Nub Tshonapata Trek

12 Nights / 13 Days

The Nub Tshonapata Trek is one of Bhutan’s newest and least-explored trekking routes, located in the pristine wilderness of Haa Valley within the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve. This moderate trek takes hikers through ancient rhododendron forests, high mountain passes, alpine meadows, yak herder camps, and the sacred Tshonapata Lake, offering an authentic Himalayan wilderness experience away from the crowds. The trek reaches elevations of approximately 4,350 meters, making it ideal for adventurous travelers seeking solitude and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Trek Overview

  • Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Highest Elevation: 4,350 m
  • Best Seasons: Mid-March to June & September to November
  • Accommodation: Fully serviced camping
  • Region: Haa Valley, Western Bhutan
Nub Tshonapata Trek

Tour Highlights

  • Hike the Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, one of Bhutan’s architectural highlights
  • Visit the 300-year old Punakha Dzong which is located between Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river).
  • Explore the bustling capital Thimphu, including sights like the Buddha Dordenma, the National Memorial Chorten and more
  • Walk across Farmhouses to reach Chimmi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple\
  • Enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas from the Dochu la mountain pass
  • Trek through one of Bhutan’s newest and least-visited trekking routes.
  • Explore the pristine wilderness of the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve.
  • Visit the sacred Nub Tshonapata Lake.
  • Cross mountain passes above 4,300 meters.
  • Experience authentic yak herder camps and traditional highland culture.
  • Walk along sections of the historic Haa–Tibet trade route.
  • Enjoy spectacular alpine scenery, rhododendron forests, and seasonal wildflowers.

Itinerary

Fly to Paro. After visa formalities at the Paro airport, your guide will meet you and then drive to Haa Valley (2.5 hrs) via stunning Chelela Pass. Bhutan’s highest motorable pass at 3,988 meters. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paro and Haa valleys. On clear days, you’ll see Mount Jomolhari in the distance.
The journey offers sweeping Himalayan views and a gradual introduction to Bhutan’s rural mountain landscapes. If your time permits, visit Kila nunnery before reaching Chelela Pass. Established as a meditation site as early as the 9th century, the nunnery serves as a dedicated retreat for nuns who lead lives of simplicity, prayer, and study.
Overnight in Haa

Today you explore the beautiful Haa Panorama Trail, one of Bhutan’s most rewarding valley hikes. The trail passes through forests, ridges, and traditional villages, offering wide views of the Haa Valley and surrounding peaks. You will encounter farmers, prayer flags, and sacred sites along the way.
Walking: 3–5 hours depending on your pace
Spend your evening wandering the quiet, charming streets of Haa at your own pace.
Overnight in Haa

14KM | 5-6 HOURS | 230M ASCENT | DESCENT 60M | CAMP ALT 2870M

After breakfast in Haa, your trek begins with a gradual climb through beautiful forests of pine, fir, juniper, and rhododendron. Crossing Tale La Pass, the trail continues to the seasonal yak herders’ settlement of Tshojo before climbing higher to Gochu La Pass (4,200 m).

From the pass, enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges before descending gently to your campsite at Womji.

Highlights

  • Dense rhododendron forests
  • Tale La Pass
  • Gochu La Pass
  • Yak herder camps
  • Alpine scenery

Overnight: Tent Camp at Womji

22KM | 7-8 HOURS | 690M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 3750M

Today’s trail is the most spectacular of the trek. A steady ascent through juniper forests leads to Goche La Pass (4,350 m), where dramatic mountain vistas unfold in every direction.

The trail then traverses alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers during spring before crossing Tsheja La Pass, once part of the historic trade route linking Haa with Tibet.

By afternoon, arrive at the sacred Nub Tshonapata Lake, surrounded by untouched alpine landscapes.

Highlights

  • Goche La Pass
  • Tsheja La Pass
  • Ancient Haa–Tibet trade route
  • Alpine flowers
  • Arrival at sacred Tshonapata Lake

Overnight: Tent Camp beside Tshonapata Lake

Walking: Leisure

Spend a relaxing day exploring one of Bhutan’s most pristine alpine lakes. The crystal-clear waters are home to golden trout, while the surrounding hills provide excellent opportunities for nature walks and photography.

