Duer Hot Spring Trek | 19D

[Day 1]

PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – THIMPHU (1hr30min) Your first glimpse of Bhutan

• On arrival at the Paro International Airport you will be welcomed by your tour guide and driver. Check into your hotel and after a brief rest, start your magical experience of Bhutan by first visiting the Paro Rinpung Dzong(Fortress on heap of a jewel).
• Later visit National museum above Paro dzong.

Afternoon drive to Thimphu(capital city of Bhutan)

• Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is one of the last few capital cities without traffic lights and the traffic still managed by traffic policemen. Thimphu is the most populated city with about 100,000 people and truly a combination of the ancient and the modern. While strictly maintaining the traditional style of architecture in modern building, there are also very old temples and numerous monasteries in and around the city, and few discotheques and Karaoke.
• The beautiful Memorial Chorten/stupa in town is another favorite with the tourists and a regular site for congregation of devout Buddhists circumambulating the Chorten from dawn till dusk. The main statue of the Buddha inside the Chorten is said to grant wishes for the earnest and honest hearted!
• Overnight in Thimphu.

[Day 2]

THIMPHU VALLEY EXCURSION

• Enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from the site of the gigantic Lord Buddha, a 51 meter bronze Shakyamuni Buddha statue gilded in gold.
• Visit the Simply Bhutan Museum which is a living studio showcasing the age old culture and traditional heritage of Bhutan.
• Afternoon you can visit Bhutan Postal Museum you can write back home with your personalized stamp from the postal museum.
• In the evening visit the Tashichho Dzong/fortress of the Auspicious Religion and office of the Golden throne of the Dragon King of Bhutan.
• If you want to mingle with the Bhutanese people and jostle with local farmers amongst the aroma of organic fruits and vegetables, the Centenary Farmers Market is the place to be. Smiling tourists watch in awe as locals bargain with the vendors and you could even stock up on your organic fruits for the coming days.
• Stroll through the market places and the craft bazaar.
• Overnight in Thimphu

[Day 3]

THIMPHU-PUNAKHA-PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (6HRS)

• After breakfast check out of your hotel and drive for about three hours to Wangdue and Punakha valleys. En route stop over at the Dochulaa Pass (3150 meters) and enjoy the spectacular views of the snow capped Himalayan Mountains. The 108 small stupas built over a small hill is also a beautiful sight.
• The road from the Pass winds down to the warm and fertile valleys and after a brief rest visits the Fertility Temple / Chime Lhakhang. It is a pleasant 30 minutes walk through mustard and paddy fields. Standing on a picturesque hilltop the Lhakhang is famous for its fertility wish grants to couples. Inside the walls of the Lhakhang are beautiful frescoes depicting the colorful life of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman regarded for his crazy methods of teaching which included blessing women in the form of copulation!

Afternoon drive towards Phobjikha & Gangtey valley(3hrs)

• Today you drive for about 3 hours to the serene and beautiful valleys of Gangtey and Phobjika. Gangtey, Phobjika and the surrounding villages are located in one of the most beautiful glacial valleys of Bhutan and a favorite with tourists. The valleys are also home to the endangered and graceful Black Necked Cranes in the winter and you can see them in the marshes in the middle of the valley. In the summer the cranes fly to Tibet.
• Visit the Gangtey Monastery located atop a hill overlooking the valley. Gangtey Gonpa is an important Monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism.
• Hike through the serene Gangtey Nature Trail for about an hour.
• Excursion of Gangtey, Phobjika and neighboring villages, stroll through the valley and visit few traditional houses.
• Overnight in Gangtey valley.

[Day 4]

PHOBJIKHA/GANGTEY VALLEY-TRONGSA (5HRS)

• The 5 hour drive from Gangtey to Trongsa valley is scenic via the Pelela Pass at 3420 meters and across quaint little highland villages of Sephu, Rukubjee, Chendebjee, Tangsibjee and many other small rural settlements along the way.
• The Stupa in Chendebjee is said to be a replica of the Boudanath Stupa of Nepal.
• At the Trongsa viewpoint, enjoy the view of the majestic Trongsa Dzong/Fortress of the Vanguard of Warriors and the neighboring villages.
• Visit the spectacular Trongsa Dzong and the National Museum located above the Dzong. The National Musuem is dedicated to the Wangchuck Dynasty, the Dragon Kings of Bhutan.
• Overnight in Trongsa.

[Day 5]

TRONGSA – BUMTHANG (2HRS)

• From Trongsa it is another 2 hours to Bumthang via the Yotongla Pass at 3400 meters. Enroute stop over at the Yathra Weaving center in Chumey village where you can watch men and women weavers at their loom weaving yak and sheep wool products.
• Bumthang is compared to Switzerland for its beautiful landscape and is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. In the ancient times the people of Bumthang used to be frequently disturbed by demons, wandering ghosts and negative forces.
• Starting from the 8th Century, Guru Padmasmbhava and numerous religious saints and monks visited Bumthang, subdued the demons and converted these demons into local protecting deities. Hence there are numerous temples and monasteries each with its own legend and significance
• After lunch visit the Jakar Dzong/fortress of the White Bird and the Swiss factory/farmhouse where you can taste and or buy local beer, honey wine, Swiss cheese, clover honey, apple cider, apple brandy and other products.In the evening stroll through the town and have dinner at a local restaurant serving the unique Bumthang cuisine as compared to other parts of the country.
• Overnight in Bumthang

[Day 6]

BUMTHANG VALLEY EXCURSION

• After a typical Bumthang breakfast, walk at a leisurely pace to the three temples of Jambay Lhakhang/temple, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamzhing Lhakhang. All the monasteries are ancient and with their unique history and beauty.

