Bumthang Dur Hot Spring Tour and Trek 17 Days Sketch Itinerary:
Day 01 Arrive Paro International Airport by Druk Air
Day 02 Paro – Sightseeing
Day 03 Paro – Thimphu
Day 04 Thimphu – Trongsa
Day 05 Trongsa – Bumthang
Day 06 Bumthang – Gorsum
Day 07 Gorsum – Lungsum
Day 08 Lungsum – Tsochenchen
Day 09 Tsochenchen – Dur Tsachu
Day 10 Dur Tsachu – Halt
Day 11 Dur Tsachu – Tsochenchen
Day 12 Tsochenchen – Gorsum
Day 13 Gorsum – Bumthang
Day 14 Bumthang – Wangdi
Day 15 Wangdi – Thimphu
Day 16 Thimphu – Sightseeing
Day 17 Thimphu – Paro International Airport
Day 1 Arrive Paro International Airport
During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Bhutan Majestic Travel who will escort you to the hotel
Day 2 Paro – Paro
Drive to Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined fortress – 16km away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, This Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Chomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329 m / 24,029 ft.). After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound. Overnight in Hotel
Day 3 Paro — Thimphu
This morning drive along the winding road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 4 Thimphu — Trongsa
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes about 7 – 8 hours from Thimphu. Packed lunch will be arranged. Lunch stop at Chendebji Chorten. Overnight at Hotel in Trongsa.
Day 5 Trongsa – Jakar (Bumthang)
Drive to Jakar which takes about 2 1/2 hours from Trongsa is a pleasant drive through scenic forests and country side. You also cross one of the highest passes named Thrumshingla (Alt. 17,000 ft.) along the East – West Highway on this drive. Bumthang (the “Plain of Ghosts”) is a land of mysteries and mystics and tales of the great Guru Padma Sambhava who performed formidable feats and miracles in historical time in this place still hold sway. A beautiful sighting of Jakar Dzong, “Castle of the White Bird,” can be had from View Point. Lunch will be served in Hotel. Afternoon, a hike up to Lame Gompa, a temple built by the First King of Bhutan for his two nun sisters. Outside Lame Gompa one can see a workshop for traditional Bhutanese paper-making. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day 6 Bumthang – Gorsum
Distance 18km, about 6-7 hours journey, Altitude: 3120m
after breakfast transport will reach the group to the trek starting point just below Kurjey Lhakhang, the famous holy temple. The trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for its wild trout. The trail from Bumthang to Gorsum is gradual climb. Overnight halt in camp. Bumthang Dur Hot Spring Tour and Trek 17 Days
Day 7 Gorsum – Lungsum
Distance 12kms, About 5 hour’s journey, Altitude of Lungsum 3160m. The trail leads through dense forest of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple. The trail ascends gradually till the camp site. Overnight halt in camp. Bumthang Dur Hot Spring Tour and Trek 17 Days
Day 8 Lungsum – Tsochenchen
Distance 15km, About 6 – 7 hours, Altitude 3100 m.
The vegetation along the trekking route is similar to that in places crossed the previous day. Near the camp site the vegetation thins out and camp is made above tree line. Halt in camp. Bumthang Dur Hot Spring Tour and Trek 17 Days
Day 9 Tsochenchen – Dur Tsachu
Distance 17kms, About 7 hour’s journey, Altitude: 3400 m. The trek from Tsochenchen is uphill all the way till Julila Pass is reached which is about 4700m. From the pass, if the day is clear, surrounding mountains can be seen. After crossing the pass, the trail descends till the camp site. Musk deer, herds of blue sheep and Himalayan bear is sometimes seen along the route. Halt in camp. Bumthang Dur Hot Spring Tour and Trek 17 Days
Day 10 Halt at Dur Tsachu (Hot Spring)
After a late breakfast, relax in the hot spring or hike the surrounding areas. Overnight in camp. Bumthang Dur Hot Spring Tour and Trek 17 Days
Day 11 Dur Tsachu – Tsochenchen
Distance – 17 Kms. About 7 hours journey.
The route from Dur Tsachu is uphill till the Julila Pass followed by descent to Tsochenchen. Overnight halt in camp. Bumthang Dur Hot Spring Tour and Trek 17 Days
Day 12 Tsochenchen – Gorsum
Distance – 27 Kms. About 9 hour’s journey. The trek must start early because the distance is longer than usual. The trail leads gradually down hill. Bumthang Dur Hot Spring Tour and Trek 17 Days
Day 13 Gorsum – Bumthang
From Gorsum the trail descends gradually till the bridge near Dur village. Here the motor road is reached and transport will pick you up to take you to the Guest House.
Day 14 Bumthang — Wangdue
The drive to Wangdi takes about 7 hours. Picnic lunch will be arranged along the way. Halt in Wangdi in Lodge.
Day 15 Wangdi – Thimphu
Visit Punakha Dzong En route. Punakha used to be the Winter Capital of Bhutan until 1966. It is a place of great historical significance. The mortal remains of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel is kept in a shrine in the Dzong. Punakha is also the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Head Abbot) and the Central Monk body. Drive to Thimphu. Halt overnight in Hotel.
Day 16 Thimphu — Thimphu
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room , and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed. Wander in the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made. Visit the painting and woodcrafts schools where traditional painting and other arts are kept alive. Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there. Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 A.D.
Day 17 Thimphu – Paro International Airport Drive to Paro International Airport. Bid Von voyage by your guide and driver.