Hot Springs in Bhutan
In Bhutan, hot springs are known as Tshachus and are found all over the Kingdom. The medicinal properties of these hot springs have been used by the Bhutanese people for centuries to cure various ailments ranging from arthritis to body aches and even sinuses. It is a popular tradition among Bhutanese to visit hot springs during the winter months.
1. Koma Tshachu
Koma Tshachu is based at Gon Shari at Punakha. In order to reach here, we have to drive along the Punakha Gasa Highway for about an hour till we reach the turning junction that leads to Gon Shari village, and from there, it takes about 40 minutes’ walk.
It is considered auspicious to visit this place from the eighth month of the Bhutanese calendar until the twelfth month. It is believed that one should dip for at least three continuous days to get the full effect of the minerals in the waters.
There are primarily 3 pools:
- The first pool, with a temperature of 33°C, contains healing properties for diseases related to disturbance to your wind.
- The second pool, with a temperature of 38.3°C, can cure phlegm disorder and contains healing properties for cold, digestive disorders, lymphatic fluid, and skin diseases. Those with high blood pressure are advised not to bathe in this pool for a long time.
- The third pool, which is medicinal water (sman chu), has a temperature of 17.3°C and has curative properties for injuries, gout, fractures, jaundice, and neural diseases.
The hot spring is considered sacred as it is believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche, the prime deity of Bhutan.
2. Duenmang Tshachu
Duenmang Tshachu or Duenmang hot spring is situated under Nangkor gewog, under Zhemgang Dzongkhag. It is situated at the bottom of a deep narrow valley. It is about a 1-hour walk downhill from the nearest road head. There are about five bathing troughs.
It is believed that taking a bath in the hot spring cures many diseases like TB, rheumatism, gastritis, etc.
3. Chubu Tshachu
Chubu Tshachu is one of the well-known hot springs in the country. Chubu Tshachu falls under Toedwang gewog in Punakha.
Like all the hot springs in the country, Chubu Tshachu is also well-known for its healing and curative properties for ailments like body aches, sinuses, ulcers, gastritis, and even piles. The hot spring is located approximately 30 km away from the suspension bridge in Punakha.
4. Gelephu Tshachu
Gelephu Tshachu or Gelephu Hotspring is one of the popular places to visit in Gelephu. The location of the hot spring is surrounded by hills on every side. This hot spring is famous as people believe that their diseases are cured after they bathe in this hot spring, which includes joint pains, stomach aches, skin diseases, etc.
Visitors to Gelephu Tshachu mainly come for this purpose. The natural surroundings of Tshachu look beautiful with the peaceful environment.
5. Dur Tshachu
Dur Tshachu is located in Central Bhutan in Bumthang Dzongkhag. Situated in the village of Dur, this hot spring is renowned for its medicinal value and is known to cure body aches.
However, to reach Dur Tshachu, you need to take a 3-day hike, which would be rewarded in the form of a rejuvenating bath in these hot springs, where you can relax and cure body aches after a tiring hike. Not only will you get to take a bath, but you can also enjoy rejuvenating views of nature that this trek has to offer.
6. Gasa Tshachu
If you are not a hiking person, then Gasa Tshachu is the best hot spring you can opt for. Just a few years back, visitors had to trek for approximately 40 minutes from the nearby road to the springs located on the valley floor, but now there is a road leading directly to the Gasa Tshachu spot.