It is the kingdom’s least populated district, guarding the high passes to Tibet. Below the dzong, the Gasa tshachu hot springs have drawn Bhutanese pilgrims for centuries. A day’s walk above is Laya, home of the Layap people. The women wear conical bamboo hats and turquoise, and yaks own the trails.
This is journey country rather than sightseeing country. You come here to walk, to soak, and to sleep somewhere genuinely far away.
Gasa is about four hours north of Punakha by road, then trails. Allow at least two nights, and more if you are walking to Laya. April to June and September to November are the best months. Bring warm clothes and good boots.
