INR ₹

Duer Hot Springs Trek Overview

One of the most challenging treks in the land of Bhutan is the Duer Hot Springs trek, which partially cross roads with Snowman trek which is ideally the most difficult trekking track in the whole world. Duer Hot Springs is the destination of this trek which has a breathtaking beauty worth the grueling challenges on the trail. Ranging from 3000 meters to 4700 meters, the track moves through multiple difficulties, steep heights and low descents.

However after this bone breaking challenge the sight of Duer Hot springs is indeed a reward. Apart from this on the trail one can see beautiful landscapes forested regions with prominent hemlock, maple and juniper trees.

Highlights: Hot Springs

Duration: 4 days trekking tour.

Best Season: March - April, October to NovemberBhutan is a lovely country located amidst the huge ranges and peaks of the Himalayas. Filled with forests of rhododendron flowers, maple, juniper and many other mountain trees, this country has remained a wonderland for trekkers and adventurers for years. Duer Hot Springs is one of the most beautiful natural hot springs of the Himalayas which attracts travellers and trekkers from all around the world. The trek is a nine-day long hike which will take you through lots of greenery and through some of the best landscapes of Bhutan.

The trek culminates in the Wangchuck Centennial Park that is home to seven hot springs. It is from these geysers that the trek draws its name. The highest camp of this trek is located at 3,400 m and the highest point of this trek is Juli La at 4,700m. Duer Hot Springs Trek is no doubt a very challenging journey but it is worth the struggle. A mesmerizing walk through the clouds and nature will feel your heart with freshness and enthusiasm. While trekking between Tsochrnchen and Duer Tsa chu, you might get to see a Himalayan bear, musk deer or a herd of blue sheep. Also, the complete tour follows the path of a river named Yoleng Chhu.

However, the roads get covered with snow in the months of winter. And thus this trek is usually conducted from March to April and from September to mid-November. The trail is quite remote and the altitudes vary a lot at different points. And thus the ones who are having breathing trouble should opt to take precaution before starting the final trek.

How To Reach

Duer Hot Springs Trek flags off from Bumthang, a sacred local site which is often considered to be a religious hotspot of the country. The closest airport to Bumthang is the domestic Jakar Bathpalathang airport. From Jakar cabs are available for hire to reach Bumthang. Bumthang also serves as a good acclimatization spot for the trekkers. This ancient town of Bumthang is around 14 km away from Jakar airport. Jakar being a domestic airport, international travellers would first need to schedule their flight to Paro. Domestic flights from Paro to Jakar are available daily.

1. By Rail: Unfortunately, there is no railway service to reach Bumthang.

2. By Road: Bumthang can be reached from Jakar airport via road within an hour. Private cars, taxis and hotel pickup services are abundant and readily available from the airport.

3. By Bus: One can avail public bus service from Metho bus terminus of Jakar that ferry passengers up to Bumthang.

Best Time To Visit

-Spring (March-April): The most favourable time to plan a visit to the Duer Hot Springs would be between March to early April. Affable temperatures reign during this period producing favourable environment when you can enjoy your trek. It is always advisable to avoid scheduling the trek during the monsoons that besets Duer Hot Spring after mid April and lasts till late August.

-Autumn (September-November): Another ideal season is Autumn, during the months of September, October and November. You will find bright sunny days along with some snow falls at higher points in this season. The snowfalls often make the trek more adventurous and overwhelming. You can enjoy the beauty of the gorgeous landscapes scattered across Bhutan throughout the route.

Though the difficulty level of the trek is quite high, you will be finding abundant natural beauty while trekking and it is well worth the effort.

Other Essential Information

-Location: One of the most beautiful hot springs trek present in the Himalayas, the Duer Hot Springs Trek is located in Bhutan. The trek starts off from and ends at Duer village.

-Timings: The time it will take to complete the most challenging hot springs treks in the Himalayas is upto nine days.

-Height: During the trek, you might come across a number of steep ascents and descents which will range from a height of 3,000-4,700 m.

-Average Temperature: The minimum temperature at the Duer Hot Springs dip down to 10 degrees during the winters while may reach close to 32 degrees during peak summer.

-Trek Distance: The total distance of the trek uphill is around 63 km in total. The route has numerous steps up and down.

-Trek Duration: The duration required to complete the whole trek is approximately nine-days in total.

-Difficulty Level: The Duer Hot Springs Trek is one of the most challenging trek paths. The difficulty is claimed as quite high.

Traveller’s Tips for visiting Duer Hot Springs Trek:

1. The trek route includes several steep ascents and descents throughout the river. So, it is not recommended for all types of travellers. Here are some tips you should remember before planning for the trek.

2. Duer Hot Springs trek being one of the most challenging treks of Bhutan which requires careful planning and a buffer period of two days at minimum in your schedule.

