Trekking

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Difficulty Rating: Moderate-Hard

Maximum Elevation: 4,700 m 

Preferred Season: March-April, September-November

The Duer Hot Springs trek can only be rivaled by the Snowman Trek, considered one of the most difficult treks in the world. This trek consists of 9 days and takes you to the Duer Hot springs, one of the most beautiful hot springs in the Himalayas. A wide range of altitude is covered by this trek ranging from 3000-4700m. Though difficult this trek covers a vast area of landscapes in Bhutan and is worth the effort. Blue sheep is a common sighting as well as Musk Deer and sometimes even Himalayan Black Bears. Various types of forests are also covered along the journey. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to take this course. The period between March and April and September and November are the ideal times.

Day 1: Duer – Gorsum

Distance: 18 kms

Time: 6-7 hours

Camp Altitude: 3,120 m 

The trek route takes you along the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for its richness in trout. It’s a gradual climb from the town of Bumthang to Gorsum. 

Day 2: Gorsum – Lungsum

Distance: 12 kms

Time:  5 hours

Camp Altitude: 3,160 m 

The second day is also a gradual climb to the campsite. Various types of forests consisting of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple are traversed during the climb. 

Day 3: Lungsum – Tsochenchen 

Distance: 15 kms 

Time: 6-7 hours

Camp Altitude: 3,780 m 

This days trek is similar to the previous days’s trek but the campsite consists of thin vegetation since the camp is above the tree line. 

Day 4: Tsochenchen – Duer Tsachu 

Distance: 18 kms 

Time: 8-9 hours 

Camp Altitude: 3,590 m 

It’s an uphill trek towards the first of two passes, Juli La (4700m). On a clear day you can enjoy the mountain ranges. On the descent you will come across a lake (4220m) and then it’s uphill again towards the second pass Gokthong La (4,640m). From then onwards it’s a descent till you reach the campsite. A glimpse of wildlife ranging from Musk deer, Blue sheep and Himalayan bears can sometimes be seen along the route. 

Day 5: Duer Tsachu 

Camp Altitude; 3,590 m

This day will be spent relaxing in the hot springs or taking a hike around the surrounding areas. 

Day 6: Duer Tsachu – Tsochenchen

Distance: 18kms

Time: 8-9 hours

Camp Altitude: 3,780 m

The trail follows the way back towards Tshochenchen, the route taking on day four. The journey consists of a predominantly uphill climb compared to a downhill descent previously. 

Day 7: Tsochenchen – Lungsum

Distance: 15 kms

Time: 5 hours

Camp Altitude: 3,160 m 

Return towards Lungsum by the same route taken on day three. 

Day 8: Lungsum – Gorsum 

Distance: 12 kms

Time: 4 hours

Camp Altitude: 3,120 m 

The trail descending from Lungsum to Gorsum leads through dense forests of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple. 

Day 9: Gorsum – Duer Village 

Distance: 18kms

Time: 6 hours

From Gorsum it’s a gradual downhill trek till you reach the bridge near Duer village from where you can access the main road.