List of hot springs and mineral springs of Bhutan

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List of hot springs and mineral springs of Bhutan

Background
In Bhutan, a hot spring is called Tshachu, and its medicinal or mineral water is called Menchu. There are also holy springs known as Drupchhu. People believe Tshachu, Drupchhu, and related springs originate from blessings by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and are often found at sacred sites. In Bhutan, soaking in hot springs is mainly for therapeutic purposes (balneotherapy), not just recreation.

Therapeutic springs and minerals
The Institute of Traditional Medicine Services classifies Tshachu and notes that many springs have medicinal value. Tshachu are thought to contain minerals described in ancient texts (such as coal, sulfur, and limestone). Researchers have documented the history, spiritual aspects, and health benefits of Bhutan’s springs and expanded lists of popular Tshachu and Drupchhu.

Gasa Tsachu and local beliefs
Two oral traditions surround Gasa Tsachu. One says Drupthop Terkhungpa spread 128 medicines, forming 128 hot and mineral springs. The other says Zhapdrung Ngakwang Namgyel visited Gasa Tsachu to relieve fatigue and joint pain. The local deity Dendup Norzang is associated with the Gasa Tsachu.

Visiting
Visiting hot springs in Bhutan is free of charge. Spa treatments or facilities at nearby hotels are not included.

Hot springs
- Chuboog Tshachu (Punakha)
- Koma Tshachu (Punakha)
- Gasa Tsachu (Gasa)
- Wachey Tsachu
- Gayza Tshachu (Gasa)
- Dhur Tshachu (Bumthang)
- Duenmang Tshachu (Zhemgang)
- Gelephu Tshachu (Sarpang)
- Khambalung gNey Tshachu (Lhuntse)
- Yoenten KuenjungTshachu (Lhuntse)
- Pasalum Tshachu (Lhuentse)

Mineral springs
- Bjagay Menchu (Paro)
- Dobji Menchu (Paro)
- Bjagay, Tokay, Mage-Phenday, Loyee Menchu (Gasa)
- Kabisa Menchu (Punakha)
- Dangchu Wangchu (Wangdue Phodrang)
- Ura Dangchu (Bumthang)
- Dangkhar Menchu (Zhemgang)
- Aja gNey Menchu (Mongar)
- Bharab Menchu and Chethag Menchu (Lhuentse)
- Menchugang Pho-mo Menchu (Lhuentse)
- Dhonphangma Menchu (Trashigang)
- Khabtey Menchu (Trashigang)
- Tokey Menchu (Gasa)
- Khowabokto Menchu (Phobjikha Valley)
- Gela Menchu (Phobjikha Valley)
- Zeeba Menchu (Phobjikha)
- Pisting Menchu (Phobjikha)
- Khasa Menchu (Phobjikha)
- Dungchen Menchu (Dagana)
- Gewo Menchu
- Menchu Karp (Thimphu)
- Korphu Menchu (Trongsa)
- Zami Menchu (Gasa)
- Menchu Karp (Gasa)
- Ake Menchu (Gasa)
- Yame Menchu (Gasa)
- Bakey Menchu (Gasa)
- Rekayzam Menchu (Wangdue Phodrang)

Holy springs
- Bartsham Drupchhu (Trashigang)
- Dechenphug Drupchhu (Thimphu)
- Dhobdrek Drupchhu (Paro)
- Dhodhey Drak Drupchhu (Thimphu)
- Drubthob Ngagi Rinchen Drupchhu (Punakha)
- Jomorichu Drupchhu (Trashigang)
- Kurje Drupchhu (Bumthang)
- Taktsang Drupchhu (Paro)
- Tango Drupchhu (Thimphu)
- Thuji Drak Drupchhu (Thimphu)
- Tsheringma Drupchhu (Trongsa)

See also
- Bhutan
- Protected areas of Bhutan

Further reading
Water-Based Therapies of Bhutan: Current Practices and the Recorded Clinical Evidence of Balneotherapy (2021)

External links
(Not included in this short version)