The Gasa Hot Spring Trek is one of the easier treks in Bhutan although it is advisable to connect the walking days and walk up to the tsachu from Tashitang road head in one day. Soon the road will reach Damji. Then the Gasa Hot Spring Trek will decrease to a three day trek. Although the altitude difference between starting and ending point is minimal, the many ups and downs on the way can make it more strenuous than it looks at first sight. However, the relaxation at the tsachu and the views and a visit of Gasa Dzong are absolutely rewarding. From April to September one will have lots of leeches en route. They love the warm and humid climate of Punakha valley, and they will love you!
Trek fact
Grade: Easy
Duration: 5 Days
Trek style: Camping
Max Elevation: 2,430m
Highest Camp: 2,250m
Start: Tashitang (Punakha)
Finish: Tashitang (Punakha)
Season: February to March & October to December
Trek itinerary
Day 01: Transfer to airport and fly with Druk air to Paro. Meet our representative from Bhutan and drive to Thimpu the capital of Bhutan (65 kms/2 hours). Afternoon;
sightseeing tour to Zeleukha Nunnery, National Library and Memorial Chorten of His Majesty Late Jigme Dorjee Wangchuk and Handicraft Development Corporation, which displays all kinds of traditional handicraft products of Bhutan . Over night at the hotel.
Day 02: After breakfast, drive to Punakha (72 kms/ 3hrs. ) via Dochula pass. On the way, visit Chime Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male river) and Mo Chu (Female river). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. Also visit other smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. Over night at hotel.
Day 3: Tashithang – Damji 5-6hrs, 16kms
The trek starts in Tashithang village by the riverside, following first the feeder road and then a well-made path through semi tropical forest. Flower lovers will find abundant wild orchids here. The day's walk is fairly gentle climbing up to Damji village at 2250m. You can save about two hours of walking if you drive further up than Tashithang to Kamina village, where the road presently ends.
Day 4: Damji - Gasa Tsachu 4-5hrs, 16kms
The path continues through sub-tropical forests and villages up to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring) at 2240m. There are stunning views of the Gasa Dzong on the way. Due to their well known curative powers the hot springs are very popular amongst the Bhutanese.
Day 5: rest Day at Gasa Tsachu.
You can either laze around in the hot spring or take a pack lunch and climb about two hours to visit Gasa village and the Dzong.
Day 6: Gasa – Damji 5-6hrs, 18kms
Start with a short climb, the trail winds through lots of ups and downs, through rolling hills and passes and pine and oak forests, villages and wheat fields. You will also see a beautiful view of the Gasa Dzong glued to the valley wall as if floating in space. You finally reach Damji at 2250m with its well maintained campsite.
Day 7: Damji – Tashithang 5hrs, 16kms
The trail descends from the high agricultural benches above the Mo Chhu into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and various tropical vegetation. The road actually leads further up than Tashithang and will soon reach Damji. You can save about two hours of walking when you arrange transport from the current road head and transfer to hotel in Punakha.
Day 8: Drive to Paro and get prepared for departure
Day 9: Transfer to Paro airport and fly to your further destination.
