Beyond the passes, towards sacred Tshona Pata
The Nubtshonapata Trek is a rewarding journey through the quieter highlands of western Bhutan, connecting the beautiful Haa Valley with remote mountain landscapes few travellers get to experience on foot. The trail winds through dense forests of rhododendron, juniper and conifers before climbing towards high mountain passes, open ridgelines and traditional yak herders’ camps. Along the way, enjoy changing views of the Tshejala range, discover traces of an old trading route between Haa and Tibet, and experience the natural rhythm of life in Bhutan’s high pastures. Each day brings a different landscape, with steady climbs and descents that make this a fulfilling adventure for those who enjoy walking beyond the familiar routes.
One of the highlights is Tshona Pata, a sacred high-altitude lake surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery. Spend a day here without the pressure of covering long distances. Explore the lakeshore, visit nearby yak herders’ camps or simply enjoy the stillness of the surroundings. The return route takes you through different mountain terrain, past Tsojo Lake and back towards Haa before continuing to Paro. More than a trek from one valley to another, Nubtshonapata offers a chance to slow down, find your own pace and experience a quieter side of Bhutan.
Arrive in Paro, where Bhutan’s beautiful valley and fresh mountain air offer your first welcome to the kingdom. After meeting your guide and driver, transfer to your hotel and take time to settle in after your journey. The rest of the day is kept gentle, allowing you to rest, adjust to the altitude and enjoy your first impressions of Bhutan at an unhurried pace. Take the evening slowly. Enjoy the calm surroundings and take things slowly today.
If time and energy allow, take a short walk around Paro town or enjoy the view of the surrounding hills from your hotel. Your guide can help with any practical arrangements and answer questions about the days ahead. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed meal and get a good night’s rest. Tomorrow brings one of Bhutan’s most memorable walks, so use this first day to ease into the journey and find your rhythm.
04Km | 05Hrs | 369m Ascent | 369m Descent | Alt.m 2950m
Rise early and set out towards Taktsang, Bhutan’s legendary Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs into pine forest, weaving steadily uphill as the valley gradually falls away beneath you. Prayer flags flutter between the trees, and glimpses of the monastery appear through the forest before disappearing again. Let the trail set the pace and enjoy the anticipation as you climb towards one of Bhutan’s most sacred places.
According to Bhutanese tradition, Guru Padmasambhava arrived here in the eighth century on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave at the site. The monastery grew around this sacred location centuries later. A fire destroyed much of the structure in 1998, and Bhutan carefully restored it, completing the work in 2005. Explore the temple complex before descending through the forest. Return to Paro and spend the afternoon resting, knowing that tomorrow your journey moves beyond the valley and into the wild.
14 Km | 5–6 Hrs | 230m Ascent | 60m Descent | Alt.m 2,870m
Leave Haa and begin your trek with a climb towards Talela Pass at 3,780 metres. The trail winds through dense stands of rhododendron and conifer forest, offering shade as you gain height. Beyond the pass, continue towards Tshojo, where you may see yak herders’ camps. The landscape gradually opens as the route climbs again towards Gochula Pass at around 4,200 metres, revealing views of the high country.
After crossing the pass, follow a ridge trail before making a gradual descent towards Womji, your campsite for the night at 2,870 metres. The views make this a rewarding first day, from forested slopes to open mountain terrain. Settle into camp and enjoy the quiet surroundings as your trekking team prepares dinner. After the walk, rest, drink water and enjoy your first evening outdoors. Your guide and trekking crew will help you settle in and prepare for the days ahead.
22 Km | 7–8 Hours | 690m Ascent | Camp Alt. 3,750m
Set off from Womji on a demanding day in the high country. The trail climbs steeply through juniper and rhododendron forest towards Gochhila Pass at 4,350 metres. The trees thin and views open across the Tshejala range. Pause at the pass before continuing towards Tshejalum. The steady ascent and long distance make an early start and a comfortable walking pace important today.
Along the way, pass seasonal yak herders’ camps, which reveal life in these grazing grounds. In spring, wildflowers bring colour to the slopes and soften the rugged landscape. Continue towards Tshejala Pass, following a historic route once used for trade between Haa and Tibet. The historic route adds another layer to the day. Arrive at Tshona Pata and settle into camp after a long day on the trail. Enjoy a warm meal and the stillness of this remote setting. Rest well tonight after this rewarding day in the mountains.
Camp Alt. 3,750m
Take a pause from the longer trekking days and spend time exploring the surroundings of Tshona Pata. The sacred lake sits within a striking high-altitude landscape, a peaceful place to slow down. You may walk along the lakeshore, find a quiet place to take in the views or simply relax at camp. With no long distance to cover, you have time to recover and appreciate this remote corner of the mountains.
