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 Hot springs, 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...
Day 1The trek route follows the Yoleng Chhu, a river known for its abundance of trout
Duer - Gorsum
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 Gorsumis a gradual climb.
Day 2Pass through forest of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple
Gorsum - Lungsum
Ascent: 40m 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 3Pass through the dense forest
Lungsum - Tsochenchen
Ascent: 620 m 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 4The trek from Tsochenchen is uphill all the way until Juli La (4,700m)
Tsochenchen - Duer Tsachu
Ascent: 1,340m Descent: 1,530m Camp altitude: 3,590m
The trek from Tsochenchen is uphill all the way until Juli La (4,700m). After crossing the pass, the trail descends to a lake at 4,220m, and 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.
Day 5Relax in the rejuvenating hot springs
As the highlight of the trek, today we will be taking rest at the Duer Tsachu. After a late breakfast, relax in the rejuvenating hot springs or take a leisurely hike around surrounding areas.
Day 6Return by the same route taken on day four
Duer Tsachu - Tsochenchen
Ascent: 1,530m 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 7Distance 15 km, five hours, 620 m descent, camp altitude 3,160m
Tsochenchen - Lungsum
Descent: 620 m Camp altitude 3,160m
Return by the route taken on day three.
Day 8Distance 12 km, four hours, 40m descent, camp altitude 3,120m
Lungsum - Gorsum
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 9Trek ends at Duer Village
Gorsum - Duer Village
Descent: 380m
From Gorsum the trail descends gradually until the bridge near Duer village, where you reach the road head and drive back to hotel in Bumthang.