Dunmang Natural Hot Spring
Sindri Traustason • June 18, 2020
The Popular Dunmang Natural Hot Spring and Bird Watching
While Bhutan is known by many names, the most relevant is “The Land of Medicinal Herbs’ as coined by the Tibetan traditional doctors as there are numerous medicinal plants and herbs grown and many not identified yet. The herbal plants/soil and the mineral rocks combine to give the hot-springs a powerful natural healing of various medicinal values which is considered to cure many diseases and ailments.
Dunmang Tshachu – Many many years ago around this part of the world two huge mega pieces of the Earth’s crust called the tectonic plates collided against each other giving birth to the towering Himalayas. This powerful force resulted in forming a network of natural hot springs in the Himalayas and Bhutan located in the eastern part of the interior Himalayas has numerous such hot springs all over the country. The Gasa, Chubu and Koma (Tshachu) hot springs in Punakha, Dunmang Tshachu in Zhemgang, Dhur Tshachu in Bumthang, Tatopani in Gelephu, Khempa Jong Nye in Lhuentse are among the more popular ones in Bhutan.
While Bhutan is known by many names, the most relevant is “The Land of Medicinal Herbs’ as coined by the Tibetan traditional doctors as there are numerous medicinal plants and herbs grown and many not identified yet. The herbal plants/soil and the mineral rocks combine to give the hot-springs a powerful natural healing of various medicinal values which is considered to cure many diseases and ailments. Back in the old days when there were no hospitals or modern doctors and very few traditional doctors, the Bhutanese people heavily relied on the hot springs and traditional hot stone baths as an alternative curative therapy.
The Dunmang Tshachu/Hot springs is very popular for numerous healing and curative benefits such as migranes, gastritis, piles, body aches, joint aches and healing fractured/dislocated joints. There are 4 outdoors ponds with water temperatures ranging from 10 degrees to 53 degrees and blends in perfectly with the forest and the Mangde Chhu / river flowing alongside.
For all guests’ accommodation there is a 2-storied guesthouse and a VIP room with proper washrooms andtoilets pumped with the hot spring water. People from all walks of life including few tourists come to this hot spring for therapy, relaxation and adventure. It is a one and half hour walk down from the Zhemgang – Panbang Highway at the Gomphu zero point. Since the Dunmang hot spring is located inside the Royal Manas National Park, on the way to and from the Hot Spring you can spot many different birds including the endangered Great Hornbill and various wild animals.
You can therefore combine this adventure with bird watching and wild life viewing along the path to and from the hot spring early in the morning or by evening.
Through this undisturbed tropical, sub-tropical and Alpine regions of virgin forests, waterfalls and lakes, highland nomadic villages, undisturbed nature and views of the Greater Himalayas and Snow Capped Peaks, Bhutan offers some of the best trekking experiences all year round.
The view from there is the panoramic sight of almost all the tallest Himalayan Mountain of Bhutan like majestic Gangkar Puensum, formidable Table Mountain and Tiger Mountain. As it is located at the top, the view of the Himalayan ranges is better than anywhere in the area, even as compared to famous Dochula Pass.
For Bhutanese, Gross National Happiness means a good government that creates an enabling environment for people to pursue happiness in a meaningful way. The result is a country at peace with itself, and people at peace with themselves!
To Experience True Zhemgang
The Healing Power of Nature
Bird Watching in the Hotspot of Oldest National Park
The Crown Jewel of Bhutan's National Parks
Trong Village - To Promote Eco-Tourism in Zhemgang
Clinging on a huge rock towards the north end of the Tang valley lies the Thowa Drak Hermitage just like the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. From the valley or road point it is a stiff 3 hours hike uphill through the serene and peaceful forest. Sweeping views of the Tang valley and the landscape can be enjoyed along the way with a bird’s eye view from the main site.
A quick visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Brewery is a refreshing alternative after visiting many temples and religious sites in the Bumthang valley. The Factory was started in the late 1960’s by a Swiss national Mr Fritz Maurer who visited Bhutan and settled in Bumthang.