Trip Summary
- Trip Grade: Moderate
- Duration: 12 Days
- Trek Days: 7 Days
- Minimum Group Size: 6 persons
- Activity: Alpine Trek
- Highest Altitude: 4,350m at Tsejey La Pass
- Altitude Range: 2,735m to 4,350m
- Average Daily Walking Distance: 16km
- Average Daily Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Trek Region: Haa Valley, Western Bhutan
- Sacred Lake: Nub Tshona Pata at 4,180m
- Best Season: Mid-May to June and September to October
- Departure and Return: Paro
- Trip Cost From: $7,682 per person
- Last Updated: March 2026
What Is the Nub Tshonapata Trek?
The Trek and Its Significance
The Nub Tshonapata Trek is a seven-day alpine trek through the Haa valley in western Bhutan, one of the least trekked regions in the country. The route passes through rhododendron and juniper forest, crosses open alpine meadows, traverses yak herder summer pastures, and climbs to Tsejey La Pass at 4,340m before descending to the sacred lake of Nub Tshona Pata at 4,180m. The lake is known in Bhutanese tradition as the legendary lake of Guru Rinpoche and holds deep spiritual significance for communities across the Haa region. The trail receives far fewer trekkers than the Jomolhari or Drukpath routes and gives access to Haa valley highlands that remain largely unknown outside specialist trekking circles. Truly Bhutan Travel, a government-licensed luxury operator based in Thimphu with over 17 years of direct Bhutan field experience, leads every departure with certified local guides who know the Haa valley trail network in full detail.
Haa Valley as a Trekking Region
Haa is the smallest district in western Bhutan and was closed to foreign tourists until 2002. The valley sits between 2,700m and the high passes of the Haa range at over 4,000m and holds a distinct culture, architecture, and ecological character separate from the better-known Paro valley immediately to the east. The highlands above Haa hold summer yak herder settlements, alpine lakes, high passes with long-range mountain views, and dense dwarf rhododendron scrub on the upper slopes. No major trekking route in Bhutan passes through this terrain. The Nub Tshonapata Trek is the primary access route for this zone.
Mountain Views on the Route
The upper sections of the trek give clear-day views of Gangkhar Puensum at 7,497m, the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga at 8,586m, the third highest mountain in the world, Jomolhari at 7,315m, Jichu Drake at 6,794m, Tsherim Gang, and Chhundu Gang, the sacred mountain of the Haa valley. On clear days from Tsejey La at 4,340m, the panorama covers both the Bhutan Himalaya to the north and the Sikkim range to the west.
Blue Poppy Season
Mid-May to late June coincides with the bloom of Meconopsis grandis, the blue poppy, Bhutan’s national flower. The upper slopes of the Haa highlands between 3,500m and 4,200m hold blue poppy populations along the trail in this window. The combination of blue poppy bloom, rhododendron colour, and clear pre-monsoon visibility makes late May the most visually rewarding time of year for this trek.
The flight into Bhutan will take you over the vast plains of the Indian subcontinent and then over the dense green vegetation of the Kingdom’s sub Himalayan ranges. You will get breathtaking views of the worlds highest and most majestic peaks as the plane approaches the Dragon Kingdom’s cloud scrapping airstrip at the Paro International airport at an altitude of 7330 ft.
Moments before the landing you can catch glimpses of the fertile valley of Paro and the winding Paro Chu (river) and the historical Rimpung Dzong (fortress) more popularly known as Paro Dzong. As you step out of the aircraft, you can catch your first breath of the fresh crisp Himalayan air.
Bhutan Holiday representative will receive you once you have completed the necessary immigration and visa formalities. Our guide will take you to your hotel and after check in and quick refreshment, if time permits you can make a stroll through Paro Town. Overnight Paro.
The day begins with a drive through Paro valley to see the Drukgyel Dzong, a historical Dzong which now lies in ruins. This was the place where the last of the Tibetan invaders were repelled, hence the name “Drukgyel Dzong” meaning the “Fortress of the victorious Drukpa”.
On a clear day one can see the 24000ft domed majestic Jumolhari in the background of the fortress, blessing the Paro valley. It is believed that the goddess Jumo resides on this sacred mountain.
