Haa Nubtshonapata Trek | Detailed itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)
Flight to Paro has spectacular views of the Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey in Bhutan are awesome. On arrival in Paro our guide will receive you and transfer to Thimphu by car/bus. One can wander on your own to stroll Thimphu streets or relax in your hotel.
Overnight in Thimpu | Altitude: 2300m
Day 2 Thimphu sightseeing
Morning visit the weekend market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday), Handmade paper Mill, School of Arts and crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan, Lunch in town. Drive pass by Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, Enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and Zilukha Nunnery.
Overnight in Thimpu
Day 3 Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ Hrs)
Drive through Dochula pass, the second highest road pass in your trip at 3010m. When the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a short tea break continue to sub tropical Punakha. Afternoon visit the Souvenir Making Center and the Punakha Dzong (fortress) which houses the most elaborated temple in the country.
Overnight in Punakha | Altitude: 1350m
Day 4 Punakha – Paro (3 ½ Hrs)
Check out from the hotel, take an easy valley hike to the Gompa which take about 2 hrs and called Phobjikha Natural Trail, further drive back to Paro. If time permits, in Paro visit the National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. One can also venture to try local restaurant for dinner
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Day 5 Paro sightseeing
Morning hike to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. Taktsang or the tiger’s nest temple is the most revered temple to the Buddhist. This magical temple clings to a vertical granite cliff 800m above the valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rimpochey, a tantric master flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built. Afternoon on your way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one from the 2 oldest Buddhist temples in the country, historic Drukgyal Dzong (Fortress) and Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Paro
Day 6 Paro – Haa (3 Hrs)
Drive over the Chelila Pass (3810m) to the Haa Valley about two hours away, where you will camp near Bangana.
Day 7 Haa – Womji
The trek begins with a gentle climb up the Talela Pass (3780m) through a thick forest of rhododendron and conifer. The gradual ascent continues to the yak herders’ camp at Tshojo before climbing further to the Gochula pass (4200m). After this pass the trail follows a ridge and then descends gradually to your camp at Womji.
Day 8 Womji – Tshonapata
Today’s walk starts with a steep climb through juniper and rhododendron forest to the Gochhila pass (4350m), providing spectacular views of the whole Tshejala range. Continuing on to Tshejalum, you will pass several yak herders’ camps and in spring the trail is carpeted with flowers. You will then aim for the Tshejala (meaning ‘difficult’: no elaboration required!) pass, the crossing on the ancient trade route from Haa to Tibet.
Day 9 Tshonapata Halt
You have the opportunity today to enjoy the area around this sacred lake, visiting the yak herders’
camp, see golden trout or walking on the surrounding hillsides.
Day 10 Tshonapata – Tsojo
Sleeping Altitude: 3780m
This morning you will retrace your steps as far as Gochhila Pass before branching off on a different route over a ridge to Lake Tsojo (3780m). There will be time for a picnic lunch on the lake shore before a descent to the camp in a yak meadow in Tsojo.
Day 11 Tsojo – Haa – Paro
Your trail descends gradually today through juniper and rhododendron forest until you reach the Talila Pass, which you will cross to re-enter the Haa Valley. Your trek finishes here and your transport will be waiting to drive you to next destination.
Day 11 Departure
Transfer to airport for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport
