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17 days 16 nights Adventurous dhur hot spring trek

Tour information

  • Bhutan Trekking Tours
  • 17 days - 16 nights
  • 0 Review
  • Unlimited
  • Unlimited
  • 4 star and 5 star accommodations and meals (optional)
  • Airfares (optional)
  • All entrance fees to museums and monuments
  • All internal taxes and fees
  • All meals ( breakfast
  • All meals ( breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) at 3 star hotels/tourist standard restaurants
  • All necessary trekking equipments like sleeping tents
  • All necessary trekking equipments like sleeping tents, dinning tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags
  • All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
  • Bhutan Government Royalty of US$ 65/person/night
  • Bhutanese Tourist Visa fee of US$40/person (must be paid in advance with tour cost)
  • charge
  • Charges for porters ponies/mules for transportation on trekking trail
  • dinner & light refreshments) at 3 star hotels/tourist standard restaurants
  • dinning tents
  • English speaking tour guide service
  • Fees for Trekking cooks/ all meals on trekking
  • FIT surcharges of US$40/person/night for a single traveler and US$30/person/night for a double
  • kitchen tents
  • lunch
  • Mineral drinking water
  • Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry,etc
  • Single room supplement of US$40/room/night during low season and US$ 50/room/night during high season (optional)
  • sleeping bags
  • sleeping mats
  • toilet tents
  • Travel inssurance (recommended)
  • Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3 star hotels
Free
Schedule
Tour Map
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17 days 16 nights Adventurous dhur hot spring trek

 

17 days 16 nights Adventurous Dhur Hot Spring Trek

This trek follows an old expedition route to Gangkar Puensum.

Seasons: The recommended seasons are March to April and September to early November.

 Day 01: Arrive Paro

Your exciting journey into the land of Thunder Dragon begins with the flight to Paro. You may enjoy the splendid view of the great Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchanjunga, Mt. Makalu and other pinnacles in Bhutan such as Mt. Chomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drakay, and Mt. Tsherimgang. Your placid flight will touch down at Paro Airport. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be warmly welcomed by the representative of Advent Bhutan Tours, who will be your Bhutan tour guide throughout your entire travel in Bhutan.

You may stroll around the local shops and handicrafts in Paro town

Night at a hotel in Paro.

 

Day 02: Paro Day-long sightseeing

Day-long sightseeing in Paro includes the visit to the following places:

Ta Dzong (watchtower). Visit Ta Dzong- the National Museum of Bhutan is a cultural museum in the town of Paro established in 1968. Built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong, it was originally used to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during the times of war.

Here, an intriguing collection of finest samples of Bhutanese art, including masterpieces of bronze statues, paintings, suitable galleries are elegantly displayed on scientific lines, which collectively will lead to the wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the

We then walk down to Paro Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress which houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture.  It was built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. From the Dzong, march further down to Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge which lies below the sheer walls of  Rinpung Dzong. Stroll through Rimpung Bridge      ( The oldest bridge in Bhutan).

After Lunch Drive 18km up to the Drukgyel Dzong. The Dzong was built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the directive of  Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to honour the victory over an invasion from Tibet. You can enjoy the magnificent view of Bhutan’s second highest peak, Jomolhari (7,300m), on the road towards the Drukgyel Dzong.

While you return make a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang – It is one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. To overcome a giant demon who prevented the spread of Buddhism, laid on the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas, King Songtsen Gampo build 108 temples placed on all the points of her body.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro to Thimphu (2Hours – 55KM)

After breakfast, you will travel to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, an hourly drive journey.  The road runs down through the Paro valley, characterised by the narrow-gauged with high, rocky cliffs on the left. You can stop on the way to visit the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder. Then passage through  Chuzom, is the entrance to the Thimphu valley,  the Confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers. The road passes along the Simtokha Dzong, (Dzong means ‘castle-monastery’) – It is the oldest Dzong built in 1629 by Zhabdrug Ngawang Namgyal (who unified Bhutan). The Dzong functions as a monastic and as well as administrative centre. Today, it is one of the pre-eminent Dzongkha language (National Language) learning institutes.

After lunch, a visit includes the following places:

 The Tashichhodzong– It is a Buddhist monastery and fortress of the glorious religion on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu, built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It was rebuilt into the present structure by the late King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) –  Also known as the Thimphu Chorten, was built in 1974 to honour the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), who is regarded as The Father of Modern Bhutan.   Buddhist calls the monument “The mind of the Buddha”. It is an honoured landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells, widely known as “the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan”. You will see elderly people walking around the stupa several times chanting prayers.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

 

Day 04: Thimphu- Tongsa (7Hours-200Km)

The thrilling journey passes via the Dochula pass. The Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft) is a mountain pass, with the breathtaking view of 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens”  built under the initiative of Royal Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk( the eldest Queen Mother), built in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of the state of Bhutan), Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

After another two hours’ drive, we reach Wangduephodrang– It was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638. In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying Shar Chog Khorlo Tsebgay (the western, central and southern regions of the country). It is one of the largest dzongkhags (districts) in the country covering 4,308 sq km and ranges from 800-5800 m in altitude. On 24 June 2012, the dzong caught fire and was burnt down.The renovation is still ongoing and is expected to continue until 2021. stop for lunch in Wangdue.

