In 2008 a massive flood on the Mo Chhu (Female River) destroyed a popular hot spring complex, which is under restoration and was to re-open in late 2011.
Residents herd yaks and dzos, and a small number benefit from the nascent tourism industry.
A narrow road from Punakha, which is mostly unpaved, reaches up to the Dzong and is now being extended up to Laya.
Most parts of the dzongkhag lie within Jigme Dorji National Park (Khamaed, Khatoed, Laya, Lunana Gewogs), although the northeast reaches of Gasa are part of Wangchuck Centennial Park (Lunana Gewog).
Gasa Tashi Tongmön Dzong Sabhi Goenpa Tshechu Drak Tshechu Dra is a sacred cliff of longevity is located in the Panikong village where Guru Rinpoche is said to have extracted longevity water from a cliff to benefit sentient beings.