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6 Days
Nub Tshonapata Trek
Sacred alpine lakes and high passes of Haa Highlands
Duration
6 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Destinations
Haa Valley
Best Time
April-June, September-October
Overview
Explore the untouched alpine wilderness of Bhutan's tranquil Haa highlands, one of the kingdom's least-visited trekking regions. Journey through ancient forests of rhododendron, pine, and juniper to the sacred Nub Tshonapata Lake, believed to be imbued with protective spirits. Cross multiple high passes including Tsejey La at 4,370m with views extending to Jitchu Drake, Mount Jomolhari, and on exceptionally clear days, the distant summit of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak.
Journey Highlights
Sacred Nub Tshonapata Lake with protective spirits
Views of Jitchu Drake, Jomolhari, and Mt. Kanchenjunga
Multiple high passes including Tsejey La (4,370m)
Yak herder camps and highland meadows
Wildlife: Himalayan blue sheep, monals, blood pheasants
Remote Haa highlands wilderness
Tailored Itinerary
1
Day 1: Drana Dhingkha Temple to Camp Below Tshabjo La
Drive from Haa to Drana Dhingkha Temple (3,230m). Trek 9-10km (5-6 hours) through conifer and rhododendron forests. Pass through Tshokam alpine meadow (3,600m) and Yulo Meadow with yak herds. Ascend toward Chozu La and camp below Tshabjo La Pass (3,800m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Forest trek through conifers and rhododendrons along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Camp in sheltered alpine basin to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Drana Dhingkha Temple blessing for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
- Tshokam and Yulo meadow crossing with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
Camping below Tshabjo La (3,800m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
2
Day 2: Below Tshabjo La to Chhosho Lumpa
Trek 15km (5-6 hours) crossing Tshabjo La Pass (4,107m) with sweeping mountain views. Descend through juniper and rhododendron forests. Climb to Gongche La Pass (4,200m) for dramatic views of Jitchu Drake, Chundu Gang (guardian mountain of Haa), and distant Himalayan ridges. Camp at Chhosho Lumpa meadow (3,800m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Alpine meadow camping to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Gongche La Pass panoramas (4,200m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Tshabjo La Pass crossing (4,107m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Jitchu Drake and Chundu Gang views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Chhosho Lumpa (3,800m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
3
Day 3: Chhosho Lumpa to Nub Tshonapata Lake
Trek 10km (3-4 hours) ascending to Tsejey La Pass (4,370m) with possible views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak. Descend through Tshew wetland basin and climb Dangka Bjido Ridge. Reach sacred Nub Tshonapata Lake (4,050m) believed to be imbued with protective spirits. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Tsejey La Pass crossing (4,370m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Dangka Bjido Ridge traverse with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Sacred Nub Tshonapata Lake arrival with a smooth welcome and Himalayan valley orientation
- Possible Mt. Kanchenjunga views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Nub Tshonapata Lake (4,050m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
4
Day 4: Nub Tshonapata Lake to Tsho Tshokha
Trek 15km (4-5 hours) climbing back to Dangka Bjido Ridge for final lake views. Return through Tshew wetland and re-cross Tsejey La Pass (4,370m) with Himalayan panoramas. Descend via alternate route beneath Gongche La to Tsho Tshokha, a high-altitude meadow near a sacred lake (4,000m). Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Haa Valley panoramas with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Final Nub Tshonapata views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Tsejey La Pass re-crossing with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Tsho Tshokha sacred lake camp with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
Camping at Tsho Tshokha (4,000m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
5
Day 5: Rest Day at Tsho Tshokha
Acclimatization and exploration day at Tsho Tshokha (4,000m). Optional hikes to nearby ridges for sunrise and sunset viewpoints with Jitchu Drake, Jomolhari, and Haa Valley vistas. Wildlife spotting opportunities: Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan monals, and blood pheasants. Your wellbeing is our top priority, with gradual elevation gain, acclimatization time, and comfortable pacing designed for safety.
Experience Highlights
- Peaceful highland immersion as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Rest and acclimatization to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Optional ridge hikes for views along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Wildlife spotting with focused spotting across river, forest, and ridge habitats
Camping at Tsho Tshokha (4,000m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
Day 6: Tsho Tshokha to Drana Dhingkha Temple to Haa
Final trek 15km (3-4 hours) descending through open ridges and re-entering juniper, rhododendron, and pine forests. Cross Chozu La and descend to Drana Dhingkha Temple marking trek completion. Drive to Haa town for hot shower and celebratory meal. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Scenic forest descent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Chozu La crossing with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Drana Dhingkha Temple arrival with a smooth welcome and Himalayan valley orientation
- Drive to Haa - trek completion along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
Hotel in Haa
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Inclusions
- Sustainable Tourism Fee (USD $100 per night)
- All monument and entrance fees
- All transfers and sightseeing
- All meals: Full board during trek
- Unlimited drinking mineral water
- Camping equipment and cook
- Pack animals for luggage
- Trek support team
- English-speaking licensed tour guide
- Transportation in comfortable SUV
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, spa, telephone, shopping)
- Bank or transaction charges
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
- Personal trekking gear
Booking Protocol
Contact us to book this sacred highland lake trek. Total distance approximately 64km over 6 days. Ideal for trekkers seeking solitude and spiritual connection with Bhutan's high-altitude wilderness.
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Executive Summary
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Destinations
- Haa Valley
- Best Season
- April-June, September-October
Living Traditions
Festivals of Bhutan
Experience vibrant Tshechu festivals featuring sacred mask dances, ancient rituals, and colorful celebrations that have been passed down through centuries.
Download 2026 Festival Dates (PDF)
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