Gasa Tsachu

Many of Bhutan’s inhabitants enjoy the blissful waters of natural hot springs for healing and relaxation. One such spring, Gasa Tsachu, stands out for its extraordinary beauty and prime location. Nestled in the foothills of a majestic Himalayan peak, Gasa Tsachu offers naturally warm, wonderfully mineral-rich bathing to soothe one’s body and soul.

Only known to science since 1876, the the IUCN Red List lists this shy species of crane as "vulnerable." A few hundred individuals fly to Bhutan's serene Phobjika Valley -- the country's largest wetland area -- to escape the Tibetan Plateau's frigid winters. The RSPN (Royal Society for Protection of Nature, which created the center) has monitored the cranes here since 1987, and bird arrivals have been steadily increasing in the three decades since.

While the upper reaches of the Mo Chhu offer challenging whitewater conditions, the lowest stretch of the river combines straightforward rafting with wonderful scenery, making it particularly attractive for those new to rafting. The 6km (3.6 mile) trip takes around an hour — occasionally slightly longer in the spring when winds and currents intervene to push this section of the river from Class I to Class II. An hour spent floating downriver provides an unforgettable experience of the beautiful Punakha Valley.

Stretching down the middle of Norzin Lam from the National Textile Museum to the luxurious Taj Tashi Hotel, a line of simple bamboo huts house Thimphu's highest concentration of Bhutanese handicrafts and souvenirs. The craft bazaar is one of the capital's most interesting places to browse, with heaps of malas (prayer beads), glossy wooden bowls, brass Buddha statues, grimacing skull masks, sheaves of delicate handmade paper, jewel-toned scarves, and even mugs decorated with photographs of royalty.