The Dur Tshachu Hot Spring Trek in Bumthang, Bhutan, is a scenic 8-day trek that takes you through dense forests, pristine rivers, and high mountain passes to reach the renowned Dur Hot Springs. This trek starts in the picturesque Bumthang Valley of Dhur, leading through remote villages, rhododendron forests, and meadows rich in biodiversity. The journey includes challenging ascents and descents, with stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The highlight is reaching the natural hot springs, where trekkers can relax in the soothing mineral-rich waters, believed to have therapeutic properties. This trek offers an ideal blend of adventure, relaxation, and Bhutanese cultural immersion.
Dur Tshachu Hot Spring Trek Cost
All our trek costs include a daily SDF of USD 100 per person, camping equipment, a guide, transport, and meals.
- Solo Trek Cost: USD 3415
- 2 Pax Group Trek Cost: USD 2520 per person
- 3 to 4 Pax Group Trek Cost USD 2160 per person
The cost of the Trek also depends upon season, Duration and number of pax
Dur Hot Spring Trek Over View
Dur Hot Spring trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Bhutan. It is the oldest route to Majestic Mt. Gangkar Puensum through several Hot springs that locals use to visit. This is a 16-day Bhutan Trip combined with a cultural tour.
The Trek is a fantastic journey through some of Bhutan’s most stunning landscapes. Leading to the natural hot springs of Dur, which are known for their therapeutic properties. This trek offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and the unique opportunity to relax in soothing hot springs.
Similar Trekking Tours in Bhutan
- Gasa Hot Spring
- Laya Gasa Hot Spring Trek
- Travel to Bhutan in September
- Jomolhari Round Trek
- Gangtey Trek
- Snowman Trek II
Trip Highlights for Dur Hotspring Trek
- Trek to 4,700m high-altitude passes with panoramic Himalayan views
- Relax in natural hot springs (Dur Tsachu) at 3,390m (therapeutic properties)
- Spot musk deer, blue sheep, and Himalayan black bears
- Experience stunning 25-minute mountain flight Bumthang-Paro (most scenic flight in Bhutan)
- Visit historic Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, and temples with guru Rinpoche connection
- Trek through diverse landscapes: dense forests → alpine passes → hot spring valleys
Dur Tshachu Hot Spring Trek Detail Itinerary
Dur Tshachu Hot Spring Trek is a challenging 16 Day trip with 9-day trek in central Bhutan, starting from Bumthang and ending at Bumthang. The trail passes through beautiful forests, high mountain passes, and remote villages before reaching the natural hot springs of Dur, known for their healing properties. Ideal for adventure and nature lovers.
Arrival at Paro International Airport. Our team will greet you with white Khdhar and brief you about the trek. Today you will stroll around and acclimatise.
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pachu to the Drugyal dzong, recently restored to its former glory, which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasions. Mount Jhomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back, you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse.
Later excursion to the Taktsang monastery viewpoint.
This morning follow the winding road beside the Pachu [chu means river or water] downstream to its confluence with the Wangchu, then up valley to Thimphu, the capital. Lunch at the restaurant. After lunch visit the memorial chhorten. Here the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the late 3rd King of Bhutan. Overnight in hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via the Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula Pass to view the Higher Himalayas. Lunch at Punakha. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness).
The war materials captured during the battle with the Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. This is also the place where river rafting and Kayaking is popular in Bhutan. Overnight in the hotel
We start early today. After breakfast drive to Bumthang. On the way, stop for a while to view Chime Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He subdued the demons with his “ Magical Thunderbolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.
After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong in Bhutan, built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. Then visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower. The chapel inside the Ta Dzong is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal and the drive to Bumthang. Overnight in the Hotel.
After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong, which means “The Castle of White Bird”. The current structure was built in 1667 and is said to be the largest Dzong in Bhutan. Visit Jambay Lhakhang said to have been built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro.
In October one of the most spectacular festivals, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here. After lunch, Visit Chakhar (Iron Castle) Lhakhang, it is the site of the palace of the Indian King, the Sindhu Raja who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang. The Original palace was made of Iron hence the name Chakhar. Over night at Hotel.
