Dur Tshachu

Dur Tshachu lies at around 3,600 metres in the mountains north of Bumthang, a set of hot springs on the Chamkhar river reached by a trek of about three days from the village of Dur, climbing over passes above 4,000 metres through fir forest and alpine meadow. Guru Rinpoche is said to have bathed here in the eighth century, and the springs are considered among the most efficacious in the country. Facilities amount to a few rough shelters and stone-lined pools; there is nothing else. Some parties continue north on longer routes toward Lunana. Because the trek is demanding and the reward is a soak rather than a summit, it appeals to a particular kind of traveller, and it sees very few of them.

The landscape

• Stone-lined pools - rough baths at the spring source.
• The trek in - three days over passes above 4,000 metres.
• Fir and alpine meadow - the vegetation changing with altitude on the way.
• Total remoteness - no facilities and almost no other people.

When to go

April to June and September to October. Snow closes the passes outside those months. Monsoon makes the trail difficult and the river crossings dangerous. Nights on the route are below freezing.

Before you go

This is a six to eight day trek with camps at altitude, arranged with a full crew through an operator. There is no shelter at the springs beyond rough huts. River crossings can be hazardous. Anyone expecting a spa will find rough pools in the wilderness.

Nearby

Jakar lies south; the Snowman route passes to the north.