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Gasa Hot Spring Trek
Itinerary (Tashithang - Damji - Gasa Tsachu - Damji - Tashithang)
No of Days: 5 Days
Best Season: February to March & October to December
Maximum Altitude:
2,430m
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!
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Day 1 : Tashithang - Damji
The trek starts in Tashithang village by the riverside, following first the feeder road and then a well-made path through semi tropical forest. This part of the area is quite wet and one has to be careful of leeches. Flower lovers will find abundant wild orchids here. The day’s walk is fairly gentle climbing up to Damji village. You can save about two hours of walking if you drive further up than Tashithang to Kamina village, where the road presently ends.
Day 2 : Damji - Gasa Tsachu
The path continues through sub-tropical forests and villages up to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). 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. The place might be quite crowded especially in December.
Day 3 : Gasa
A 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 4 : Gasa - Damji
After 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 with its well maintained camp site.
Day 5 : Damji - Tashithang Top
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. You will also see monkeys and a few other animals occasionally. 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.
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