Gasa Luxury Travel

Gasa is a remote district in northwestern Bhutan bordering Tibet to the north and Thimphu and Punakha to the south. Cradled by sawtooth, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the region beckons with its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, serene alpine meadows, and geothermal hot springs. The hundreds of glacial lakes that skirt the region’s mountains are the wellspring for Bhutan’s Mo Chu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. If this enchanting wilderness feels spiritual, that’s because it is. The entire district of Gasa is considered environmentally sacrosanct land, and its historical significance is undeniable—it served as the entry point for Zhabdrung, the unifier of Bhutan.

The vastness of Gasa is embodied upon arrival. Roughly the size of Rhode Island, it harbors fewer than 3,000 residents. Some villages are so remote that residents must walk for days to cast a vote in Bhutanese elections. Fewer than one per cent of all Bhutan travelers will venture as far north as Gasa. Those who do are rewarded with jaw-dropping alpine hiking, opportunities to spy rare endangered species, cultural encounters with indigenous Layap people, and total immersion in pristine nature.

Places to Go in Gasa, Bhutan

There are three main settlements in the region and each offers its own charms:

Gasa: Boasts a marvelous dzong, perched on a hillock and serves as the district’s hub.

Deeper within the mountains lies Lunana, the remote village thrust into the spotlight by the heartwarming Oscar-nominated film, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom. Director Pawo Dorji filmed it exclusively using solar power due to the lack of electricity.

Laya: Seated at 12,467 feet elevation, Laya’s ~110 homes represent the highest human settlement in Bhutan. Snowed in for many months of the year, it also goes by the name Baeyul, which aptly translates to “hidden land.” Reachable by helicopter, Laya is home to the Layap people, a semi-nomadic community of yak herders. This resilient tribe is renowned for its unique culture and iconic hand-woven bamboo hats, belo, a craft sadly facing endangerment.

Notably, nearly all of Gasa is encompassed by Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan’s second-largest park. This protected landscape shelters rare and endangered species like the snow leopard, red panda, and blue sheep.

Gasa Travel Highlights

Soak in a mineral-rich private hot spring enveloped by forest and mountain peaks

Wander the corridors of Gasa Dzong, a historic fortress graced with valley views

Explore the village of Laya alongside an expert guide

Hike to shimmering glacial lakes

Encounter yak herders in their alpine campsites

Meet one of two remaining belo hat makers to learn about this disappearing craft

Celebrate alongside Gasa locals at the annual Royal Highland Festival

Related reading: The Best Things to Do in Bhutan

Things to do in Gasa

If you let it, Gasa will test your limits.

The legendary Snowman Trek is a 30-day endurance challenge that is often cited as the world’s toughest hike. Created by yak herders, the route makes 10 high mountain passes above 14,700 feet. You’ll pass isolated villages, small Buddhist monasteries, and lay eyes on Jichu Drake and Jomolhari’s distinctive peaks.

For something less technical, the 12-day Gangchenta Trek (“Tiger Mountain” Trek) from Gasa to Laya offers one of Bhutan’s most spectacular multi-day adventures with stunning Himalayan vistas.

Travelers who prefer to retreat to a wilderness tented camp each night have plentiful options for full-day and half-day hikes in Gasa.

Runners will also rejoice. Gasa hosts the start of the Bhutan International Marathon, and the 15-mile Laya Run, which kicks off the Royal Highland Festival each October.

Even if outdoor recreation isn’t your focus, Gasa is worth the visit.

Throughout Bhutan, soaking in hot springs is believed to be therapeutic, offering relief to ailments from arthritis to skin conditions. The region’s famous mineral-rich hot springs (Gasa Tsachu), near the banks of the Mo Chhu River, recently reopened after a destructive 2021 flood. Featuring eight pools with different purported curative powers, each accommodates up to 25 bathers.

Gasa travelers also have the opportunity to meet indigenous Layap peoples. A village visit alongside a headsman reveals much about these nomadic people who thrive in some of the world’s highest-elevation settlements, disconnected from the modernizing world. Enjoy a welcoming ceremony, listen to Layap melodies, admire costumed dance, and learn about longstanding cultural traditions and daily life.

Where to Stay in Gasa

Luxury hotels and lodges in Gasa are non-existent.

For a remarkable experience, we recommend travelers stay at Gasa Sangwa Camp, an exclusive-use camp located in a secretive spot in the Himalayan wilderness. Using it as a base, guests will enjoy ambient meals such as plein-air breakfasts on low tables with pillow seating, and a family-hosted farm lunch. Daily activities include yoga, forest bathing, guided hiking, textile dyeing and weaving, archery, darts, Layap songs and dance, and a Bhutanese whiskey tasting. Astrology readings, hot springs, and a “village joy ride” are unique add-ons.

The Best Time to Visit Gasa, Bhutan

Weather-wise, travelers want to plan a trip to Gasa between March and November, but perhaps not during July-August’s rains. Traveling during the winter months is not recommended.

Notable events on the festival calendar include the Gasa Tshechu. Held across four days in April (typically), this celebration takes place against Gasa Dzong, making for a stunning backdrop. In October, a major draw is the Royal Highland Festival in Laya, which is usually attended by the King. The two-day event celebrates Layap culture through games, parades, song, dance, and competitions that include yak, horses, and mastiffs.

Keep reading: The Best Time to Visit Bhutan: A Month-By-Month Guide