On the way to Drukgyel Dzong, you will be able to see the Kichu Lhakhang, which was built in 659 (7th century) by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is believed he built 108 temples across the Himalayas and Kichu happens to be one of the last remaining ones. Further up the valley you will see the majestic Taktsang (Tigers Lair), clinging onto bare rock face.
After lunch visit the National Museum, located in the Ta Dzong (old watch tower for the Paro Dzong), originally built in 1656. This is the only museum in Paro and has the country’s best collection of ancient Thankas (religious wall hangings), religious paintings and artifacts, fine textiles, weapons and stamps. It also houses the unique temple of the tree of life, representing the four different sects of Buddhism, as practiced in the country. If time permits, we can go for a promenade through Paro Town. Overnight at Paro.
After breakfast drive through Paro town and to Satsam Chorten and further continue on the new feeder road to the base of Taktsang. If some of the group members are interested, riding ponies can be arranged. Generally, most people prefer to hike. It takes about two and half hours to reach the Taktsang view point. The view of the surrounding mountains and the valley below is just awesome. We stop at the Taktsang view point for tea and snacks and enjoy the view of the Tigers Lair. Special visit permits can be arranged if notified in advance. Following the visit, lunch will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria. After lunch we will descend down to the valley and continue our drive to Haa valley over the Chelela pass (3898m). Overnight Haa.
The day starts with a climb to Bjana Dingkha monastery, one of the four main monasteries of the Haa valley. Visit the monastery. After lunch continue the climb to Tshokam (3500m). We will camp at Tshokam.
The trail leads towards Yulo (3870m) and gradually ascends to Tsabjola (4100m) and then descends to Wangjithang, summer pasture land of Isu block. We will camp at Wangjithang.
The day starts with a climb to Gangchele (4180m) and then steeply descends towards Chhosholumpa (3830m) after which it again ascends via ghoom Maru and finally crosses Tsejey la (4340m). On a clear day you can view Mt. Gangkhar puensum, the highest mountain of Bhutan and the Table Mountain in the east and to the west you can see Mt.Kanchenjunga the third highest mountain in the world. In the same direction, one can view Mt. Chhundu gang, considered the sacred mountain of the Haa valley. One can also view Mt.Jichudrake, Tsherim Gang and Gangchenta. From the pass we will descend to Nub Tshona Pata (4180m). We will camp by the lakeside.
Explore around the Nub Tshona Pata Lake and enjoy the view of Mt.Kanchenjunga. One may also be able to spot blue sheep, marmots and many different species of birds.
Making a gradual climb to Dongkacheydola (4030m) one can enjoy the splendid view of Mt.Kanchenjunga and surrounding mountains. Then descend to Tsephu through dwarf rhododendrons and a climb to the yak herder’s camp and finally again descend to Regona (3940m). Camp at Regona.
Climb to Bjara la (4050m) and enjoy the views of Mt.Jomolhari and Jichudrake if the weather is clear and then gradually descend to Yulo camp.
While descending through silver fir and pine forest you may spot pheasants (monal). We continue descent to Lukha and reach the Ugen Dorji High School. Overnight Haa.
In the morning visit Jamtey Gompa (monastery) and a farm house. After lunch drive to Paro. The journey time is about three hours. Overnight Paro.
Our representative will help you with your departure formalities and bid you goodbye with traditional Tashi Khadar.
Tashi Delek & Bon Voyage
The Nub Tshonapata Trek is a seven-day alpine trek through the highlands of Haa valley in western Bhutan. The route passes through rhododendron and juniper forest, climbs to Tsejey La Pass at 4,340m, and descends to the sacred lake of Nub Tshona Pata at 4,180m. Haa valley was closed to foreign tourists until 2002 and receives far fewer visitors than the Paro valley routes. The Nub Tshonapata trail sees a fraction of the traffic of the Jomolhari or Drukpath treks, making it one of the most genuinely remote and undiscovered trekking experiences in Bhutan.
