Gasa Hot Spring Trek

(2280 meters)

You will be received by a representative from Omkara Tours & Travels at the airport and driven to Thimphu. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961 by the Late King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan. Then, visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. Overnight at the hotel.

(83 kms, 3 hours drive). After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. If the weather is clear, we will stop for a while at Dochula Pass to view the Higher Himalayas. En route, stop to view Chimi Lhakhang, also called the “Temple of Fertility,” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who is popularly known as the “Divine Madman,” in the 15th century.

After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, situated between the 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. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted that “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant.” There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue, and while Palep was sleeping, the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri (Paradise) and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which, in keeping with tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the First National Assembly here in 1952.

In the evening, drive back to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

(2638 meters): After breakfast, drive to Gasa. Lunch will be served upon arrival in Gasa. We will camp near the hot spring. After lunch, spend time relaxing in the hot spring, which is believed to have healing properties for various ailments like allergies, skin diseases, and rheumatism. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

After breakfast, we will visit Gasa Dzong and explore the surrounding village. After lunch, enjoy relaxing time at the Gasa hot spring.

Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

After breakfast, drive back to Punakha.

After lunch, hike to Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Wangdue Phodrang and visit the Dzong (from outside), built in 1638. Legend has it that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign, representing the spread of Buddhism to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.

Then drive to Thimphu.

In the evening, enjoy free time for shopping and photography in the town.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan, His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The interior paintings and statues provide a rare insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Next, visit the National Library, renowned for its extensive collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, followed by the Painting School, known for its traditional carving and freehand art techniques, and the Folk Heritage Museum.

Proceed to Sangaygang viewpoint and the Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, and then visit the largest statue of Buddha in the world.

Afterwards, drive to Paro.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that has been the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967.

Continue to Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which currently houses administrative offices.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

(Altitude 2320 m)

After breakfast, embark on an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Begin with a short drive to Satsam Chorten. The trail ascends through a beautiful pine forest adorned with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags. Pause for light refreshments at Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and continue walking until you reach Taktsang Monastery, perched on a sheer cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger.

In the evening, visit Drukgyel Dzong, now in ruins, which was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1644 to commemorate victory over Tibetan invaders. The name Drukgyel Dzong translates to “Victorious Bhutan Fortress”. It served as an administrative center until a fire caused by a butter lamp destroyed it in 1951.

Lastly, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating back to the 8th century introduction of Buddhism.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell