10 Days Duer
Hot Springs Trek
A demanding wilderness journey from Bumthang through pristine forests and high alpine country to Bhutan’s legendary natural hot springs.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TREK →
Into Bhutan’s Remote Alpine Wilderness
The Duer Hot Springs Trek follows an ancient route north of Bumthang into one of Bhutan’s least-visited mountain regions. Dense forests gradually open into high pastures, rocky valleys and dramatic alpine terrain.
After crossing challenging passes and camping far from permanent settlements, the trail reaches the Duer Tsachu hot springs—a secluded place traditionally valued for its restorative mineral waters.
This condensed itinerary begins and ends in Bumthang and is intended for fit, experienced walkers comfortable with long days, cold camps and rapidly changing Himalayan weather.
What Makes This Journey Extraordinary
Experience a seldom-travelled trail combining high passes, ancient forests, remote camps and naturally heated mineral pools.
Bumthang Highlands
Begin in Bhutan’s spiritual heartland before following the Duer Valley into wild mountain country.
Pristine Forests
Walk beneath blue pine, spruce, fir and rhododendron through habitats rich in Himalayan wildlife.
High Mountain Passes
Cross exposed alpine passes with sweeping views of ridgelines, valleys and distant snow peaks.
Duer Tsachu
Reach remote natural hot springs hidden beside a river deep within Bhutan’s northern wilderness.
Expedition Camping
Spend quiet nights in supported camps where the landscape, stars and mountain weather set the rhythm.
True Himalayan Solitude
Travel for days beyond road access on a route visited by relatively few international trekkers.
Proposed Trek Itinerary
This 10-day land itinerary begins and ends in Bumthang. Walking times, camps and pass crossings may change according to weather, trail and river conditions.
DAY 01 Arrive in Bumthang and Acclimatisation Bumthang Valley +
Meet the Evara Travel team in Bumthang and settle into your hotel. Your guide will conduct a detailed trek briefing, review personal equipment and explain the route’s altitude and wilderness conditions.
Enjoy a gentle acclimatisation walk around the valley and visit selected cultural landmarks if time permits.
Overnight: Bumthang hotel · Light acclimatisation walkDAY 02 Duer to Gorsum Beginning of the trek +
Drive to Duer village, where the trekking crew and pack animals will prepare for departure. Begin walking beside the Chamkhar Chhu through peaceful forest and riverside terrain.
The trail provides a steady introduction to the wilderness before reaching the first supported camp near Gorsum.
Camping · Approximately 6–7 hoursDAY 03 Gorsum to Lungsum Forest and river trail +
Continue through dense conifer forest while following the river deeper into the mountains. Cross side streams and sections of uneven woodland trail as the route gradually gains altitude.
Arrive at the quieter and cooler Lungsum campsite for the second night in the wilderness.
Camping · Approximately 6–7 hoursDAY 04 Lungsum to Tshochenchen Entering alpine country +
Climb steadily as the dense forest begins to open into rhododendron, yak pasture and increasingly dramatic mountain scenery.
The higher elevation and longer ascent make today more demanding. Maintain a comfortable pace and communicate any signs of altitude discomfort to your guide.
Camping · Approximately 7–8 hoursDAY 05 Tshochenchen to Duer Tsachu High-pass crossing +
Begin one of the trek’s most demanding stages by crossing exposed alpine terrain and a high mountain pass. Weather can change quickly, and your guide will determine the safest pace and crossing time.
Descend through dramatic wilderness toward the Duer Tsachu valley and the remote hot-spring campsite.
Camping · Approximately 8–9 hoursDAY 06 Duer Hot Springs Rest Day Rest and recovery +
Enjoy a restorative day beside the river and soak in the naturally heated mineral pools. The hot springs are remote and simple, with no developed resort facilities.
Depending on trail conditions and energy levels, your guide may arrange a short exploratory walk through the surrounding valley.
Camping · Rest and recovery dayDAY 07 Duer Tsachu to Tshochenchen Return across the high country +
Leave the hot springs and begin the challenging return journey. Climb back through the remote valley and cross the exposed high mountain terrain travelled earlier.
Arrive at the Tshochenchen campsite for a well-earned evening meal and rest.
Camping · Approximately 8–9 hoursDAY 08 Tshochenchen to Lungsum Alpine descent +
Descend from the open alpine landscape into rhododendron and conifer forest. The return trail provides a different perspective across the valleys and ridgelines experienced earlier.
Camping · Approximately 7–8 hoursDAY 09 Lungsum to Gorsum Final full camping day +
Continue south through forest and alongside the river, crossing familiar streams and woodland sections.
Reach Gorsum for the final supported camping night of the expedition.
Camping · Approximately 6–7 hoursDAY 10 Gorsum to Duer and Bumthang Completion of the trek +
Complete the final walk through the Duer Valley and arrive at the roadhead, where your private vehicle will be waiting.
Thank the trekking crew before returning to Bumthang for a hot shower and a well-earned rest.
Approximately 5–6 hours · Transfer to BumthangThis is a proposed condensed program. Evara Travel must confirm campsite availability, pack-animal logistics, river levels, trail conditions and safe hot-spring access before departure.
What Your Journey Includes
Your final quotation will confirm all services, trek logistics and applicable government charges.
Included
- Bumthang hotel accommodation on Day 1
- Fully supported camping during the trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Licensed Bhutanese trekking guide
- Trekking cook and support crew
- Pack animals and camp transportation
- Tents, dining tent and sleeping mats
- Private road transfers stated in the itinerary
- Route permits and listed entrance fees
- Safe drinking water during the trek
- Evara Travel planning and local support
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Bhutan visa fee
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee
- Travel, medical and evacuation insurance
- Personal sleeping bag and trekking equipment
- Alcoholic or bottled beverages
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Tips for guides, cooks and support crew
- Emergency evacuation expenses
- Services caused by delays or route changes
Visa charges, Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee and any required domestic flight will be shown separately in the confirmed quotation.
Prepare for a Serious Wilderness Trek
Fitness and Experience
Train for consecutive seven-to-nine-hour mountain days. Previous multi-day trekking and experience above 4,000 metres are strongly recommended.
Altitude
The proposed route reaches approximately 4,700 metres. Walk slowly, hydrate well and immediately report headache, nausea or unusual fatigue.
Mountain Weather
Expect cold nights, rain, mud, strong wind and possible snow. Conditions can force delays, camp changes or an early turnaround.
Personal Equipment
Bring broken-in waterproof boots, a cold-rated sleeping bag, layered clothing, waterproofs, trekking poles and personal medication.
Natural Hot Springs
The pools are natural and remote, with simple access and no resort facilities. Availability depends on river, trail and safety conditions.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is mandatory before the journey begins.
Generally April–May and September–October, subject to snow, rainfall, trail conditions and local operational advice.