GASA DZONG

Gasa is most famous for its Layap people, and for the Snowman Trek, one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. Gasa is bordered by Tibet to the north and by Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang dzongkhags to the south. Gasa is divided into four gewogs:

* Goenkhamae Gewog
* Goenkaatoe Gewog
* Laya Gewog
* Lunana Gewog

National Council from Gasa

Formally, Gasa was a dungkhag under Punakha dzongkhag and it was made a separate dzongkhag at the beginning of the 7 th plan in 1992. It consists of four Geogs – Goenkhatoe, Goenkhamae, Laya and Lunana. Gasa lies on the old trade route to Tibet. The Gasa people take pride in the fact that the Zhabdrung entered Bhutan through Gasa and there are many sacred places and artifacts revered as being blessed by his presence and association. In fact, the map for the Geog as drawn by the community use landform associated with the Zhabdrung as reference point. For instance, the Phulakha (pass in the north) is where it is believed that the people of Gasa made their first offerings to the Zhabdrung who had camped there on his way into Bhutan.

11. Gasa Dzong

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It is located in the far north of the county and spans the Middle and High Himalayas.It is the least developed of all the dzongkhags and has a population of just over 3500 although it has become a hot tourist destination because of its pristine forests and notably, the hot springs. The high altitude makes farming difficult, although government programs seek to establish mustard and summer vegetable planting programs. Residents herd yaks and dzos, and a small number benefit from the nascient tourism industry. More recently a small feeder road is being constructed and it shall be completed by the end of 2007. Electricity is also being supplied to some of the geogs and all electrification programmes is expected to be complete by 2012.

Gasa is most famous for its Layap people, and for the Snowman Trek, one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. Gasa is bordered by Tibet to the north and by Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang dzongkhags to the south.