Gasa Dzong on the northern frontier

Gasa Dzong, formally called Tashi Thongmoen Dzong, stands on a hill overlooking the town and the valley. It was built in the 17th century under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, when the new Bhutanese state was defending itself against Tibetan attacks from the north, and Gasa sat on one of the routes across the mountains. Like other dzongs, it now holds both the district administration and a monk body.

The dzong's layout is rounded, with buildings and walls arranged around a central tower, instead of the long rectangles of Punakha or Paro. It is smaller than the great dzongs of the west, and much less visited. With your guide you can see the courtyard and, when open, the main temple. On clear mornings, look north beyond it for snow peaks on the edge of Jigme Dorji National Park.

Combine the dzong with a soak at the hot springs on the same visit. Usual rules apply: long sleeves, long trousers or a skirt, no caps inside, and no photographs in the temples. Timings depend on office hours and religious work, so let your guide check on the day. If you are staying the night at the hot springs, the dzong makes a good morning outing before the drive back to Punakha, when the light is clearer and the offices are open.