Refresh and rejuvenate in Bhutan’s hot springs

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in ancient culture and restore balance to your life, a trip to magical Bhutan is the perfect way to lift your spirits. Although it is best known for its mountain views and idyllic temples, there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered within its borders. If you trek through pristine landscapes and ancient forests, you can ease your aching muscles in one of the Bhutan hot springs.

The significance of hot springs to the Bhutanese

Hot springs aren’t just a pleasant bathing experience to the Bhutanese, but an important part of local heritage. Healing through a soak in the hot springs is called menchu – which is a word in two parts: ‘men’ meaning medicine and ‘chu’ meaning water or spring. It’s an integral Bhutanese custom and a way of life.

For the people of Bhutan hot springs, or tshachu, as they’re called, are curative. They are believed to hold certain medicinal benefits as different springs affect different ailments. In days gone by, farmers would even bring sick and lame animals for a dip in the hot water, hoping they would be helped or cured. Today, we are pleased to report, most of the springs in Bhutan are reserved for humans.

What are the benefits of soaking in Bhutan’s hot springs?

The waters in many of Bhutan’s hot springs are deeply beneficial, often rich in minerals such as calcium, sulphur and iron. These are said to help conditions such as arthritis, muscle cramps and joint pain, circulation and skin conditions such as psoriasis. The soaking is also believed to be deeply therapeutic and mentally restorative.

The Bhutanese prefer the cooler months for a visit to one of the many hot springs as the warm water is said to be even more potent in the crisp air – and they take their wellness trips very seriously, often setting up camp near a hot spring for weeks or months. This allows them to take advantage of the rejuvenating properties of the mineral-rich water as frequently as they can.

Often, it is the elderly who seek the curative waters to ease their health problems. Indeed, somewhat surprisingly, many of the people making the long trip on foot are rather older than your average intrepid trekker.

The best hot springs in Bhutan

If you’re heading to hot springs during your trip to Bhutan (and we recommend you do), here are the best ones to visit…

Gasa Tshachu

The hot springs at Gasa Tshachu are a popular choice and it’s easy to see why. The surroundings are wonderfully scenic and verdant, and the site of the springs alongside the tumbling Mo Chhu River is spectacular.

In past decades, Gasa Tshachu in the remote north west of the country was a full two days’ hike from the road at Tashuthang. Today the road brings you much closer and you will only need to cover the last stretch on foot, which takes around 45 minutes.

There is also an option to arrive via a four- to six-hour trek from the road at Damji, through a beautiful forested region rich in flora and fauna. A fabulous reward when you arrive is a long soak in one of the four pools of mineral-rich water, which are said to be good for sinusitis, rheumatism, arthritis, ulcers, and skin conditions.

Dur Tshachu

Other hot springs worth a mention in Bhutan are Dur Tshachu, located deep within the Wangchuck Centennial Park of central Bhutan. They, like Gasa Tshachu, are believed to be good for rheumatism and general aches and pains. This is one of the most beautiful hot springs in the Himalayas, surrounded by alpine forests and towering peaks – so it’s not only a wellness expedition but a wilderness experience to make your way there.

This makes it the perfect hot springs destination for hikers, as the pools are way off the beaten track and require a multi-day trek to reach them. The trail takes you through stunning landscapes, where you can spot diverse wildlife such as langurs, takins and musk deer, and you’ll pass by serene Buddhist monasteries, so the effort is truly worth it. After all, Bhutan is the ideal destination for those who love to be active in nature and receive a nourishing reward at the end of it all.

Chuba Tshachu

Like other Bhutanese hot springs, Chubu Tshachu is believed to have medicinal properties, especially for treating skin ailments, joint pain, and digestive issues. The mineral-rich waters are surrounded by lush forests and the flowing Pho Chu River, creating a peaceful, natural retreat for those seeking both physical and mental relaxation.

As they’re easier to get to than Dur Tshachu, these springs attract locals and visitors alike – so visiting is a nice way to mingle with local Bhutanese who trek to soak in the waters for their own wellness purposes. A mix of pilgrims, tourists, monks and more are all drawn to Chuba Tshachu, too, for its reputation for healing and renewal.

Much more accessible than Dur Tshachu, Chubu Tshachu is around a two hours’ walk from Punakha town. The road has penetrated as far as Walathan, so what was once a full day’s walk from Punakha has been greatly reduced!

Duenmang Tshachu

Duenmang Tshachu is another popular spot for a soak as it enjoys a gorgeous location next to the River Mangdechhu, at the base of Kamjong Hill. Surrounded by steep cliffs covered in thick, emerald-green forests, there are towering conifers, moss-covered rocks and vibrant rhododendrons to accompany your hike.

It’s worth noting these springs are only for the brave, as the hour-long descent through the forested hills is fairly hair-raising, complete with rope bridges and rugged terrain. This only adds to the sense of seclusion and tranquility once you arrive and are able to relax and soak your tired limbs in the springs – one that only true devotees get to experience.

Gelephu Tshachu

Right down in the south of Bhutan there’s another well-known hot spring, Gelephu Tshachu. Surrounded by dense tropical forests, Gelephu Tshachu offers a serene atmosphere, quite different from Bhutan’s mountainous hot springs. In the warmer season, the humid air and thick jungle foliage create an almost spa-like environment, where visitors can unwind while listening to the sounds of chirping birds and flowing water. But as this area enjoys a milder climate, these springs are particularly popular with both tourists and locals in the winter months, as they’re the perfect way to warm up and rejuvenate.

This spring has five pools, again with healing and medicinal properties – the mineral-rich waters are said to relieve skin complaints and arthritis – but even if you have no other ailments except the chill of the weather, these springs and their pristine surroundings will refresh and rejuvenate. An ideal way to banish the cold from your bones and the tension from your body.

Get here through the town of Gelephu, and go during the winter months (November-February) to feel the warming benefits and let go of any winter fatigue.

Cultural etiquette for Bhutan hot springs

• Bhutan is a deeply welcoming country, but be aware that as a Southeast Asian nation with Buddhist roots, they’re conservative around public bathing.
• Bathing nude or in inappropriate swimwear is frowned upon, so wear a suitable bathing suit (no thong bikinis or speedos). Many locals wear traditional Bhutanese cover-ups, so try your best to blend in – ideally in longer trunks for men and a modest one-piece swimsuit for women.
• Some springs are gender segregated, so be sure to respect those rules if you see a sign.
• Don’t bring soap or shampoo to wash yourself in the springs – it will contaminate the water which is honored for its healing and medicinal properties.
• The springs aren’t a place to be loud or rowdy but to relax in peaceful surroundings and enjoy the nourishing power of nature. Treat them as a spiritual site, which you should be honored to be invited into.
• It should go without saying, but take all litter home with you.

What to bring

For the most comfortable experience, bring the following on your trip to the hot springs:

• A towel or dry robe.
• Snacks, especially if going far off the beaten path.
• Water: it’s important to hydrate, as the springs can make you sweat!
• A change of clothes for afterwards, especially if you’ve hiked a long way to get there.
• A sarong or cover-up.

Make it happen

Our Bhutan experts would love to help you plan your adventure. Pop a few details into our enquiry form to find out more. If you’d like to know more about what Bhutan has to offer, have a look at our destination overview.