours| Ascent: 1530 m| Descent: 1340m
Retrace the route from Day 4 in reverse. This is one of the most physically demanding days of the trek.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Distance: 27 km| Time: 9-10 hours| Descent: 660m
A long descent through alpine and mixed forests back to Gorsum.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Distance: 18 km| Time: 6-7 hours| Descent: 380m
Complete the final stretch of the trek. You will be met at Dur and transferred to your overnight accommodation.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
After breakfast drive to Paro which is expected to take about 9 hours. Stop on the way for the lunch and for the views of Himalaya.
Our team will drive you to the airport for departure
