Exotic Bhutan Tours and Treks

Gasa Hot Spring Cultural Trek

Day 01: Arrive Paro

Received by your tour representative. Transfer to hotel. After lunch visit the National Museum and the Paro Rinpong Dzong. Paro Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D. In the evening stroll through Paro Town followed by dinner at a local restaurant. vernight: Hotel Paro Hotel.

Day 02: Paro

Drive up to Satsam Chorten ( 10kms ) and trek to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest ”. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated at the spot where the monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress. Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. After Taktsang hike visit Drugyal Dzong, The name Drugyal means “Victorious ”. The Dzong was built in 1650 AD by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutan, to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan army and it formed one of the chain of defensive fortresses against Tibetan invasion.The Dzong was burnt down by accident in 1950. It is now under renovation. Evening: visit a farm house for local hospitality Overnight: Hotel/Paro

Day 03: Transfer to Thimphu

After breakfast transfer to Thimphu. En route visit an ancient monastery built in the mid 15th century by a Bhutanese saint “Thangthong Gyelpo” who introduced the iron chain bridges in Bhutan. Five kilometers from Thimphu lies the oldest fortress, Semtokha Dzong, built in 1629 by Shabdrung Rimpoche, a Tibetan Lama, who came to Bhutan in 1616. After Semtokha Dzong drive to Thimphu and check in at hotel. In the evening visit Thimphu town. Overnight: Hotel/Paro

Day 04:Thimphu sightseeing

In the morning visit the National Memorial Chorten which was built in 1974 in memory of the third king and the Takin Reserve of the national animal of Bhutan. Afternoon: transfer to Punakha Valley. The drive takes about 3 hours. En route stop at Dochula Pass (3150 m), 30 Km from Thimphu, for tea and biscuits and enjoy a view of the Eastern Himalayan mountains. From Dochula to Punakha, it’s another two hours drive. Overnight: Hotel/Punakha

Day 05:Trek Begins

Start the day with a visit to Punakha Dzong. This is the winter residence of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, the Head Abbot, and the Central Monastic Body. The Dzong is built between two rivers known as “Phochu” (Male River) and “Mochu” (Female River). After Punakha Dzong visit drive to Tashithang where the books and the mules will join the party for the spectacular trek to Gasa Hot Springs. You only have to carry your daypack and enjoy the scenery along the way. High altitude tents and sleeping bags are provided. We will trek 5 hours to Damji. The trail ascends to the high agricultural benches above the Mochu (Chu means River) from the lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and various tropical vegetation. Along the way you will marvel at the lush surroundings, with wild orchids, rhodendendrums, monkeys and birds. We pass through several remote villages, and greet local yak and pony herders along the way. Water prayer wheels, ancient bridges, waterfalls all unfold to you on your gorgeous first day out. Dinner, song, tales of Bhutanese folklore around the fire at overnight camp Damji.

Day 06: Damji-Gasa

After a hearty breakfast we prepare for our day trek up toward the Gasa Hot Springs and Gasa Dzong. We will trek today 6 hours. Our trail winds through rolling hills and passes through the pine and oak forests, villages and wheat fields. A bamboo walking stick will come in handy for this section of the trek, for those ups that always go down. In the distance you will get a view of the Gasa Dzong, glued to the valley wall. You will say, "We are going there?" It is off in the distance and yes we are going there! Picnic lunch along the way, perhaps by the swinging bridge over the river, or by the gorgeous waterfall as it trickles down. Breathe in the silence. Serenity. Halt at Gasa Hot Springs.

Day 07: Gasa

After a leisure breakfast, you can soak in the mineral tubs here in the High Himalayan Mountains. Around your campsite are the small cottages of the local Bhutanese folk who live here at Gasa. You are immersed in hot mineral waters. A Pristine Mountain river rushes by your campsite; happy Bhutanese people greet you. Ahhh..Bhutan!.. Enjoy wholesome lunch and dinner. Relax and refresh today and tonight. Tomorrow we trek to the Gasa Dzong, at 10,500 ft.

Day 08: Gasa-Damji

An early morning 2-hour trek brings us to the ancient, remote and medieval Gasa Dzong. Experience unparalleled views. After a wholesome lunch, we depart the Gasa Hot Springs to begin our trek back to Tashithang. We will trek about 5 hours. Along the way we will stop at a farmhouse to view relics and an ancient altar. Overnight halt and dinner around the campfire.

Day 09: Damji-Tashithang-Thimphu

Our last day of the trek brings us to Tashithang where we say good bye to our cook and pack horses. We have just made a beautiful and unforgettable trek into a spectacular remote area in the world. We continue to our van and drive back to Thimphu to refresh and relax at our hotel. Perhaps a visit to the Health Spa for sauna and steam bath, or a hot stone bath at a local farm house. Overnight Thimphu Hotel.

Day 10: Thimphu-Paro

After breakfast visit the Textile Museum, the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved, the Arts and Crafts School, the traditional paper making factory, the incense factory and shopping. After lunch drive to Paro. Check in at hotel. Evening: farewell dinner at Dechen Hill Resort. Overnight: Hotel/Paro

Day 11: Departure for Paro

Airport and good-by to your guide. We hope you have enjoyed your adventure into Bhutan and you will visit in the Land of the Thunder Dragon again.

 

Tashi Delek!
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