If conditions allow, visit a nearby yak herders’ camp and learn a little about the seasonal life of the families who bring their animals to these high pastures. Keep an eye on the clear water for golden trout, or explore the surrounding hillsides with your guide. The pace is yours to choose, depending on the weather. Return to camp for a relaxed evening beside the lake, ready for the next stretch of the trek. Enjoy the slower pace today.
19 Km | 6–7 Hours | 855m Ascent
Leave Tshona Pata and retrace your route towards Gochhila Pass, with familiar views from a different perspective. The climb reveals open slopes and distant ridgelines. Once you reach the pass, leave the earlier trail and follow a different route across a ridge towards Tsojo Lake, at approximately 3,780 metres. The varied terrain makes for a full day on foot.
Reach the lakeshore in time to enjoy a picnic lunch beside the water, for a welcome break. After lunch, descend towards Tsojo through open mountain terrain, making your way to a campsite set in a meadow used by yak herders. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as the afternoon settles. Your trekking team will prepare camp for the evening, while you take in the landscape and recover from the day’s walk. The meadow is a lovely place to pause and enjoy the mountain calm. Rest well before tomorrow’s final stretch on foot.
10 Km | 3–4 Hours | 660m Ascent | 660m Descent
Begin the final day of your trek with a gradual descent through juniper and rhododendron forest. The trail leads towards Talela Pass, with time to enjoy the highland landscape. After reaching the pass, cross back into Haa Valley and continue along the trail towards the roadhead. The forest gradually gives way to the valley.
Your trek comes to an end in Haa, where your vehicle will be waiting to meet you. Say goodbye to your trekking crew before driving to Paro. Relax on the drive and reflect on the remote yak pastures, high passes and still waters of Tshona Pata. On arrival in Paro, check in to your hotel and enjoy a comfortable evening. A warm shower and good meal will feel especially welcome. The drive gives you time to reflect on the journey. You return to Paro with lasting memories of the high country and its quiet forest trails.
Enjoy your final breakfast in Bhutan before checking out of your hotel. At the scheduled time, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. As you make your way through the valley, take a last look at the landscapes that have been part of your journey, from the quiet trails of the highlands to the forests, mountain passes and peaceful lakes of the Nubtshonapata Trek.
Your journey may be coming to an end, but the memories of the places you explored and the moments you shared along the way will stay with you long after you leave. We hope Bhutan has given you more than beautiful views, and that you carry a little of its spirit with you. Thank you for travelling with Born Explorer. We look forward to welcoming you back for another journey of discovery.
Days on this trek are wonderfully simple. Wake with the mountains, have breakfast, lace up your boots and start walking. Some climbs will test you, while quieter stretches let you settle into your own rhythm. Walk steadily, stop when you want to, and let the landscape set the pace.
For a few days, the usual comforts stay behind. You camp in the high mountains, share meals after a day on the trail and wake to cold, clear mornings. You may meet yak herders along the way and catch glimpses of a way of life shaped by the seasons.
There are no roads, traffic or busy schedules up here. Just open mountains, changing skies and the sound of your own footsteps. As the days pass, you naturally slow down. You stop checking the time, notice more around you and remember how good it feels to simply be somewhere.
Nubtshonapata asks you to walk for several hours each day, often over steep and uneven ground. You do not need to be an athlete, but good fitness will make the experience more enjoyable. Build your stamina before arriving with regular walks, hills or hikes, and give yourself time to find your rhythm.
Pack for changing mountain weather rather than one perfect forecast. Bring sturdy trekking shoes, warm layers, waterproof outerwear, sun protection, a reusable water bottle and personal essentials. Keep your daypack comfortable and practical. Your guide can also help you understand what you need for the days spent camping.
The trail climbs into higher elevations, and altitude affects everyone differently. Walk steadily, drink plenty of water and give your body time to adjust. Do not push through unusual symptoms just to keep up. Tell your guide how you feel, and follow their advice throughout the trek.
Mountain conditions can change quickly, so prepare for more than one kind of day. You may encounter rocky paths, muddy ground, steep sections or slippery trails after rain. Good footwear makes a real difference. Carry suitable layers and waterproof protection, and take your time when the trail becomes challenging.
Nubtshonapata gives you a few nights in the mountains, where comfort comes in a simpler form. Expect tents, basic camp facilities, cold evenings and mornings, and meals prepared along the trail. Come ready to embrace the outdoors rather than expecting hotel comforts. That simplicity is part of what makes the trek memorable.
Ready to follow the trail into the Haa highlands? Let’s shape a Nubtshonapata journey around your pace, curiosity and sense of adventure.
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On trek: 14 daysDuration in Bhutan: 21 days
On trek: 07 daysDuration in Bhutan: 12 days
On trek: 06 daysDuration in Bhutan: 10 days
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