Nub Tshona Pata is a high-altitude alpine lake at 4,180m in the Haa highland zone. The lake is known in Bhutanese Buddhist tradition as the legendary lake of Guru Rinpoche, who brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The lake holds spiritual significance for communities across Haa valley and Bhutanese pilgrims make the trek from the valley floor to the lakeside on auspicious dates. The combination of extreme remoteness, high altitude, and deep religious association gives the lake a character found at very few points on any Bhutan trekking route.
Clear-day views from Tsejey La Pass at 4,340m and Dongkacheydola at 4,030m include Gangkhar Puensum at 7,497m, the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga at 8,586m, the third highest mountain in the world, Jomolhari at 7,315m, Jichu Drake at 6,794m, Tsherim Gang, Gangchenta, and Chhundu Gang, the sacred mountain of the Haa valley. On Day 9, Bjara La Pass at 4,050m gives a direct northward view of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on clear mornings.
The trek runs in two seasonal windows. Mid-May to June gives the blue poppy bloom on upper slopes between 3,500m and 4,200m alongside rhododendron colour and relatively clear pre-monsoon visibility. September to October gives the clearest mountain views of the year, stable dry weather after the monsoon ends, and crisp alpine conditions on the high passes. Both windows suit the full seven-day trail. July and August bring the heaviest monsoon rains and are not recommended. Winter from November to April closes the high passes under snow.
The trek is graded moderate. Daily walking averages 16km over six to seven hours with significant altitude gain and loss each day. The sustained climb from Wangjithang to Tsejey La Pass on Day 6 is the most demanding section, involving approximately 600m of ascent on a steep trail above 4,000m. Trekkers need good cardiovascular fitness and should prepare with regular aerobic exercise over several months before departure. Prior trekking experience at altitude is recommended but not strictly required for physically fit participants.
The Haa highland zone holds blue sheep and marmots on the high alpine terrain around Nub Tshona Pata lake. Himalayan Monal pheasant is present in the silver fir and pine forest on the descent toward Lukha on Day 10. Alpine Chough, Snow Pigeon, and Lammergeier appear regularly above 3,500m. Blue poppy, Bhutan’s national flower, blooms on upper slopes between 3,500m and 4,200m from late May through June. The dwarf rhododendron scrub on the descent from Nub Tshona Pata holds multiple rhododendron species in bloom through the same window.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Tour Overview
- Duration: 12 days
- Trek days: 7 days, Days 4 to 10
- Highest point: Tsejey La Pass at 4,340m
- Altitude range on trek: 2,735m to 4,350m
- Average daily distance: 16km
- Average daily walking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Trek region: Haa valley, western Bhutan
- Season: Mid-May to June and September to October
- Difficulty: Moderate
Best Months
Late May to June for blue poppy bloom, rhododendron colour, and active birdlife. September to October for the clearest mountain views, dry trails, and stable weather after the monsoon. Both windows give full access to the complete route including Tsejey La Pass and the Nub Tshona Pata lakeside camp.
What to Bring
Trekking boots with ankle support, trekking poles, a sleeping bag rated to minus 10 degrees Celsius for the high camp nights above 4,000m, layered clothing covering temperatures from warm valley days in Haa at 2,700m to freezing nights at the lakeside camp at 4,180m, waterproof jacket and trousers, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small day pack. Truly Bhutan Travel provides tents, sleeping mats, camp meals, and all group trekking equipment. A full gear list is sent on booking confirmation.
Permits
All Bhutan permits and visa processing are arranged by Truly Bhutan Travel as part of the package. The Haa valley restricted area permit is included.
The Least Trekked Highlands in Western Bhutan
The Jomolhari Trek and the Drukpath Trek both start from Paro. The Nub Tshonapata Trek starts from Haa, the valley directly west of Paro, and accesses terrain neither of those routes approaches.
The seven days on trail from Bjana Dingkha monastery to the Nub Tshona Pata lakeside camp and back down through the silver fir forest to Lukha cover a complete circuit of the Haa highland zone. No other trekking route in Bhutan gives you this specific combination of sacred alpine lake, Himalayan panorama, yak herder culture, and genuine trail solitude.