Then we shall continue the journey on the road to Trongsa.The exotic journey will take you through freshly dense green forests of oak trees and rhododendrons, passing through the village of Nobding and Pele la pass (11,000ft). During the course of your journey, you will be accompanied by the beautiful sceneries of rural Bhutan, giving you a wonderful opportunity for photographing.  A short break at Chendebji Chorten en route.

Check into the hotel. After a brief rest, in the evening, visit the following places:

The National Museum which is housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower). A museum will give you an insight into the aspects of Bhutanese rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. You can watch the Documentary of Bhutanese history and evolution of monarchy.

Next, stroll around the Trongsa town.

Overnight in Trongsa

 

Day 05: Tongsa – Jakar (Bumthang) (3Hours-68Km)

In the Morning after the breakfast, visit the Trongsa Dzong, the most spectacularly sited dzong in Bhutan, with a sheer drop to the south that often just disappear into cloud and mist. It was built by the Zhabdrung in 1644. The dzong is an architectural masterpiece. Trongsa in the Bhutanese Context means “the new village” which comprises temples and retreat of monks. It was founded by the Drukpa lama, Ngagi Wangchuk (Ancestor of Zhabdrung Namgyal), who came from Ralung in 1541, made a small meditation room in 1543. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan.

We then proceed to Bumthang(Jakar). Bumthang valley is composed of four mountain valleys namely, Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. It is one of the most tourists visited place and a spectacular valley in Bhutan. It is popularly known as Switzerland of Bhutan- the heartland of Bhutan.

Bumthang, which means  “beautiful field” – thang means meadow or levelled place, and bum is an acronym of either bumpa (a vessel for holy water, characterised by its shape and nature of the valley), or purely bum (“girl,” indicating the valley of beautiful girls)

It is the most historic dzongkhag where this holy place is encompassed with several numbers of ancient temples and sacred sites.

After lunch, we will make a visit to the following holy temples:

The Jambay Lhakhang– The Jambay Lhakhang is said to be one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo in the 7th century, in his effort to propagate Buddhism. It is told that 180 temples were built in a single day, to pin down evil spirits to earth forever.

The Kujey Lhakhang (Kujey means, “Body imprint”) – the sacred place is the final resting place of the cadaver of the first three kings of Bhutan. The temple to the right is the oldest and was built by Minjur Tempa in 1652. It was built in the vicinity of the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint. A large tree behind one of the temple buildings is believed to be a terma (hidden treasure) that was left there by Guru Rinpochoe.

Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 06: Bumthang – Gorsum(6-7 hours, 18km-3,120m)

After breakfast, AdventBhutan transport will take us up to the starting point for our trek, just beyond Kurje Lhakhang. The trail from Bumthang to Gorsum is a gradual climb.The trek route follows the Yoleng Chhu, a river known for its torrent of trout. We camp overnight at 3,120m.

Day 07: Gorsum – Lungsum(5 hours-12km-3,160m )

Today’s trekking will take about 5 hrs(12 Km) but might take longer depending on your fitness. The trek will take you through dense forests of spruce, juniper, hemlock, maple and cypress trees. The trail slowly ascends till you reach the destination-our campsite at 3,160m.

Overnight in Camp.

Day 08: Lungsum – Tshochenchen(6-7 hours-15km-3,400m)

The 15 Km trek ascends gradually through dense vegetation, similar to the previous day. The vegetation thins out when you close by to the camp vicinity.The camp will be above tree line.

Overnight in campsite at 3,400m

Day 09: Tshochenchen – Dhur Tshachu(8-9hours-17km-3,590m)

Aloft trekking from the Tshochenchen to Juli-la pass (4,700m) will take about eight to nine hours. On a clear day, you can see a magnificent ambience of mountains.  After crossing the pass, the trek trails gradually descends down till you reach the campsite at 3,590m. During a course of a journey, Musk deer, Himalayan bears and blue sheep may be seen.

Campsite at an altitude of 3,590 m

Day 10: Dhur Tshachu (Relaxing day)

After long and tiresome trekking, today we will take a day off by soaking into the hot springs which would help rejuvenate and replenish our energy.  Relax in the hot springs or explore around the camp area.

