Bhutan's Natural Hot Springs
Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, offers more than breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Dotted across the kingdom lie hidden gems - natural hot springs, known as "tsachu" in Dzongkha. These geothermal havens, revered for their therapeutic properties and spiritual significance, beckon travelers seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and a glimpse into Bhutanese traditions.
Tsachus are believed to cure illnesses, including arthritis, body aches, skin diseases, ulcers, rheumatism, indigestion, tuberculosis, and others.
Getting there is an easy flight, with plenty of places to stay. As always I suggest getting travel insurance in case nature rears her head and cancels your travel.
1. Chuboog Tshachu
Chuboog Tshachu is located deep in the forest at the foot of the spire-shaped hill, the abode of Tsachu Deity, Ap Khachhep at an elevation of 1737 meters above sea level in Wolathang of Toedwang Gewog under Punakha Dzongkhag.
The Chubu hot spring is located approximately 30 km away from the suspension bridge in Punakha, north of Samdingkha. Drive to Khuruthang Town and cross the Khuruthang bridge over Phochu-Mochu, turn left towards the distant hills along the Phochu river bank until you reach another bridge over the same river that takes you to the other side.
Stay at one of the beautiful temple-like stays in Punakha. The Spirit Village Lodge where you can eat at the restaurant with a view of the Punakha Dzong. For a more immersive experience, stay at the Nobgang B&B "Traditional Heritage HomeStay" in a small village, wonderful food made of fresh ingredients, within walking distance of temples.
On the way you can enjoy the beautiful Puna Tsang Chu River and the Kuenga Hot Stone Bath. A hot stone bath is a traditional Bhutanese healing practice that involves soaking in mineral-infused water, heated by fire-roasted river stones in a wooden tub. This ancient ritual, known locally as “Menchu,” is cherished for its therapeutic properties and is a key part of Bhutanese wellness culture.
At Chuboog Tshachu, there are two separate hot spring pool houses. The upper pool consists of four open compartments, demarcated by timber beam dividers at the surface level, which otherwise would form a single large pool. Lower down, under a single roof, there are two distinct pools: one small and another larger one, divided into nine open compartments. All three pools are well-roofed, while the surrounding floors are made of concrete.
All pools are properly roofed and surrounding floors are concreted. The pools have wooden floors and the larger two have wood paneled sides to conserve heat and provide health comfort. There are compartments for bathing before entering the pool to soak in the Tshachu. One must scoop water from the pools in buckets or jugs and carry it to the bathing room.
Steeped in legend, Chuboog Tshachu is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist saint. Locals visit for both religious merit and the therapeutic benefits of the sulfur-rich waters.
The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, muscle relaxation, and joint pain. Specific mineral quantities haven't been widely documented.
Secret Tip: Visit during the off-season (November-March) to avoid peak crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding valley. Combine your soak with exploring nearby Punakha Dzong, a magnificent fortress-monastery.
Safety: Be mindful of uneven surfaces and respect local customs. Opt for private pools if desired. The pools represent a unisex facility, open to individuals of all ages. Men typically wear briefs or boxers, while women, especially the younger ones, wear tops paired with shorts or slacks.
Best Time to Go: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures, while summers can be mild and winters cold.
2. Koma Tshachu
To the west of Chuboog Tshachu you’ll find Koma Tsachu deep in the forest alongside a river. Koma Tshachu offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Bathe in the open-air pools surrounded by stunning mountain vistas and immerse yourself in nature's tranquility.
While there visit Bhutan’s second largest national park, Jigme Dorji National Park home to many globally endangered species of flora and fauna, such as Tiger, Snow leopard, Asiatic wild dog, and Himalayan musk deer.
There are some tent camping sites nearby but little else. Stay at one of the beautiful temple-like stays in Punakha. The Spirit Village Lodge where you can eat at the restaurant with a view of the Punakha Dzong. For a more immersive experience, stay at the Nobgang B&B "Traditional Heritage HomeStay" in a small village, wonderful food made of fresh ingredients, within walking distance of temples.
The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, muscle relaxation, and joint pain. Specific mineral quantities haven't been widely documented. The first pool on the other side of the stream, which is 33°C in temperature and is located at an elevation of 1,860 meters, has healing properties for ailments involving wind (bad rlung), bile (bad mkhris), and brown phlegm (bad kan smug po).
Secret Tip: Visit early in the morning to experience the invigorating mountain air and witness the captivating sunrise over the valley. Locals casually claim that it is a dais (seat) of the Guru Rinpoche and that Ugyen Guru Rinpoche has blessed this hot spring. The 69th Je khenpo Geshe Gedan Rinchen used to bathe in the third pool, which is known as "Medicinal Water" (sman chu), which is also on the other side of the stream and has a temperature of 17°C.
Safety: Be aware of potential slippery surfaces and respect local customs. Although a few tiny stores have sprouted around the hot spring, the only true alternative if all of the accommodations are full is to camp and bring your own tent. Facilities are relatively minimal because of the hot spring's isolation and tiny size.
Best Time to Go: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer comfortable temperatures, while summers can be mild and winters cold.
3. Gasa Tshachu
Continue north of Jigme Dorji National Park and find yourself in the village of Gasa.
Immerse yourself in the local culture at Gasa Tshachu, where villagers gather to socialize and bathe in the communal pools. Witness traditional customs and experience the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality.
Some believe that the hot springs date back to the time of Drupthop Terkhungpa (ca. 13th century), when he was believed to have scattered 128 varieties of medicines in Gasa, from which 128 hot springs or tsachu (ཚ་ཆུ་) and medicinal springs or menchu (སྨན་ཆུ་) emerged. Guest houses, farmstays, and tent sites are available.
The local deity of Gasa Tsachu is Dendup Norzang, who is believed to reside in a dense forest across the river. Visitors do not enter the deity’s domain. Legend says that Dendup Norzang was a wrathful demon before Drupthop Terkhungpa converted him into a peaceful dharma protector. The households in the villages near the tsachu make offerings to the deity in their annual lochö ritual. Many visitors make appeasement offerings to Dendup Norzang before enjoying the waters.
The waters are rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, muscle relaxation, and joint pain. Specific mineral quantities haven't been widely documented.
Gasa is rich in flora and fauna and boasts some rare species of birds an animal like the Takin, Musk Deer, Bleu Sheep, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Tiger, Red Pandas, Raven, Wild Pheasants, Snow Pigeons, the Red Billed Cough, the Alpine Swift, the Snow Partridge, the Black Necked Crane and many others.
Secret Tip: Learn a few basic Dzongkha phrases to connect with the locals and enhance your cultural experience. Consider participating in a traditional hot stone massage for added rejuvenation.
Safety: Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially during religious ceremonies.
Best Time to Go: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures, while summers can be mild and winters harsh.
Are you traveling in other parts of Asia? Take a look at more hot springs in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, India, Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam.
