Overview
- Journey style
- Trekking
- Route
- Paro · Punakha · Thimphu
- Flexibility
- Private and fully customisable
Nub Tshona Patra loosely translates to “The Great Lake in the West.” The Nub Tshona Patra Trek is a moderate level trek that offers hikers views of both local and neighboring peaks, such as Mt. Jomolhari in Bhutan, and Mt. Kanchenjunga, in Nepal, the world’s third highest peak. It also offers, due to its proximity to the southern Bhutanese plains, views of flatter areas.
The trek is located between the ancient trade route of Haa and Tibet. The lake’s history is tied to Terton – treasure discoverer Sherab Mebar, who unearthed treasures from the lake.
The trek can be done year around. Trekking this area provides hikers the opportunity to experience Haa, Bhutan’s last district to open to tourism.
Overview:
Day 01: Arrival in Paro coupled with sightseeing and drive to Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing / Punakha Day Excursion
Day 03: Thimphu – Haa
Day 04: Trek Starts | Haa to Womji
Day 05: Womji to Tshonapatra
Day 06: Halt at the lake
Day 07: Tshonapatra to Tsojo
Day 08: Tsojo to Haa | Trek ends | Then, drive to Paro
Day 09: Paro: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Day 10: Departure
While on trek the following are included
Highlights
- Seasons: Year Round
- Camp site Fees
- Two person tents
- All meals (Veg/Non-Veg as per your preferences)
- Pack Ponies to transport equipment
- Foam mattresses
- Eating utensils
- Dining & toilet tents
Price includes
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
- All meals / Tea & snacks
- All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- An experienced English speaking tour leader
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), government fees & visa fee
Price excludes
- Flights
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.
The Sustainable Development Fee, visa and permits are all included — see how the Bhutan visa & permits process works.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Paro coupled with sightseeing and drive to Thimphu
Driving Duration: 65 km/1.5 hrs
Elevation: 2250 m / 7382 ft
Expect to visit the following sites:
Paro Airport Bird’s Eye Viewpoint
This landmark is a popular spot for Bhutanese families and loved ones to say their farewells. It offers an excellent view of the central Paro Valley and a close-up of Bhutan’s only two airlines landing and taking off amidst the dramatic Himalayan landscape.
Rinpung Dzong
Built in 1646, by Bhutan’s founding father, this Dzong (fortress) houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration. It acts as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley.
Paro Town
Experience traditional two storied Bhutanese homes before you leave for Thimphu, the capital.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02 Thimphu Sightseeing/ Day Excursion to Punakha
Elevation: 2250 m / 7382 ft
List of attractions for sightseeing in Thimphu:
- National Memorial Chorten
- Traffic Square
- Lungtenzampa Bridge and Phajo’s Stupa
- Buddha Point
Alternatively, if you prefer to do a day excursion to Punakha, we will visit the following sites:
- Dochula Pass
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Punakha Dzong
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03 Thimphu – Haa
Driving Duration: 2 hours
Elevation: 3056 m / 9780 ft
Expect light sightseeing and lunch at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Haa
Day 04–08 Nub Tshona Patra 5 Days Trek
Day 1: Haa to Womji
- Distance:14 km
- Duration:5-6 hours
- Ascent: 230 m
- Descent: 60 m
- Camp Altitude:2870 m
Day 2: Womji to Tshonapatra
- Distance: 22 km
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Ascent: 690 m
- Camp Altitude:3750 m
Day 3: Halt at the lake
Day 4: Tshonapatra to Tsojo
- Distance:19 km
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Ascent:855 m
- Camp Altitude:3780 m
Day 5: Tsojo to Haa
- Distance: 10 km
- Duration:3-4 hours
- Ascent/Descent: 660 m each
The trek ends at Hatey, a village in the Haa valley.
Return to Paro via the Chela La Pass (3988 m / 13083 ft), the highest motorable point in Bhutan.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 09 Paro: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Hiking Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours roundtrip
Elevation: 3120m/10236ft
A day hike to the Taktsang Palphug Monastery (Approx. 5-6hrs roundtrip), Paro local sightseeing
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 10 Departure
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will then drive to the airport for your departure flight from Bhutan.
Please note that some of the sights/itineraries may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the right to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan. Also please note that since hotels are pre-booked and paid for, any changes in itinerary later will cost cancellation/re-booking charges.
Like the look of this itinerary? Every departure is customisable.
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