Trek Program to Nub Tshonapatta (The legendary lake of Guru Rimpochey)
Day 01: Arrive Paro
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.
The Sky Travels 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.
Day 02: Paro sightseeing
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 Drukpas”.
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
Tshongtsen 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 artefacts, fine textiles, weapons and stamps. It also houses the unique temple of the tree of life, representing the four different
sects of Buddhism, as practised in the country. If time permits, we can go for a promenade through Paro Town. Overnight at Paro.
Day 03: Paro – Taktsang - Haa - Via Chelela pass.
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.
Day 04: Haa Kajena – Tshokam
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.
Day 05: Tshokam – Wangjithang
The trail leads towards Yulo (3870m) and gradually ascends to Tsabjola (4100m) and then descends to Wanjithang, summer pasture land of Isu block.
We will camp at Wangjithang.
Day 06 : Wanjithang – Nub Tshonapatta
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. Gangkharpunsum, the higgest 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. Chundu gang, considered the sacred mountain of the Haa valley. One can also view Mt.Jichudrake, Tsherim Gang and Gangchentag. From the pass
we will descend to Nub Tshonapatta (4180m). We will camp by the lake side.
Day 07 : Halt at Nub Tshonapatta
Explore around the Nub Tshonapatta lake and enjoy the view of Mt.Kanchenjunga. One may also be able to spot blue sheep, marmots and many
different species of birds.
Day 08 : Nub Tshonapatta – Regona
Making a gradual climb to Dongkacheydola (4030m) one can enjoy the splendid view of Mt.Kangchenjunga and surrounding mountains. Then descend to
Tsephu through dwarf rhododendrons and a climb to the yak herders camp and finally again descend to Regona (3940m). Camp at Regona.
Day 09 : Regona – Yulo
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.
Day 10: Yulo – Lukha
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.
Day 11: Drive from Haa to Paro
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.
Day 12: Departure from Paro
Our representative will help you with your departure formalities and bid you goodbye with traditional
Tashi Khadhar.
Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
Important Note:
Season:Mid May – June & September – October.
Group condition: Minimum of two persons.
Climate: Days are normally warm but nights can be cold with temperatures falling below freezing level.
Normally we have monsoon showers (heaviest in July & August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
What to bring:Strong, comfortable trekking boots, sun-glasses, lots of spare vests and socks/stockings, headgear
and a raincoat. Warm clothing will be required for the evenings and a down jacket is a must. For those going on this trek a good
quality sleeping bag that will keep you warm below zero degree is a must. It is advisable that the sleeping bag quality is from medium to heavy duty.
(Note: personal baggage for trekking is limited to 25kgs per person.)
Recommendation: This trek is not a very difficult one but requires good physical form because of the altitude that you gain during your
trek. A physical fitness checkup is a must. For those without previous trekking experience, one month of preparation is advised.
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