Phurpa Lhamo | Gasa

Gasa hot spring’s income for the 2019-2020 financial year has decreased by around Nu 300,000.

In the 2018-2019 financial year, the tshachu generated more than Nu 2.5 million (M). This decreased to Nu 2.2M in the last financial year.

The tshachu, which closed on March 22 due to the pandemic, reopened to public on July 3, only to be closed on August 11 due to the lockdown.

According to tshachu Manager Tandin Dorji, Nu 125,000 was generated in two months of July and August this year.

Last year, in August alone the tshachu generated Nu 139,000.

Although peak season begins from November, guests continue to come in small numbers even in lean season. “In November last year, income was Nu 500,000 a month. In December it was Nu 400,000.”

After the easing of the lockdown, the tshachu was opened to public on September 13.

There are around 15 guests at the tshachu today, all from Punakha.

Tandin Dorji said that the management would not accept more than 50 guests and would also monitor the number of people in the ponds.

He added that only six or eight people were allowed in a single pond to ensure a metre distance between two individuals.

“Some say they are family members and stay together in the room but we still ensure they have a metre distance between themselves in the pond.”

The guests are also checked for fever and other flu-like symptoms during registration.

Face masks have been made compulsory and police has also been stationed to ensure that the Covid-19 safety health protocols are followed.

The tshachu management has notified the guests to clean their rooms, to carry soaps and practice frequent hand-washing.