The Gasa Hot Spring Trek is one of those treks in Bhutan you’d simply like. Altitude is not much of a problem despite the fluctuating elevations but being fit and a keen walker makes things a lot easier. Nevertheless, the memorable views and our visit to the Gasa Dzong are worth the trip among several other attractions.
Our venture includes some interesting sightseeing of Paro Valley, Thimphu (capital of Bhutan), Punakha, and the neighboring valleys that offer us something new at each spot we visit. The highest elevation we go to on this trek is approximately (3,840m). The lively villages of Gasa with its natural hot springs accompanied by lovely Laya north of Punakha is an exotic outing in Bhutan’s gentler wilderness. There’s No roadway from the start point of our trailhead at Tashithang which runs up a valley and the only option is on foot. Laya is a pretty far-flung region in the far northwest of the Gasa district. Most of the local folks hereabouts form a community called ‘the Layap’’ with a dissimilar identity in their language, customs, traditions, and their attires; This outing is a fantastic combo of culture and a part of Bhutan’s rural landscapes that makes the trip unique and enjoyable…
Gasa possesses an exceptional ecosystem of sublime beauty and its immaculate surroundings jell wonderfully with the local folks and their traditional friendliness, setting an amazing ambiance for visitors to make the best of a well-planned vacation for even the discerning visitor looking for the unusual; Gasa, with its welcoming hot springs, has now translated into a highly appealing front for Bhutan’s tourism. Hereabouts, a warm sense of kindness, a collectively well-known ecology, and a thriving culture open avenues for visitors to relish a holiday in one of the best Himalayan destinations on the planet. Trekking to Gasa in Bhutan is a true discovery of the sublime with the Great Everest Trek a holiday that will linger on in the memory for a whole lifetime…
Day 01: Arrival at Paro(2250m) from Kathmandu and transfer to Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu(2350m) and after lunch drive to Punakha
Day 03: Punakha - Tashithang - Damji
Day 04: Damji – Gasa
Day 05: A Day at Gasa Tsachu
Day 06: Gasa Tsachu - Geon Damji
Day 07: Geon Damji – Tashithang- Punakha
Day 08: Punakha (1350 m) and after lunch drive to Paro
Day 09: Sightseeing in Paro
Day 10: Departure for your next destination
Price Includes:
Twin-sharing accommodation in the best available hotels or tourist lodges/cottages.
Full Board meals package.
All transfer facilities as per the above itinerary with sightseeing.
English-speaking Tour Guide.
Entrance fees and permit.
Price Excludes:
Airfare and airport taxes.
Personal expenses bar mills, laundry, tips, etc.
Bhutan Visa Fee and Tourism Tax are $ 20 + 10 payable at the airport at the time of arrival.
Nepal re-entry Visa Fee.
Travel Insurance.
* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.
Day 01: Arrival at Paro(2250m) from Kathmandu and transfer to Thimphu.
Your flight lands in Paro at 17.45. You will meet our representative at the airport and will be driven to Thimphu. Check into your hotel.
Day 02: Thimphu(2350m) and after lunch drive to Punakha.
Today you will do Thimphu sightseeing till lunch. Memorial Chorten where the older people continuously circumambulated, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s 3rd king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit the Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
Phelchey Toenkhyim (Folk Heritage Museum), is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three-story traditional building, rammed with mud and timber, which dates back to mid 19th century. To present a typical Bhutanese rural setting flavor, paddy, wheat, and millet fields, a traditional watermill (with millstones that dates back more than 150 years), traditional style kitchen gardens with vegetables that were grown and consumed over 100 years, and the famous hot stone bath complement the museum building and exhibition within.
Takin, the national animal of Bhutan is said to be created by Lam Drukpa Kinley, whose monastery you will visit tomorrow.
After lunch drive to Punakha(driving hour 2.30hrs), the old capital of Bhutan. Drive over a pass (Dochu-la 3150mtrs) La in Bhutanese means pass. There are 108 Chorten called “Druk Wangyel Chorten” with colorful prayer flags surrounding the area, which makes you fresh and feel at peace. Visit the Druk Wangyel monastery. If the sky is clear this provides the best place to see and take photos of Himalayan snow-capped mountain ranges which border Tibet(China), the following are the names of the peaks which can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar plenum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. After that, we drive down the hill till we feel the warm air of Punakha Valley. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 03: Punakha - Tashithang-Damji
Early morning drive to Tashithang.The trek starts by the riverside, following a well-made path through a semi-tropical forest. This part of the area is quite wet and one has to be careful of leeches. Also for flower lovers, there are abundant wild orchids here. The day’s walk is fairly gentle climbing up to Damji village. Camp at Damji at an altitude of 2,250m, walking time 5/6 hours. Overnight at camp.
Day 04: Damji – Gasa
The path continues through sub-tropical forests and villages up to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). The Tsachu is a famous place where people from all over the country come to have a bath, due to its curative powers. Hot lunch will be served close to spring. Camp below the Dzong at an altitude of 2,900m. Walking time 6/7 hours. Overnight at camp.
Day 05: A Day at Gasa Tsachu
You can either laze around in the hot spring or take a packed lunch and climb for about two hours to visit Gas Village and the Dzong. overnight at camp.
Day 06: Gasa Tsachu - Geon Damji
After a short climb, the trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through the pine and oak forests, villages, and wheat fields. You will also see a beautiful view of the Gasa Dzong glued to the valley wall seeming to float in space. Camp. Alt. 2280m. Distance 21 km. Time 6-7 hours.
