GASA HIMALAYAS(1,500 - 7,200M)

Located on the extreme Northwest, Gasa Bhutan holds a significant place in history as Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal came to Bhutan via Gasa in the early 17th century. The first Druk Desi (secular ruler) of Bhutan, Tenzin Drugyel, also came from the well-known house of Hobtsho Lams in Gasa. 

Although quite remote, with far-flung highland communities in the north, Gasa’s natural splendors are unrivaled. In fact, the entire Dzongkhag falls within the Jigme Dorji national park, which is home to rich biodiversity, fauna, and flora.

Gasa is also home to some of the highest peaks in the kingdom. Over a hundred glacial lakes, at the foot of these greater Himalayan peaks, feed some of the major river systems in the country, including the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu of Punakha. Gasa, Bhutan is popular for its famed hot spring (tsachus), unique highland culture, and trekking trails that cut across one of the most difficult yet exotic terrains and mountain passes in the country.

 

Distance from Thimphu: 135 km 4-5 hours (via Punakha)

Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn 

 

Top 8 interesting facts about Gasa Himalayas and Glacial, Bhutan

  1. Gasa experiences extremely long winters and short but beautiful summers.
  2. Gasa has a small population of 3000 inhabitants 
  3. The place has a unique culture
  4. It is famous for yak hair textile
  5. Gasa also harvest and sell Cordyceps
  6. The town was build in 1646
  7. Gasa is known for Snowman Trek
  8. The place popular for its healing hot springs

Here, check out the top tourist places to visit while you are here in Gasa, Bhutan.

Gasa Dzong

The fortress of Gasa (Gasa Dzong), locally known as Tashi Thongmoen Dzong, stands tall on a hillock surrounded by towering mountain peaks. The fortress served as defending barrack in the 17th century. The fortress’s architecture is unique with a semi-circular arch and three watchtowers the at are places at strategic points. The beauty of the Dzong is heightened during clear days with a view of Mt. Gangbom at the backdrop.

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Gasa Tshachu

Gasa Tshachu ( Gasa Hot Spring)

The hot spring of Gasa is situated close to the banks of the Mo Chhu River and is accessible by road. Believed to have healing powers, the famed hot springs draw people from near and far, the locals as well as tourists. A trip to Gasa is incomplete without taking a dip in the Gasa hot spring. In addition, there are over 104 menchus (medicinal spring water) in Gasa.

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Laya Village

Laya village- the highland of Yaks- is located at the north-western part of the country. On the lap of Masang Gang, towered by Gangchen Taag in the west and Gangla Karchung in the east, it stands at the highest of about 3800 meters above sea level. 

Guarded by the range of mountains; laden with snow- rapidly melting and pleasing the turbines of nations’ wealth; are the diamond mines of the layaps- the cordyceps. 

And I am sure, no one can really resist wondering about this group of highlanders, when the eardrum is struck with the beats of Laya’s village echo.

Layaps or the ethnic people of laya have preserved their arcane culture, traditions, costumes, and semi-nomadic way of life. To experience the maximum cultural richness, time your trip during their Owlay festival, which takes place once in three years. You can also visit Yongzhu Lhakhang, Jangsa Dzong, and Dung Goempa. 

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Lunana Valley

One of the remotest human settlements in Bhutan, the people of Lunana reside among the Himalayan glaciers. It takes four to nine days on foot to reach the villages in Lunana. People of Lunana mostly depend on yak and sheep rearing. The nomads also harvest  Cordyceps Sinensis. Many Lunaps migrate to lower altitudes to escape the long harsh winters. You can also visit Tshojong Dzong and Toenchoe Lhakhang in Lunana. 

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Glacial

(ALTITUDE: 600 – 5,800M

Bhutan has about 677 glaciers and 2,674 glacial lakes and subsidiary lakes. Most are located above an altitude of 3,500 meters (11,500 ft), and most have no permanent human settlements nearby, though many are used for grazing yaks and may have scattered temporary settlements. While on Laya Gasa trek or snowman trek you may come across some of the astounding Glacial lakes which look like an abode of god.

As phenomena of nature, all lakes in Bhutan are believed to be inhabited by spirits and is highly revered thus the sanctity of the lake is well maintained

Gasa has over a hundred glacial lakes that feed major river systems downstream. An epic helicopter tour over these Himalayan glaciers and glacial lakes is something that can be both mesmerizing as well as an enriching experience on how climate change is transforming this otherwise pristine landscape.

APPROX.)

Geographically, Lhuntse is one of the remotest dzongkhag in Bhutan, with its population scattered across its eight blogs . Jammed like an upside down tooth in the north-eastern corner of the kingdom with the green river running deep, the ancient region of kurtoe enjoys to auspicious connotations in Bhutanese mind. First, it is considered the Spiritual home of Bhutan king and second it boast some of the most sacred sites of pilgrimage in the country.

Many shamanic bon rituals add color to the cultural diversity of the region

 The few things that you can check out while you are at Lhuntse could be Khoma Village, Gangzur Village and Takila Village

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Gasa Nature Trip

Undoubtedly one of the toughest treks in the world, the Snowman Trek starts from Laya into the high altitudes of the Himalayas. The Trek takes tough and enduring trekkers into Lunana region and further on to Gangkhar Puensum and Bumthang or down to Sephu in Wangdue, depending on the route. Trekkers have to camp above 5000m more than once.

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