Two Days That Define the Trek
Day 6 and Day 7 are the heart of this route. The climb to Tsejey La at 4,340m with the full panorama of Gangkhar Puensum, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, and the Haa sacred peaks opening above you is one of the most concentrated mountain views in western Bhutan. The descent to Nub Tshona Pata and the full rest day at the lakeside then give you the opposite quality, complete stillness, altitude silence, blue sheep on the surrounding slopes, and the sacred lake itself. These two days alone justify the full 12-day journey.
Secure Your Place for 2026 & 2027
The Nub Tshonapata Trek runs in two narrow windows each year. Truly Bhutan Travel accepts a minimum of two persons per departure and availability within each seasonal window is limited. Departure dates for mid-May and September 2026 & 2027 are open now. Confirm your booking before your preferred window fills.
Explore More Luxury Treks with Truly Bhutan Travel
- For trekkers who want another western Bhutan alpine route with strong mountain views and cultural depth, the Sinchula Winter Trek covers 10 days from Paro to Punakha across the ancient Sinchula ridge trail from $6,309 per person.
- For those who want a longer high-altitude western Bhutan trek combining Jomolhari base camp with the Lingshi fortress and the Bhutan Himalaya, the Jomolhari Trek covers 13 days from $5,730 per person.
- For trekkers who want to combine Haa valley culture with a multi-day trekking circuit in the Bhutan Juniper highland zone, the Bhutan Juniper Trek covers 10 days from $6,309 per person.
- Browse all luxury trekking itineraries at trulybhutan.com/itinerary
Bhutan Travel Info
Travel Essentials
- Travel/Medical Insurance: Ensure a worry-free journey with Bhutan's dedicated travel and medical insurance plans offered by the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. Visit RICB for more information.
- Banking: Modern banking facilities are available in urban areas of Bhutan, with banks like Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, and Bhutan National Bank. ATMs are common in Thimphu and Phuentsholing, but scarce in rural areas. Complete your banking in major cities.
- Money Matters: Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is equivalent in value to the Indian Rupee. Foreign travelers should bring traveler’s cheques or cash, especially USD. Credit cards like Visa and American Express are accepted in most areas.
- Communication: Bhutan's telecommunications are well-developed with internet cafes, mobile phone coverage, and international roaming available in most towns.
- Electricity: Bhutan operates on 230 volts and 50 Hertz. Ensure your devices are compatible with the three types of plugs commonly used.
- Time Zone: Bhutan's time is six hours ahead of GMT.
Health, Safety, and Customs
- Health and Inoculations: Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Avoid untreated water and ice cubes; instead, opt for bottled water, which is readily available.
- Safety Precautions: Bhutan is generally safe, but avoid walking alone or staying out late, especially after 9 PM. Secure your belongings, particularly in the capital, Thimphu.
- Customs Regulations: Personal belongings, 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and professional equipment are exempt from customs duty. Importing restricted items, such as wildlife products, antiques, and drugs, is prohibited.
Accommodation, Food, and Shopping
- Accommodation: Bhutan offers a range of accommodations, from quality 3-star to luxury 5-star hotels in places like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. Travelers can also opt for camping when venturing beyond urban areas.
- Food: Bhutanese cuisine is rich and spicy, featuring dishes like ema datshi. International cuisine such as Indian, Continental, and Chinese is available in most restaurants, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Shopping: Bhutan offers unique handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, wooden bowls (Dapas), silver statues, Thangkas, and local postage stamps. Note that the buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited.
Travel Kits and Clothing
- Clothing and Essentials: Bhutan's climate is diverse, so dress in layers and pack accordingly. Respectful clothing is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and hats should be removed in sacred areas.
- Travel Kits: Pack items like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, antihistamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a hat. The diverse climate means temperatures range from 20-25°C in summer to below 15°C in winter.
Experiences and Activities
- Photography: Capture Bhutan's stunning landscapes, rural life, and architecture. Indoor photography in sacred sites requires special permission.
- Guides and Interpreters: Bhutan offers certified guides fluent in various languages, ensuring you get the best experience when visiting sacred sites and cultural landmarks.
- Festivals and Holidays: Each district in Bhutan celebrates its unique annual tshechu. Check local schedules to plan your visit around these vibrant festivals.
- Weights and Measures: Bhutan uses metric measurements for weight, with advanced electronic scales commonly found in major cities.
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