Gasa is located at an altitude of 1500 to 4500 m in the northern regions of Bhutan. It is the least populated dzongkhag with about 3000 inhabitants, with most of them being nomadic herders with a unique culture of their own. Gasa has long and cold winters with short beautiful summers, with snowcapped mountain ranges and scenic landscapes. Owing to its pristine forests and scenic landscapes, it is becoming a popular tourist destination for photographers and adventurers. ‘Snowman Trek’, a very challenging trek and the Royal Highlander Festival is also based in Gasa.
Some of the major tourist attractions are:
(Please click on the names of the attractions to see more information)
Situated at an altitude of 3800m, this beautiful and one of a kind village with its unique culture, will require you to trek for three nights to reach it. The village is inhabited by an ethnic group that has survived the coldest regions of the country for generations. A festival that takes place once every three years known as the “Owlay” Festival is also a major attraction for the tourists.
Gasa Dzong served as a barrack for defending against invasions from the north in the 17th century. It is known to the locals by its local name ‘Tashi Thongmon Dzong’ named after the region’s deity ‘Tashi Thongmon’. The scenic beauty of the dzong and the annual Autumn Festival make it a popular tourist destination.
The most remote village of the Gasa district, Lunana is a valley amongst the glaciers. Lunana is mostly inhabited by the nomads who make their living from yaks, sheep and from harvesting cordyceps. You will have to experience the culture of people her to truly grasp the essence and beauty of Lunana.
Gasa Tsachhu (Hot Springs), is located close to the Mo Chhu river and it is one of the most popular hot springs in the country. It is frequented by both tourists and locals alike. There are three bath houses and an outdoor pool nearby which is frequented by wild animals like Takin. The hot spring is known to have medicinal properties that can cure people of various ailments. According to Bhutanese mythology, the hot spring is guarded by a diety, Dendup Norzang, and there is a small monastery located below the residential complex of the hot spring constructed as a residence for the deity