The Dur Hotspring Trek
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 torch
light 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.
Arrive
at Airport by Druk Air
During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga
and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Chomolhari &
Mt. Jechu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport the representative
of Atlas will receive you and transfer you a hotel for the overnight halt.
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort (destroyed by fire in 1950.) which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. From here one can have the view of sacred Mt. Chomolhari on clear days. 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 Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town drive back to hotel for the night halt.
Paro
Thimphu
This morning, follow the winding road beside the Paro Chu (Chu meaning
river or water) downstream to its confluence with the Wang-chu then up
the valley to Thimphu capital. Lunch at hotel. After lunch visit the memorial
Chorten, here the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the
Late King, chanting prayers as they walk. Overnight in hotel.
Thimphu
Tongsa
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Tongsa takes
approximately 7 to 8 hours. Pack lunch will provided at the hotel. Stop
for lunch at Chendeje Chorten. Overnight at lodge/camp in Tongsa.
Tongsa
Bumthang
After breakfast sightseeing of the Tongsa Dzong from outside and also
visit the Ta-Dzong which houses the temple for Geysar (warrior deity of
the Buddhist religion) and stroll in Tongsa town. After early lunch drive
to Jakar(Bumthang which is about 3 hours drive from Tongsa. Tales of the
great teacher Guru Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. From the
view point you can see Jakar Dzong "Castle of the White bird".
Overnight in hotel/lodge.
Today 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 for Bumthang to Gorsum is rather gradual through dense forest of spruce, hamlock, cypress, juniper and maples. The trail is more or less muddy and ascends gradual till you reach to your campsite. Overnight in camp.
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.
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.
After late breakfast relax in the hot spring or hike in and around the campsite. Overnight in camp.
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.
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.
From Gorsum you descend down hill 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.
Drive to Wangdi takes about 7 hours. Pack lunch will be provided on the way. Overnight in Wangdi guest house/camp.
Drive to Punakha Dzong. Visit the Punakha Dzong only when the monks are in the Capital. Punakha Dzong was the seat of the nations capital until 1966. The remains of the Shabdrung, the saint who unified Bhutan in the 17th century and 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.
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.
Drive to the Airport for departure.
