DHUR HOT SPRINGS TREK – 16-nights/17-days

Day 01: Arrive Paro

Today, we take an early morning flight and arrive at Paro, where you will be meeting our representative and then you will be transferred to your Hotel once we cover up the formalities. During day, we can go for a general sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro

The day calls for a full day sightseeing in Paro. So, we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1646. From here, we can also watch the finest views of Mt. Chomolhari. On our way back, we visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, monastery built in the 7^th century. These two shrines are the one of the most sacred places in Bhutan.

After lunch, we visit Ta Dzong, which was previously built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. In 1968, it was inaugurated as the National Museum. Also, we take a visit to Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), the center of district administration. Rinpung Dzong is also the home of the local monk body. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Paro to Thimphu

Having our breakfast, we drive to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan.  A good view of Simtokha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal can be observed on the way; it is standing on a hillock above the road.

In the afternoon, we trip to Tashichhodzong, the impressive fortress/monastery built in 1641. It was built by first Shabdrung and again reconstructed in the 1960s. Also, we will explore National Memorial Chorten. And in the evening, we will browse in the Handicrafts Emporium, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles. Bhutan is famous for all these stuffs. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Thimphu to Tongsa

We drive to Tongsa via Dochu-la pass (3,088m) capturing superb views of Bhutan’s highest peaks, namely, Masagang (7,158m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Zongaphugang (7,060m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Gangkar Puensum, the highest (7,497m) and more. Zongaphugang is the table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana. Continuing our trail, we arrive at Tongsa. Overnight at lodge.

Day 05: Tongsa to Bumthang

We visit Tongsa Dzong, an ancestral abode of Bhutan’s royal family after which, we visit Ta Dzong that was built as a watchtower to guard Tongsa Dzong. In the afternoon, we take a look at Jakar Dzong and then Kurje monastery, built in the 17th century, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The body imprint is found on rocks. Overnight at lodge.

Day 06: Bumthang to Gorsum – 6 to 7 hours walk

We start our trek from today from Kurje Lhakhang.  Our trail routes to Chamkhar Chu, the river known for trout and then to Gorsum. Overnight at camp.

Day 07: Gorsum to Lungsum – 4 to 5 hours walk

We walk through the dense forest areas of spruce, hemlock, cypress, juniper and maple trees.  The trekking trail today is muddy and we ascend to reach Lungsum. Overnight at camp.

Day 08: Lungsum to Tshochenchen – 6 to 7 hours walk

Ascending through the trail, we walk along the vegetation to reach Tshochenchen. Overnight at camp.

Day 09: Tshochenchen to Dhur Tshachu – 6 to 7 hours walk

From Tshochenchen, we now walk to Juli-la pass (4,400m).  The surrounding mountain views appears eye-catching from here. We then walk downhill and while on the route, we can observe some Himalayan bears, Musk deer and blue sheep. Overnight at camp.

Day 10: Dhur Tshachu Rest Day

As the day calls for rest, we relax being surrounded by wonderful views around us. Also, we will relaxing on hot spring to release that tiredness of the journey.  Overnight at camp.

Day 11: Dhur Tshachu to Tshochenchen – 6 to 7 hours walk

We start early and trek back to Juli-la pass, and descend from there to Tshochenchen. Overnight at camp.

Day 12: Tshochenchen to Gorsum – 5 to 6 hours walk

Retracing our pathways, we move back to Gorsum by walking downhill through dense forest and muddy trails. Overnight at camp.

Day 13: Gorsum to Dhur to Bumthang – 2 to 3 hours walk

Following the Chamkhar Chu, we descend to Dhur village and meet our transport here. We then drive to Bumthang. Overnight at lodge.

Day 14: Bumthang to Wangduephodrang

We explore the Bumthang valley in morning and visit Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang.  In the afternoon, we drive to Wangduephodrang. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15: Wangduephodrang/Punakha to Thimphu

We visit Wangdue Dzong, just above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers.  It was a fortress built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.  The visitors here can attend an attractive festival called Wangduephodrang Tsechu. Then, we drive to Punakha to see see Punakha Dzong (1637), a superb example of Bhutanese architecture. In the afternoon, we drive back to Thimpu. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 16: Thimphu to Paro

On our way back, we visit the National Library, where an extensive collection of Buddhist literature can be found along with manuscripts dating back several hundred years. Then, we stop by Zorig Chusum (the Painting School); students are trained in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts here. While on our drive to Paro, we will witness the appealing village sides and  the lifestyle of local people. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 17:  Depart from Paro

We catch our respective flights to our destination enjoying the mountain views from the aircraft. You will be leaving Bhutan and we will be bidding our final farewell hoping to see you again.