13 Days Bhutan Travel Itinerary
5 Days of Nubtshonapata Trek
Embark on the Nub Tshona Pata Trek through the scenic Haa Valley, where you’ll traverse beautiful alpine meadows and rhododendron scrubs to reach the sacred Nub Tshona Pata Lake. The trail provides stunning views of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum and Mt. Kanchenjunga, ranging in altitude from 2735-4420m.
Nub Tshona Pata, known as “The Legendary Lake of Padmasambhava,” is a jewel of the Haa region. Explore the majestic Nub Tshona Pata Trek and journey to Bhutan’s highest peaks, set in the heart of the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve—Bhutan’s only strict nature reserve. This trek offers a unique chance to encounter the elusive snow leopard and the revered site of Ap Chundu. Prepare for challenging trails, breathtaking ascents, and steep descents that will test your endurance but reward you with unforgettable experiences.
The adventure then continues to the well-known valleys of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
The Nub Tsho Napata trek starting from Haa Valley in Bhutan is a spectacular journey through stunning landscapes and rich culture. Here are some highlights:
Travel Cost
Kindly write to us at idealtravelcreations@gmail.com for the travel cost as the cost varies in different cases.
The cost does not include the following:
Notes
Cancellation Policies
The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your Bhutanese Guide from Ideal Travel Creations before driving to your hotel in Paro. Check in and spend some time in the property settling into your new surroundings.
Afternoon, you shall be taken for your first foray into this Hidden Kingdom. This afternoon in the Paro Valley shall allow you to acclimatize to the air at this altitude, as well as getting yourself introduced to this Kingdom where you shall spend the next 10 days.
Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school in Paro. The Monastic body and government office of Paro is housed in this fortress and is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion. Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.
Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals.
Spend your evening in the quaint setting of hotel. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M
Note: The sightseeing and activities of day 1 is subject to flight timings.
In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Zhabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop.
(If time permits) Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year.
Drive back to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M
DRIVING DISTANCE: 70 KM | DRIVING TIME: 3 HR
Begin your day with a 2.5-hour drive from Paro to Haa, covering a distance of 70 kilometers. En route, traverse the Chele La Pass at 3,988 m and enjoy a majestic panorama of the Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond. If the weather permits, you may even catch a stunning view of Bhutan’s second-highest peak, Mt. Jomolhari at 7,314 m.
Upon arrival in Haa, visit the historic Lhakhang Nagpo, also known as the Black Temple. With a history spanning 1300 years, it is among the oldest temples in the Haa Valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo released two pigeons, one black and one white, to find auspicious locations for new temples. The black pigeon landed here, while the white one settled at Lhakhang Kharpo (White Chapel). In the evening, explore the Haa Valley.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
ALTITUDE OF HAA VALLEY: 2740 M
17 KM | 5 – 6 HRS | 220 M ASCENT | 55 M DESCENT
Begin your trek with a gentle ascent up Talela Pass at 3780m, winding through a dense forest of rhododendron and conifer trees. Continue gradually to a yak herders’ camp at Tshojo. From there, climb further to Gochula Pass at 4200m. After crossing this pass, follow the ridge trail before gradually descending to our camp at Womji.
Dinner and overnight in camp.
ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 2700 M
22 KM | 7- 8 HRS | 650 M ASCENT
After breakfast, start a steep climb through juniper and rhododendron forests to reach Gochhila Pass at 4350m, offering breathtaking views of the entire Tshejala range. Along the way, you’ll pass several yak herders’ camps, and in spring, the trail will be adorned with wildflowers. Continue walking toward Tshejala Pass, crossing the ancient trade route from Haa to Tibet.
Dinner and overnight in camp.
ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 3700 M
Enjoy exploring the area around this sacred lake, where you can visit the yak herders’ camp, spot golden trout, and stroll along the surrounding hillsides.
Dinner and overnight in Camp.
ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 3700 M
8 KM | 4 – 5 HRS | 800 M ASCENT
This morning, you’ll retrace your steps to Gochhila Pass before taking a different route over a ridge to Lake Tshojo at 3780m. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the lake shore. After lunch, you’ll descend to your camp in a yak meadow at Tshojo.
Dinner and overnight in Camp.
ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 3940 M
18 KM | 6-7 HR | 650 M ASCENT | 650 M DESCENT
Your trail descends gradually through juniper and rhododendron forests until you reach Talila Pass. From here we will walk down to Haa Valley. On arrival in Haa, you shall bid farewell to your trekking crew. Drive to Hotel or Homestay.
Dinner and overnight in hotel or homestay.
ALTITUDE OF HAA VALLEY: 2740 M
DRIVING DISTANCE: 115 KM | DRIVING TIME: 3-4 HR
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Make the 115 km journey from Haa to Thimphu interesting by stopping at various spots, visiting villages, meeting locals, and capturing the beautiful rural landscapes. The road follows the river, passing Betikha (34 km from Haa) and Dobji (65 km from Haa), and various villages and fields until you reach Chuzom, where the Paro River (Pa Chhu) meets the Thimphu River (Wangchhu), and you’ll see three stupas in Nepalese, Tibetan, and Bhutanese styles, symbolizing good luck and safe passage. 30 km drive Chuzom brings you to Thimphu, the Capital City of Bhutan.
In the afternoon, you may choose to relax at hotel or walk around the Thimphu town. In the evening, visit the Tashichhodzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). A private traditional cultural show before dinner. Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.
ALTITUDE OF THIMPHU: 2350 M
After a leisure breakfast, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Drive towards Kuenselphodrang. On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple. Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here. It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group.
After lunch, visit Takin Preserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
ALTITUDE OF THIMPHU: 2350 M
DRIVING DISTANCE: 76 KM | DRIVING TIME: 2 HR
Start your day with a drive to Dochula Pass. You shall first see the Simtokha Dzong and then the winding roads leads you through blue pine forests and the villages of Hongtsho (2890m) and Yusipang. The local villagers sell apples, walnuts, dried cheese in this area. The road climbs through the forest till you reach the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.
Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha.
Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas. Visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
ALTITUDE OF PUNAKHA: 1250 M
DRIVING DISTANCE: 135 KM | DRIVING TIME: 4 HR
After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village.
After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals.
Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family. Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan.
Farewell dinner and overnight in hotel.
ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M
Your 13 days of Bhutan travel with the Nub Tshonapata Trek with Ideal Travel Creations comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.