Gasa Hot Springs Trek*
12 days/11 nights

Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Your flight to Paro will give you an introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, views of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest and other magnificent Himalayan snow peaks, will then give way to the beautiful Paro valley as you land at Paro International Airport. Here you will be greeted by Pagan Nomad’s Bhutan Partner and Coordinator and Representative and then be escorted to Paro Lodge for some rest.

Day 2: Paro
In the morning we drive to Paro to go sightseeing throughout the town, and then drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong sixteen kilometers up the valley. A fire burned it to the ground and it was left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories over the Tibetans in the 17th Century. On a clear day, experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). Our next visit is the Kitchu Lakhang monastery, which was built in the 7th Century. Then we travel to Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the center of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. The evening ends with a walk through Paro's main shopping district.

Day 3: Paro Excursion (Tiger Nest)
Based on the mirror-like cliff at a height of 900 meters above the lush valley of Paro is one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche, the second Buddha, flew here on a flaming Tigress for his second visit to Bhutan and meditated here in the 8th Century. Here he propagated Vajrayana-Mahayana Buddhism (Bigger Wheel), which was prophesied by the Buddha at the time of attaining Nirvana.In April 1998, a fire destroyed the main structure of the buildings and the religious contents. A complete restoration was done and resulted in a carbon copy of the original. This place beholds the history of The Hidden Land. The walking time is approximately five hours to and fro. You will spend the evening back at the lodge.

Day 4: Drive to Thimphu and Sightseeing
In the afternoon we drive to a memorial chorten (stupa) built in the memory of His late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. He is regarded as the father of Modern Bhutan. Visit the National Library, which holds ancient Buddhist texts, historical books, and some very famous manuscripts written with gold ink. Take a look at the Painting School where traditional art is kept alive through instructions in the art of painting, embroidery, carving, weaving and statue making. A three-minute drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute will show you where medicines are prepared from plants, flowers and animal bones according to ancient practices, and which are combined with acupuncture. A visit with the Royal silver smiths of Lungtenzampa is our next stop. Other highlights include a visit to Changangkha Lakhang monastery, which was built in the 12th century to get an enchanting view of Thimphu town. Our last stop will be a visit of the Handicrafts Emporium for some shopping.

Day 5: Thimphu / Punakha
Drive to Punakha via Duchula pass overlooking the high Himalayas and the lush green valleys of Talo and Mendigang, Lunch at Punakha and sightseeing including a visit to the exquisite Punakha Dzong (a must for its astonishing beauty). Hike for half an hour to the nearest village over a 200-meter suspension bridge. Stay overnight at Punakha Hotel, a castle-like structure of charm and comfort.

Day 6: Punakha / Damji
Today we will drive from Punakha to the end of the drivable road at Tashi Thank. This is where the trek to Gasa Tshachu starts. The trek starts with a 4 to 5 hour walk through the dense Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park. Here, our national animal Takin is plentiful in the wild. We camp overnight near the remote village of Damji.

Day 7: Damji to Gasa Hot Springs
Another 4 to 5 hours of walking will take us to the destination of our trek, the famous Gasa Hot Springs. We camp near the springs overnight.

Day 8: Damji / Gasa Dzong
In the morning we will hike to Gasa Dzong for a tour, then come back for lunch at our camp. There is a still lot of time for a relaxing soak in the hot springs in the afternoon and in the evening.

Day 9: Gasa Tshachu / Damji
Trek back and camp at Damji.

Day 10: Damji / Thimphu
In the afternoon we drive back to Thimphu and enjoy some well-deserved rest. You will spend the night back at the hotel.

Day 11: Thimphu / Paro
In the morning visit the exquisite Punakha Dzong (a must for its astonishing beauty). We then drive to Thimphu for lunch, then continue on to Paro in the afternoon.

Day 12: Departure for your Onward Flight
In the morning your Karmic representatives will bid you farewell at Paro airport.

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