You may also visit nearby yak herders to learn about their traditional highland lifestyle and enjoy the remarkable silence of Bhutan’s remote wilderness.

Highlights

  • Sacred alpine lake
  • Golden trout
  • Yak herder camps
  • Wildlife observation
  • Photography

Overnight: Tent Camp at Tshonapata

19KM | 6-7 HOURS | 855M ASCENT

Retrace part of yesterday’s route back toward Goche La Pass before following a different ridge trail leading to the beautiful Tshojo Lake (3,780 m).

Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the tranquil lake before descending into open yak grazing meadows at Tsang, where camp is set for the night.

Highlights

  • Tshojo Lake
  • High mountain ridges
  • Alpine meadows
  • Yak pastures

Overnight: Tent Camp at Tsang

10KM | 3-4 HOURS | 660M ASCENT | 660M DESCENT

Your final trekking day follows a gradual descent through peaceful forests of juniper and rhododendron. Crossing Tale La Pass once more, the trail returns to the beautiful Haa Valley where your vehicle awaits.

From Haa, continue your journey to Paro or your next destination.

Highlights

  • Scenic forest trails
  • Return to Haa Valley
  • Traditional villages
  • Farewell views of Bhutan’s untouched wilderness

Begin your journey from Haa toward Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu (approximately 3 hours). You will traverse the beautiful landscape down to the Chuzom confluence, a landmark where two major rivers converge. We will make several stops at scenic viewpoints throughout the journey so you can fully appreciate the changing mountain scenery.
Walk through Bhutan’s capital city exploring Clock Tower Square, a prominent landmark adorned with intricate Bhutanese motifs and stroll towards Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, famously known as the main traffic circle as it has no traffic lights. Instead, you’ll witness a white-gloved traffic officer gracefully directing vehicles in a choreographed style that has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
Visit Centenary Farmers Market: Now it is called Kaja Throm The Thimphu farmers market is a vibrant and bustling market that takes place every weekend in the capital city of Bhutan. It is a hub for local farmers, artisans, and vendors to come together to sell their produce and goods and you can walk along Norzin Lam, the main Thimphu downtown.
Overnight in Thimphu
Later visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress) known as “fortress of the glorious religion,”. It houses the main secretariat building and the central monk body.
Overnight in Thimphu

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu visit Kuensel Phodrang where big buddha statue is built and walk into Kuensel Phodrang nature park. From there you get the best view of Thimphu valley with the mountain behind. And visit Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo where you will see Bhutan’s typical national animal; visit Paper Factory where you will see how Bhutanese traditional handmade paper is made.

Drive to Punakha, on the way, stop over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks snowclad mountains from the pass. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyel Chorten – 108 stupas.

In Punakha, visit to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Fertility blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviours. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Visit Punakha Dzong one of the majestic fortress which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. And visit longest suspension bridge across the Dzong.

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

After breakfast 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. The best view of Punakha is enjoyed from the top of this temple.

In Paro visit Paro National Museum. Next, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Later stroll around the Paro street with traditional look.

Overnight in Paro 

After breakfast 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. The best view of Punakha is enjoyed from the top of this temple.

In Paro visit Paro National Museum. Next, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Later stroll around the Paro street with traditional look.

Overnight in Paro 

highlight of the journey, offering both challenge and reward. The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route and returning back takes approximately 5-6 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.
Overnight in Paro

Drive to Paro International Airport (1 hour) from Thimphu and bid you farewell

What's Included & Excluded

Inclusions:

  • A minimum of 3-star accommodation
  • Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Bottle of water in the car.
  • A licensed Bhutanese tour guide.
  • Private transport (transfer & sightseeing) 
  • Monument (Dzongs & Temples) and Museum Fees
  • Sustainable Development Fee & Visa Fee
  • Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows
  • Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent
  • Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
  • Trekking chef & assistants
  • Horses to carry trek equipments.

Exclusions:

  • Air Transport/Flight
  • Personal Expenses such as Laundry, Tips, etc
  • Drinks & beverages.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Bank Charges