Duer Hot Springs Trek

Bhutan
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Duer Hot Springs Trek

1 Day

Overview

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.

Itinerary

Day 1: Duer – Gorsum

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.

Details

  • Distance: 18 km
  • Time: 6-7 hours
  • Ascent: Ascent 380
  • Camp altitude: 3,120

Day 2: Gorsum – Lungsum

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

Details

  • Distance: 12 km
  • Time: 5 hours
  • Ascent: Ascent 40 m
  • Camp altitude: 3,160

Day 3: Lungsum – Tsochenchen

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.

Details

  • Distance: 15 km
  • Time: 6-7 hours
  • Ascent: Ascent 620
  • Camp altitude: 3,780

Day 4: Tsochenchen – Duer Tsachu

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.

Details

  • Distance: 18 km
  • Time: 8-9 hours
  • Ascent: Ascent 1,340 m, descent 1,530
  • Camp altitude: 3,590

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.

Details

  • Distance: ………..
  • Time: ………….
  • Ascent: ………..
  • Camp altitude: ………….

Day 6: Duer Tsachu – Tsochenchen

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.

Details

  • Distance: 18 km
  • Time: 8-9 hours
  • Ascent: Ascent 1,530 m, descent 1,340
  • Camp altitude: 3,780

Day 7: Tsochenchen – Lungsum

Return by the route taken on day three.

Details

  • Distance: 15 km
  • Time: 5 hours
  • Ascent: Descent 620
  • Camp altitude: 3,160

Day 8: Lungsum – Gorsum

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

Details

  • Distance: 12 km
  • Time: 4 hours
  • Ascent: Descent 40
  • Camp altitude: 3,120

Day 9: Gorsum – Duer Village

From Gorsum the trail descends gradually until the bridge near Duer village, where you reach the road head.

Details

  • Distance: 18 km
  • Time: 6 hours
  • Ascent: Descent 380
  • Camp altitude: ………….

Details

  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Max elevation: 4700
  • Min elevation: 3000
  • Best season: March, April, September, October, November
  • Itinerary stages: 9

Additional details

Season March, April, September, October, November
Difficulty hard
Minimum elevation 3000
Maximum elevation 4700