This is one of the most challenging treks available in Bhutan and route partially overlaps with the trail of the legendary Snowman Trek, the most difficult trek in the world. This grueling nine day journey will take you up to the Duer Hotsprings, arguably the most beautiful hot springs in the Himalayas.
The trail has numerous steep ascents and descents and ranges from altitudes between 3000-4700m. However despite the difficulty this trek is well worth the effort as it will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Bhutan. You’ll journey through forests of spruce, hemlock, juniper and maple, through regions populated by herds of Blue Sheep, Musk Deer and even Himalayan Black Bears.
An entire day will be dedicated to resting in the hotsprings. The periods between March to April and September to November are the best times to take on this challenging route.
What is included in the tour
- Group medical kit
- Return airport transfer and transport to/from the trek
- Horsemen and helpers
- Food, Transport and Accommodation
- Camping in twin sharing tents
- Bhutan visa services and fees
- Trekking expedition leader
- Sleeping bags and insulated mat
- Entry fees and trekking permits
- English speaking guides and for other languages like Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish and German, there will be a surcharge.
Things To Carry
- Trekking Shoes
- Winter hat and gloves
- Waterproof jackets and pants
- Backpack with a rain cover
- 3 liters water bottle
- Hiking poles
- Head lamp with extra batteries
- Toiletries
- Personal Medical Kit
-
Comfortable Clothing
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
- Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
- Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Alcoholic drink
- The trek to Druk Path is not recommended for children between the ages of 0-13 years, or for those suffering from respiratory, cardiac, or circulatory disorders that hampers health and restricts mobility.
- A good amount of fitness and mobility is a prerequisite for this activity.
- The tour begins at Paro International Airport and ends at either Guwahati Airport or Paro International Airport. If you are travelling by road, you will be dropped off to Jaigoan (India), a bordering town to Bhutan.
- You will be asked for a scanned copy of your passport, with a minimum 6-month validity, prior to the trip. We shall need the same to take care of your visa application procedure.
- On arriving at the airport, please present a printed copy or a mobile voucher of your booking, for verification.
- International travel and insurance is not included in the package. Please book your flights and purchase your insurance prior to flying.
Day 1: Duer – Gorsum
- Distance 18 km
- Time 6-7 hours
- Ascent Ascent 380m
- 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 2: Gorsum – Lungsum
- Distance 12 km
- Time 5 hours
- Ascent Ascent 40 mm
- 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 3: Lungsum – Tsochenchen
- Distance 15 km
- Time 6-7 hours
- Ascent Ascent 620m
- Camp Altitude 3,780m
Day 4: Tsochenchen – Duer Tsachu
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.
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 descends to a lake at 4,220m, then climbs again to Gokthong La (4,640m). From here the path is steep descent until the campsite. Musk deer, herds of blue sheep and Himalayan bears are sometimes seen along the route.
- Distance 15 km
- Time 6-7 hours
- Ascent Ascent 620m
- Camp Altitude 3,780m
Day 5: 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.
Distance ...........
Time .............
Ascent ........... m
Camp Altitude ............. m
Day 6: Duer Tsachu – Tsochenchen
- Distance 18 km
- Time 8-9 hours
- Ascent Ascent 1,530 m, descent 1,340m
- 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 7: Tsochenchen – Lungsum
Distance 15 km
Time 5 hours
Ascent Descent 620m
Camp Altitude 3,160m
Return by the route taken on day three
Day 8: Lungsum – Gorsum
Distance 12 km
Time 4 hours
Ascent Descent 40m
Camp Altitude 3,120m
The trail descends gradually from the campsite. It leads through dense forest of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple.
Day 9: Gorsum – Duer Village
- Distance 18 km
- Time 6 hours
- Ascent Descent 380m
- Camp Altitude .............m
From Gorsum the trail descends gradually until the bridge near Duer village, where you reach the road head.
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