Up in Bhutan's wild north, at 2,850 metres above sea level, where the ridgelines breathe clouds, and the silence feels almost sacred, lies Gasa—a place where travellers pause to soak, trek, or simply listen. The air carries the scent of pine and Riverstone, and the rhythm here is slower, steadier, wrapped in the wind and the sound of prayer flags.
Known for its natural hot springs tucked by the riverside, Gasa draws those in search of stillness and healing. Locals and pilgrims alike come to bathe in its mineral-rich waters, which are believed to ease the body and settle the mind.
But beyond the steam and stone, Gasa opens the trail to something far wilder. This is the starting point for the renowned Laya–Gasa Trek, a highland journey that winds past yak herder camps, blue pine forests, and hidden Himalayan passes—an odyssey of landscapes few ever witness.
Come late October, high above Gasa, the Royal Highland Festival brings the remote village of Laya to life. For two days, Bhutan's highlanders gather with their finest horses, yaks, and woven treasures. Music drifts across the valley, stories are shared beside fires, and the mountain feels alive with celebration.
Whether you're beginning a trek, attending a sacred gathering, or resting in the warmth of Gasa's springs, this quiet corner of Bhutan reminds you that the most meaningful places aren't always marked by monuments—but by presence.