After breakfast, the transport will take you up to the trek point just below Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most renowned temples. The Trek route leads you along the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for its richness in Trout. The Trek trail from Bumthang to Gorsum is rather gradual. Overnight in Camp.
Today you will be walking through dense forests of Spruce, hemlock, Cypress, Juniper, and Maples. The Trail is more or less muddy and ascends gradually till you reach your campsite. Overnight in Camp.
The vegetation is dense from Tshochenchen all the way uphill to the Julila Pass, which is about 4700 m. The vegetation from Lungsun to Tshochenchen is more or less the same till you reach near your campsite. The camp will be above the tree line. Overnight in camp.
The Trek from Tshochenchen is uphill till you reach the Julila Pass at about 3400 m. From here, if the weather is clear, the surrounding mountains can be viewed. After crossing the pass, the Trek trail descends till you reach the campsite. Musk deer, herds of Blue sheep and Himalayan Bears may be seen en route. Overnight in camp.
The Dur Hot Spring Trek passes through Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, one of Bhutan's most biodiverse regions. Along the route, particularly between Days 9-10 (alpine passes at 4,000-4,700m), you'll trek through critical wildlife habitat. Three large mammals are frequently spotted: musk deer, blue sheep (bharal), and Himalayan black bears. This guide details identification, behavior, spotting tips, and photography techniques.
After a late breakfast, relax in the hot spring or hike in and around the camp. It states that moving upstream from Bumthang Kurje ,one crosses Juli La and Gogthang La- both of which are over 4000 metres high and the springs is located at 3390 metres above sea level between Mandge River on the right and a stream that originates from Chatsinang Lake on the left. Over night in Camp.
The Trek trail from Dur Tshachu is uphill till Julila. After crossing the pass, the trail descends till you reach the campsite. Overnight in Camp.
The trek begins early, as the trail is long. The trail drops gradually for about 2 hrs till you reach the campsite. Overnight in Camp.
From Gorsum, descend downhill till you cross the Dur Village bridge, then follow the new motor road till you meet up with transport. After lunch, Leisure time. Overnight at the Lodge.
After breakfast, drive to Batpalathang Domestic Airport. It’s a small airport just 20 minute drive from your Hotel to Airport. The airport was recently completed. The domestic flight is one of the most amazing mountain flights that offer the best view of central and eastern Bhutan. The flight takes about 25 minutes to reach Paro airport. Our team will receive you at the airport and drive you to hotel. Stroll around Paro City and relax. Evening at Hotel.
Early Morning, drive to Paro airport and farewell.
Inclusion / Exclusion
What is Included in the Trek?
- All meals during the trek(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- The payment for cooks/Porter and Pony and Horse.
- Airport Pick and Drop.
- All entrance fees for Dzongs and Monuments.
- Trek Guide.
- Sleeping Tent, Cook, Porter and Pony.
- Dining Tent.
- Shower Tent
What is Excluded in the Trek?
- Insurance Premiums
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the "Cost Include head"
- Personal expense in items such as laundry, soft drinks, Camera Charges, Bottle water, incidentals, Portage, Bellboy charges tips or any other services
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc
FAQs
We provide the best services to our clients. We have the best trekking team who have years of experience in trekking the Himalayas.
The best time to trek dur hotspring is in the autumn season (September to November) we dont recomend for spring as the trek routes are closed due to heavy snowfall duirng winter.
You don’t need a special permit to trek this route. Only the Snowman trek or the Laya Gasa Trek need special permit, which is given bythe Department of Tourism.
All trekking in Bhutan need atleast a month to prepare and organise the trek. This is due to the fact that everything needs to be carried by horse or yak. We have limited horses or yaks.
Trekking is more expensive than a normal cultural tour. The per-person cost for the trek is USD 300 per day, which includes everything like sleeping tent, porter and pony, trek guide, etc.
Dur Hotspring Trek Map
Hotels and Camp Sites
Trekking in Bhutan requires specialized equipment to ensure safety and comfort in the rugged and often remote Himalayan terrain. Here’s a list of essential trekking and camping equipment used for treks in Bhutan:
Hotels and Camp Site Used for the Trekking
- Paro Hotel Rema Resorts
- Thimphu Hotel City Heritage
- Punakha Hotel Meri Puensum
- Bumthang Hotel Samay Resorts
