Gasa Hot Spring (11 Days)
DDay 01 Arrive by Druk-air - Paro
Day 02 Paro - Sightseeing
Day 03 Paro – Thimphu
Day 04 Thimphu – Punakha
Day 05 Punakha – Damji
Day 06 Damji – Tsachu (hot spring)
Day 07 Tsachu – Sightseeing
Day 08 Tsachu – Damji
Day 09 Damji – Punakha
Day 10 Punakha – Paro
Day 11 Paro – Departure by Druk-air
Day 1 Arrive at Airport by Druk-air
During this flight (if from Katmandu) one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport the representative of Bhutan Takin Trails will receive you and transfer to hotel for overnight halt.
Day 02 Paro – sightseeing
Drive up the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort (destroyed by fire in 1951.) which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. From here one can have the view of sacred Mt. Jhomolhari on clear days. On the way back make a visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch drive to Ta Dzong former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then walk down passing close by the Paro Dzong, crossing the typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town drive back to hotel for the night halt.
Day 03 Paro – Thimphu
This morning follow the winding road beside the Paro Chu (Chu meaning river or water) down stream to its confluence with the Wang-chu then up the valley to Thimphu capital. After lunch, make a visit to the memorial Chorten, here one can see the devotees circumambulating the shrine built in the memory of the 3rd King, chanting their prayer with prayer beads in their hands. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04 Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast visit Zelukha Nunnery, National library, Handicraft Emporium and walk around Thimphu City. After lunch drive to Punakha enroute visit Simtokha Dzong first fort built by Zhabdrung in 1627-29 now change into school for the study of Dzongkha the National Language. The drive from to Punakha takes 3 hours. Camp overnight or stay at the guesthouse.
Day 05 Punakha Tashithang –Geon Damji
Incase if the camp is near by the riverside of Mo Chu then the transport will reach you up to the trek point called Tashithang. It is one and half hour drive through the Punakha valley, by-passing Kings golf course (Accessible only by raft). From this point you will start the trek, gradually following the Mo Chu, a lush semi tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and sometime you will come across barking deer, rain deer, wild boar etc. Different kinds of birds will also be visible. If one is lucky enough on this trail, a Takin, Bhutan's national animal, can be seen. Over night at camp in Goen Damji alt 2280 and the distance would be around 17 km.
Day 06 Damji –Tsachu
Today the trail will gradually climb up crossing oak trees and stupa. Before reaching Gayza village, the Gasa Dzong can be visible in the front. From Gayza village the trail descends which will be leading through the thick forest, mini-bamboo and of course you will come across with different kinds of animals. Alt 2800ft distance 18 km 5/6hours.
Day 07 Tsachu- sightseeing.
After breakfast one can hike up-to Gasa Dzong build by Zhabdrung in 17th century, an hours climb or stroll around the Gasa Tsachu to watch the Bhutan’s National Animal Takin, Birds and other animals which can be seen around the hot-spring. After Lunch relax in hot-spring read books, update your diary and tell tales.
Day 08 Tsachu-Damji
After the climb from the Gasa Tsachu the trail winds through hillsides with vistas of fields, villages and oak and pine forests. Gasa Dzong will be visible behind you, glued to the valley wall, seeming to float in space. Overnight in camp. Alt. 2,280 m distance 18 km , about 6 hours.
Day 09 Goen Damji - Tashithang – Punakha
The trail descends from the high agricultural land en route and lunch will be served. After reaching Tashithang, the transport will take you to Punakha. Overnight in hotel/Guest house or camp nearby riverside.
Day 10 Punakha –Paro
The drive to Paro from Punakha will be about 5hours. On the way from Dochula pass, one can enjoy the magnificent view of Himalayas of Bhutan on the clear days. Lunch will be in Thimphu and after few hours break, drive to Paro for over night.
Day 11 Paro-Airport for Departure
After your breakfast drive to airport for your departure.
Season : November- December –February and March.
Group condition : Miniumum3 but individual is also acceptable.
Climate : Climate is normally warm during daytime but nights can be pretty cold in winter with temperatures falling below freezing level. Monsoon does showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
What to bring : Strong comfortable trekking boots, sun-glasses, lots of spare vests and socks/stockings, headgear and a raincoat. Warm clothing will be required for the evenings and a down jacket is a must. A sleeping bag (medium to a heavy one) is advisable (Note: for trekking a load of 25 kg will be allowed.)