Halt at Dur Tsachu.

Day 11: Dhur Tshachu – Tshochenchen(8-9hours-17km-3,400m)

The upward journey will be tougher till Juli-la pass(4,700m) and afterwards which than eases as the trek trails descend gradually to the campsite at Tshochenchen (3,400m).

Day 12: Tshochenchen – Gorsum(6 hours-18km-3,120m)

We will start our trek little early in the morning. The trek trails will lead you via Gorsum today. Descend gradually through dense forests of spruce, juniper, hemlock, maple and cypress trees and mud-caked path after Lungsum.

Camp overnight at Gorsum (3,400m).

Day 13: Gorsum – Dhur (motor road) – Bumthang(3 hours-9km)

In the morning, gradually descend down until the bridge near Dhur village, where you reach the road head. Advent Bhutan transport will meet us and drive us to our Bumthang lodge. Relax or you may stroll around Bumthang town after lunch.

Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 14: Bumthang-Wangduephodrang (8hours30minutes-203Km)

In the morning we explore Bumthang valley by making a visit to the Bumthang(Jakar) Dzong-Bumthang, which means  “beautiful field” – thang means meadow or levelled place, and bum is an acronym of either bumpa (a vessel for holy water, characterised by its shape and nature of the valley), or purely bum (“girl,” indicating the valley of beautiful girls)

It is the most historic dzongkhag where this holy place is encompassed with several numbers of ancient temples and sacred sites. And visit the Tamshing Lhakhang – a blessed land circled with numerous temples and monasteries. Tamshing Monastery in Bumthang is well known for its splendid and majestic beauty.It is one of the most historically, spiritually and culturally significant monasteries in Bhutan founded by Pema Lingpa (1450 – 1521), a great saint and spiritual master in both the Bhutanese and Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist traditions.

The wall painting of the temple is viewed as one of the oldest in Bhutan. The temple houses the iron net made by Pema Lingpa when he was 8 years old, and also a great centre of Bhutanese sacred masked dance introduced by Pema Lingpa himself which has remained as a Vital part of the monastic dance. The fortress is now used as an administrative center of the valley and summer residence of Trongsa monks.

After the visits, we will tarvel to Wangduephodrang.

Overnight at the hotel in Wangdue.

Day 15:Wangduephodrang/Punakha – Thimphu(3Hours-76Km)

After breakfast, visit the impressive Wangduephodrang Dzong– The dzongwas founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638. In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying Shar Chog Khorlo Tsebgay (the western, central and southern regions of the country). It is one of the largest dzongkhags (districts) in the country covering 4,308 sq km and ranges from 800-5800 m in altitude. On 24 June 2012, the dzong caught fire and was burnt down.The renovation is still ongoing and is expected to continue until 2021. Then stroll around the wangduePhodrang town.

Then drive to  Punakha– the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the central monk body. It is also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang (meaning “the palace of great happiness or bliss). It is the second oldest and largest dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (Unifier of Bhutan) to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. Visit the Punakha Dzong, majestically sprawl between the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo chu (Female River).

Drive to Thimphu in the late afternoon. After the dinner, take an evening stroll around the town.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

 

Day 16: Thimphu – Paro (2Hours-65Km)

After the breakfast, we will visit the following places:

The  Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, aligned neatly below Norzin Lam, opposite to Nehru Wangchuk Cultural Centre, to witness Bhutanese fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, and other eye-catching items made from local materials.

The National Library – The National Library of Bhutan (NLB), which houses an enormous collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, was established in 1967 under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Phuntso Choden for the purpose of “preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and religious heritage” of Bhutan.

 The School of Thangka Painting-The traditional arts is known as zorigchusum (zo = the ability to make; rig = science or craft; chusum = thirteen). These traditional crafts depict hundreds of years of knowledge and ability that has been passed down through generations.The students undergo a six-year course to consummate learning the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

And the Institute of traditional medicine – The Institute of traditional medicine sprawled on a hilltop with the Traditional Arts Center and National Library just below, was established in 1978. This institute collect medicinal plants from far-flung areas of the Bhutanese Himalaya, such as Lingzhi, Laya and Lunana, conducts research on Bhutan’s medicinal plants to identify the ingredients to help develop new health product and then dispense pills, tablets, ointments and medicinal teas to regional health-care units around the country.

After lunch, we will travel to Paro. Check into the hotel. After brief rest, we will stroll around the Paro town. After that, we will visit a traditional Bhutanese firm house which will give you a good insight into the authentic lifestyle of a Bhutanese.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

 

Day 17: Depart Paro

Advent Bhutan Tours & Travels (your local Bhutan travel agent) will see you off at the Paro International Airport for your onward destinations.

End of the Tour

 

 

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