3. Acclimatization is a must before you embark upon your trek. Two days of acclimatization in Bumthang would help you to cope up with harsh challenges of the trek.

4. A quality hiking pole should be carried while on this trek to lend that extra support on this long trail.

5. While trekking during the day, it is advised to uncover your ears as this lends better adaptability to the body with the environment.

6. The shoes are one inconspicuous aspect that many novice trekkers fail to appreciate leading to unpleasant experiences. A pair of quality hiking shoes must be worn while on this trek to reduce stress which in turn would also provide a better grip on the terrain.

7. If you are not a certified trekker or a professional one, do not go for the trek without a certified guide.

8. Asthma patients are suggested to not opt for this trek. As the route includes high altitude, from 3,000-4,700 m. Same suggestions are for pregnant ladies and kids under 10 years of age.

9. Carry your winter jacket and all the necessary items with you while trekking.

10. The weight of your bag should not be more than 4 kg.

11. A rhythmic trek is suggested while on this route. A quick descent or ascent should be avoided.

Duer Hot Springs Trek FAQs

What is the trek routes to Duer Hot Springs Trek?

In Bhutan, the Duer Hot Springs is one of the most challenging treks. The route will take a total of nine days to complete.

Day 1: Duer – Gorsum: The 18 km long trek follows the Yoleng Chhu river. It takes between six and seven hours to complete. The end part of the trail is a gradual climb, which is from Bumthang to Gorsum.

Day 2: Gorsum – Lungsum: On the second day, the trekkers have to cover around 12 km distance. They have to go through a dense forest of spruce, hemlock, cypress, juniper and maple.

Day 3: Lungsum – Tsochenchen: The trekkers have to cover around 15 km on the third day to reach the next point, Tsochenchen.

Day 4: Tsochenchen – Duer Tsachu: On day four, the trek from Tsochenchen is one of the most challenging parts of the Duer Hot Springs Trek. The trekkers have to trek uphill towards Juli La (4,700m). Trekkers would marvel at the breathtaking view enroute to a high altitude lake at 4,220m. The last stretch of the day would include a climb up to Gokthong La that is at a height of 4,640 m.

Day 5: Duer Tsachu: The fifth day is a rest day at the hot springs.

Thereafter, from day six to day nine, the trekkers have to follow the same path downwards.

What are the places to stay in or near Duer Hot Springs Trek?

During the time of trekking, one has to stay in the camps. At the end of the trek, near Wangchuck Centennial Park a number of hotel options are available. These include Hotel Kuenzang Norling International, Wangchuk Lodge Bumthang, Hotel Norkhel, etc.

What are the best places to eat in or near Duer Hot Springs Trek?

During the trek, there are no such eating places to have delicacy. You will have to eat the foods served at the camps. However, near Wangchuck Centennial Park, the ending point of the trek, there are many staying options. Hopefully, you can take a meal at those.

What are the things to carry for trek to Duer Hot Springs Trek?

Usually, there are a lot of must-have items that one has to carry for trekking and Duer Hot Springs Trek is not an exception. One has to carry a water bottle, munching items (trail mix, dry fruits, chocolates or energy bars), swiss knife, torchlight, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, sunblocks, and lip balms, medical kit or first-aid kit in the backpack.

Is network connectivity available at Duer Hot Springs Trek?

During the whole trek, it cannot be expected to have a network availability. As the route includes several deep forests, remote villages and more, network connectivity is not always available throughout the journey.

What is the minimum physical fitness required for Duer Hot Springs Trek?

One of the most challenging and difficult treks in Bhutan is the Duer Hot Springs trek. One has to climb along rough terrain in a volcanic area. It is only for the experienced alpine trekkers, who have a very high level of physical fitness.

What type of medical facilities are provided if anyone gets injured?

Travellers have to carry the first-aid kit in his/her backpack to stay safe in any kind of nominal medical injuries. You can get altitude sickness medicine, general medicine and pain reliever medicines at the campsites.

Is Duer Hot Springs Trek safe?

The journey throughout the deep forests and river is apparently safe if you trek with a certified guide. There is no such incident of theft and like in the past. However, it is recommended to attempt the trek in a group.

Why is Duer Hot Springs Trek famous?

Being a difficult trek, Duer Hot Springs is also a famous one to attempt once in a lifetime. The trail to seven hot springs within Wangchuck Centennials Park from Duer village offers breathtaking views all around. The level is quite difficult for the trek and it takes around nine days to complete. You can also find Blue Sheep, Himalayan Black Bears and Musk Deer along the trail.

What is the walking distance in the whole trek?

There is no motorway to the hot springs, so travellers have to climb up the trail by foot. The total distance is around 60 to 63 km in the whole trek.