Dur Hot Spring Trekking - 6 days

Embarking our trek from Paro, we drive to the road heading at the National Museum (2487m) above Paro from where we will start your trek. Keeping it slow and steady, we will significantly gain some altitude. We will walk through a gravel road heading up hill through apple orchards, smallholdings of Damchena village and pine forests. Here we will have a visit at Jili Dzong which is perched on a whaleback ridge. Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. On a clear day, the views of Paro town far below and of Mount Jomolhari (7,314m) are breathtaking from this place. Our today’s campsite is located at an altitude of 3480 meters above sea level.

Initiation of the trek begins with an appetizing breakfast. Then our walk take an ascent for about half an hour until the walk descends below the ridgeline to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. There are fascinating views of Jomolhari and other snowcapped mountains and you can also hear some monal peasants during the day. We continue our uphill walk to reach a yak herders’ pasture at Jangchulakha (3,780m) with outstanding views of the Himalayan range. We camp in a yak pasture near the hillside. You can also see yak herders around our campsite at the height of 3,780 meter and get an idea of how these people live.

Leaving Jangchulakha, we leave our footsteps following the ridge back to Jangchu la pass (4,180m) and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. Our walk is 330 meters ascend and 310 meter descends on this day. The views of the mountain valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. Camp is near Jimilang Tsho (Sand Ox Lake) known for its giant size trout. Also there are good views of Mount. Jitchu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro valley.

Following the track, the trail traverses through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetsho Lake. You may come across some yak herder’s camp where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. Trail winds and undulates with magnificent view of the Himalaya across deep valleys. Simkotatsho Lake (4,110m) can be seen below after crossing one final spur. A short steep descent will take you to our camp which is located at an altitude of 4110 meter at Simkota Lake. If you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner.

On the following day, our trail begins with a steady ascent to a small saddle at 4150 meter from where you enjoy majestic view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks on clear sunny day. Continuing our walk, we will then descend to another small lake and then climb to the Phume La pass (4,210m) which is adorned with beautiful prayer flags. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill passing through Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation center hanging on the side of a precipitous rock face. Continuing further through juniper trees to a community hall near Phajoding where you will halt for the night. Phajoding Goemba (3,870m) is an important pilgrimage site.

Concluding our trek on this trek, we trek downhill passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine until we reach Thimphu. After arriving at Thimphu, you can decide whether to stay overnight at Thimphu or further drive towards Paro.