Tang Valley Excursion

• Tang valley is one of the most remote valleys in Bumthang and today you will spend the whole day at Tang visiting the traditional houses, the Main temples and monasteries and the Museum and enjoy your picnic lunch at the Eco Park.
• It is about 30mins drive on rugged terrain from the main town in Bumthang and enroute you can stop over at the Mebar Tsho / Burning Lake. Legend has it that in 1475, a renowned Terton / Treasure Discoverer discovered spiritual treasures that were hidden by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. The lake is a broad spot on the Tang river and is a a place of deep spiritual and religious significance. In the evening drive back to Bumthang.
• Overnight in Bumthang.

[Day 7]

DUER – GORSUM (Trek Begins)

Walking Distance: 18 km, 6-7 hours, 380m ascent, camp altitude 3,120m

• The trek route follows the Yoleng Chhu, a river known for its abundance of trout. The trail from Bumthang to Gorsum is a gradual climb.

[Day 8]

GORSUM – LUNGSUM

Walking Distance: 12 km, 5 hours, 40m ascent, camp altitude 3,160m

• The trail leads through a dense forest of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple. It ascends gradually to the campsite.

[Day 9]

LUNGSUM – TSOCHENCHEN

Walking Distance: 15 km, 6-7 hours, 620m ascent, camp altitude 3,780m

• The vegetation along the route is similar to places crossed the previous day. Near the campsite the vegetation thins out and the camp is made above tree line.

[Day 10]

TSOCHENCHEN – DUER TSACHU

Walking Distance: 18 km, 8-9 hours, 1,340m ascent, 1,530m descent, camp altitude 3,590m

• The trek from Tsochenchen is uphill all the way until Juli La (4,700m). If the day is clear, you will have a great view of the surrounding mountains from the pass. After crossing the pass, the trail descents towards hot spring.

[Day 11]

DUER TSACHU

• As the highlight of the trek, today will be spent resting at the Duer Tsachu. After a late breakfast, relax in the rejuvenating hot springs or take a leisurely hike around surrounding areas.

[Day 12]

DUER TSACHU – TSOCHENCHEN

Walking Distance: 18km, 8-9 hours, 1,530m ascent, 1,340m descent, camp altitude 3,780m

• Return by the same route taken on day four. The journey will be even tougher than before as there is slightly more climbing than descending.

[Day 13]

TSOCHENCHEN – LUNGSUM

Walking Distance: 15 km, 5 hours, 620 m descent, camp altitude 3,160m

• Return by the route taken on day three.

[Day 14]

LUNGSUM – GORSUM

Walking Distance: 12 km, 4 hours, 40m descent, camp altitude 3,120m

• The trail descends gradually from the campsite. It leads through dense forest of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple.

[Day 15]

GORSUM – DUER VILLAGE

Walking Distance: 18km, 6 hours, 380m descent

• From Gorsum the trail descends gradually until the bridge near Duer village, where you reach the road head.
• Check in hotel
• Overnight in Bumthang

[Day 16]

BUMTHANG –TRONGSA- PUNAKHA (7-8 HRS)

• After Breakfast you will be driving all the back to Punakha which is about 7-8hrs drive.
• On the way back you can enjoy your drive with the views of scenic mountains and nature.
• If you prefer to have packed hot lunch along, you could spot lots of beautiful places for lunch.
• Punakha valley was the old capital city of Bhutan and the Punakha Dzong meaning the fortress of Great Bliss, was built by in 1673 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the first spiritual & political leader of Bhutan) to commemorate the final victory against numerous Tibetan invasions. Located on a piece of land between two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (literally meaning male and female rivers), the Dzong is massive, huge and magnificent in all its architectural grandeur. Although ravaged by flood, fire and earthquakes many times, the Dzong was always rebuilt with its original pattern and design.
• The first King of modern Bhutan was crowned in Punakha Dzong. Important religious ceremonies are still held in the Dzong. The Royal Wedding ceremony on 13th October 2011 of the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema was conducted in Punakha Dzong.
• After visiting the Punakha Dzong/Fortress of Great Bliss, drive to the Nunnery and enjoy the spectacular views of Punakha and Wangdue valleys.
• Overnight in Punakha

[Day 17]

PUNAKHA-THIMPHU- PARO (4-5HRS)

• After an early breakfast drive for a 20 minutes up north and walk for about an hour to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten stupa. The walk is beautiful through the pine trees, the stupa is beautiful and so is the view from there. Enroute you will also be walking through a suspension bridge over the Puna Tsang Chhu – Punakha River.

Afternoon drive to Paro

• Stop at dochula pass for lunch/tea snacks
• Overnight in Paro

[Day 18]

PARO VALLEY

TAKTSANG MONASTERY/TIGER’S NEST –The highlight of your holiday to Bhutan

• Your highlight of the tour and a day excursion to one of the most petrified sites in Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest which is about 3 hours uphill and 2 hours down. It is located around 900 meters above the Paro valley. In the 8th Century Guru Padmasambhava – the patron saint of Buddhism established the most sacred place in Bhutan and meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. It is believed that Guru flew on a female tigress in pursuit of a demon which he subdued at the current site of the Monastery.
• You can have your lunch, tea/snacks at the cafeteria midway.
• Before you drive back to your hotel visit the Kyichu Lhakhang/temple, one of the oldest temples built in the 7th Century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyembo.
• Overnight in Paro

[Day 19]

DEPARTURE

• After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport where your guide and driver will bid you farewell and hope you had a pleasant holiday and hope to see you in Bhutan again.

TASHI DELEK