Day 07: Geon Damji – Tashithang – Punakha
The trail descends from the high agricultural benches above the Mochu (the Chu means River ) into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers, and various tropical vegetation. You will also see monkeys and a few other animals occasionally. Overnight at Hotel in Punakha
Day 08: Punakha (1350 m) and after lunch drive to Paro
After breakfast visit:
Punakha Dzong: The Dzong was built in 1637 by the unifier Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyal and it was named Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The Dzong is beautifully located in between the two rivers called Pho (male) and Mo (female) Chhu (river). The Dzong is surrounded by stories and myths, and you just have to ask your guide or local people they will have some great stories of the past. It was the capital of Bhutan till 1955. The establishment of the Wangchuck dynasty on 17th December 1907 took place here and the first National Assembly was also held in the Dzong in 1953. Punakha Dzong continues to be the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body. The war materials captured during the Tibetan invasion can be found in the dzong.
Chimi Lhakhang is a small 15th-century temple famous for its fertility endowments/rites due to the blessings of Lam Drukpa Kuenley is west known as Devine Mad Man. The temple sits on a hillock shape, as only Drukpa Kuenley could describe it “like a woman’s breast”. The word ‘Chimi’translates as “No Dog” and is traced to the story of how Drukpa Kuenley subdued the demoness of Dochula. Lam Drukpa Kuenley had followed the demoness of Dochula down to the valley of Punakha and Wangdue. It is believed that the demons had disguised herself in a form of a dog. He then subdued the dog and buried it under a mound of earth, marking the place with a stupa and making a prophecy that a temple would be built on the spot in the future.
The temple houses the Lam’s iron bow and arrow, a small altar Chorten made by the Lam himself, and some of his personal effects scriptures. A wooden effigy of Drukpa Kuenley’s male organ is used to bless pilgrims, particularly childless couples or those who have suffered miscarriages or early deaths of their children. Children born under such circumstances under the patronage of Drukpa Kuenley are often named Kuenley or Chimi in honor of the saint and the place. After visiting Chimi Lhakhang you will have lunch in a restaurant facing the Lhakhang.
After lunch, we drive back to Paro. The driving hour is 3.5 hours.
If time permits, on your way to Paro visit Tashicheo dzong in Thimphu. Tashichhodzong, the “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1702 and restored by the Third King in the 1950s. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. You can visit this Dzong after office hours on weekdays and weekends from 9 am to 5.30 pm. Overnight in Paro.
Day 09: Sightseeing in Paro
After an early breakfast visit the Tiger’s Nest(Taktshang)Hike up to the famous cliff hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face, high above the Paro Valley. The Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The trail to the monastery climbs through a beautiful pine forest and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.
Kyichu Lhakhang: This Lhakhang(monastery), built in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan (the other being Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples. The first temple was built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged for a second temple to be built alongside the first one, in the same style.
Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the “fortress of the heap of jewels“stands on a hill above Paro Township. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) and then up a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls. The valley’s annual springtime religious festival, the Paro Tsechu, takes place in the courtyard of the Dzong and on the dance ground on the hillside above. Overnight in Paro.
Day 10: Departure for your next destination
After breakfast drive to the airport for your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.
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Visa Information
Indian, Bangladeshis, and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry by producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC). For other tourists, you will need to acquire visa clearance in advance. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Tourists are also required to book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.
You are required to send the photo page of your passport (passport scanned copy) to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD 50 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. At your point of entry, you will be required to show your visa clearance letter and the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
Weather Information
There is no appropriate season which is to say that Bhutan’s warm and temperate climate, never-ending festivals, and rich and abundant heritage sites provide visitors with a wide array of experiences throughout the year across the country. Bhutan has all four seasons and the climate varies widely depending on the altitude.
Spring (March, April & May)
This time is considered the most beautiful time of the year, resplendent and ablaze with a spectacular array of bright colors. This is the time when the valleys are green with fresh vegetation and fruit trees are blossoming – the time when locals are naturally mirthful and cheery; when visitors are most welcome. Also, you can witness the famous Paro Tsechu festival.
Autumn (September, October & November)
Autumn is lovely with clear and crisp blue skies, providing a grand view of some of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. It is the best time for trekking and traveling. The climate is cool and temperate and you can get lovely photography opportunities of willows shedding their golden brown leaves, the solitude of parks, and somber views of dzongs and monasteries.
Monsoon (June, July & August)
During these months, Bhutan receives more rainfall than any other region in the Himalayas. Glorious sapphire skies and warm weather are a pleasant time to spend visiting places of cultural and historical interest though this season is not the best time for trekking. Enjoy a cup of warm, aromatic tea while watching the rainfall from your hotel window. Or if you possess an adventurous spirit, grab an umbrella/raincoat while it is raining and take a day tour through the town.
Winter (December, January & February)
Winter in Bhutan is sunny, cool, and agreeable to say the least. Much of the east-west highway remains snowbound during winter. It is the best time to tour the western districts of Paro, Wangdue, Punakha, Thimphu, and Haa. One of the chief attractions in winter is the beautiful Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley where you can expect to see a wide expanse of rolling plains with bamboo shrubs.
Safety Guidelines
Credit cards are not a convenient source of payment in Bhutan as only a handful of hotels in a few places provide this facility. Also, only MasterCard and Visa. US dollars are the most convenient currency and are cashed by most banks.
You should avoid drinking tap water altogether, but it is okay to use it for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is widely available and is best for drinking. It is also wise to carry water purification tablets when trekking in remote locations of Bhutan.
The local currency is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. Note: The Indian Rupee in denominations of 500 and 1000 is no longer accepted in Bhutan.
Bhutan is the only country in the world that has banned the consumption and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being largely disallowed in public places. Having said that, consumption is not completely prohibited in Bhutan so if you want to smoke, bring your cigarettes and ask your guide where you can light up. (seal opened pack only)
Tuesdays are considered the national 'dry day,' with the sale of alcohol prohibited.
When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted as some areas do not allow it.
