Gasa Tsachu

Gasa Tsachu

Just when visitors to Gasa tsachu (hot springs) were starting to increase, with road access till Geza, and electricity, the hot spring itself has gone under. The healing waters of the country’s most famous hot spring now flow under the Mochu river, which has taken a new course after the May 26 flood that completely washed away the five soaking ponds and the VIP bathhouse built around the spring.

The flood also washed away a canopy, a stable, an outreach clinic (ORC) and attached room, shops and public toilets, according to the tsachu caretaker, Dago. All that remains is the suspension bridge across the Mochu and the pungent smelling sinusitis cure holes located a few metres from the tsachu area.

The tsachu is also an important source of cash income and, with it gone, the Gasaps are feeling the pinch. A businesswoman, who runs a restaurant at the junction of the trail towards Gasa dzong and the tsachu, told Kuensel that her sales have gone down from Nu 1,500 a day to about Nu 500 a day.

The locals have attempted to restore the tsachu. Three weeks after the flood, a few people from Gasa and the tsachu caretakers made temporary ponds and soaked in them. “A monk advised us to put sand in sacks and make temporary ponds,” said caretaker Dago. But they got washed away that same night.

With the rains raising the level of the river locating the source of the hot spring has become risky. Landslides were taking place in the tsachu area when Kuensel visited on July 9.

People are using a temporary wooden ladder and a thin wire to go downstream and collect the tsachu water.

The flood still haunts the tsachu caretakers. “Whenever it rains, I hear sounds similar to the one I heard on May 26,” said Lhamo, 60, who worked as the neyda (one, who makes offering to the local deities). The spring has also been a traditional source of healing for the people of Gasa. Now they cannot do that anymore.

Gasa dzongrab Karma Rinchen told Kuensel that dzongkhag officials had located all the five hot spring sources near the riverbank, but with the river swollen all of them were under the river now.

“Our immediate concern is to least come up with temporary ponds, so that people can come and soak,” dzongrab Karma Rinchen said. “Retrieval may be possible only after the monsoon.”

The dzongkhag administration is planning to divert the river to its original course and build river protection walls. Dzongkhag officials have tried building embankments and walls to divert the river.

“We want people to come to the tsachu this winter so that Gasa residents aren’t deprived of their livelihood,” the dzongrab said.

Dzongkhag officials hope the government will take care of the permanent restoration. “Land should be reclaimed and huge protections walls built to restore the area,” said an official.

Flora & Fauna

Takin: National Animal of Bhutan 

Langur

Flora and Fauna 

Nestled deep within the Himalayas, Bhutan is a treasure trove of biological diversity with an unparalleled richness of flora and fauna due to the varied altitudinal and climatic conditions present in the country. This fragile ecosystem has remained unspoiled due to the conservation efforts of the Bhutanese people and government. Today 60% of the kingdom’s total area has been designated as protected nature preserves.

Bhutan is the perfect destination for enthusiastic horticulturalists as it contains more than 60%of the common plant species found in the Eastern Himalayas. It also boasts of approximately 46 species of Rhododendrons and over 300 types of medicinal plants. Junipers, Magnolias, Orchids, Blue Poppies (the national flower), Edelweiss, Gentian, various medicinal herbs, Daphne, Giant Rhubarb, Pine and Oak trees are among the plants commonly found.


The kingdom is also home to a wide variety of animals. At higher altitudes you will come across snow leopards, blue sheep, red pandas, takin, marmots and musk deer. Leopards, gorals, gray langurs, Himalayan black bears, red pandas, sambars, wild pigs and barking deer are found in the temperate zones. The tropical forests in the south are a haven for clouded leopards, elephants, one horned Rhinoceros, water buffalos, golden langurs, gaurs, swamp deer, hog deer, hornbills and many other species. Bhutan is home to the highest altitude inhabiting Tigers in the world and they are commonly found throughout the country.
Visitors can experience the magnificent flora and fauna of Bhutan through sightseeing tours or by embarking on treks and hikes through beautiful virgin forests, pristine Himalayan Mountains and across sparkling crystal clear rivers fed by ancient mountain glaciers. Roads in Bhutan pass through the rich forests so travelers can experience the majestic natural environments of Bhutan

Village Tour

Village Tour

Bhutan Village tour is our sincere effort to show real Bhutan found in its villages, where time have stood still. Immerse in its culture, try the local food, visit Bhutanese farmers, interact with the families, children, monks and nuns and revitalize with traditional stone bath. We also include visits to the key monuments such as Dzongs and but ensuring that you will not be dzonged out with too many of them. Our long experience and visitors’ feedback for many years have prompted us to come up with this tour that provides authentic Bhutanese experience. It is a summary of all that draws visitors our country; friendly people, beautiful scenery, a vibrant, proud culture. On this tour, Wind Horse strive to showcase the living culture and traditions, and its harmony with modernity. It is our endeavor to show the pristine environment and how culture, nature and modernity can coexists to provide happiness in the country known for Gross National Happiness.