Norb Tshona Patta

Information

Recommended Season: Mid March to Early May, Late September to Early November
Maximum Elevation: 4400 meters
Difficulty: Medium to Hard

A trek off the beaten path! Like Haa valley itself, this trek fairly unexplored and untouched. Making your own trail through thorny bushes and climbing up hills on all four limbs, it is an outdoor adventure of the best kind.
This ancient trail was once used by the people of Haa and the surrounding regions to trade with their neighbours up north. This trek takes you to high altitudes within the region of Haa, taking you close to the borders of Sikkim, India to the west and China to the north. With spectacular vistas of multiple layered valleys and snow clad mountains like Jhumolhari, Jichu Draké and Gangar Puensuem and even the third highest mountain in the world Mount Kangchenjunga can be seen once over the Tsejey La pass on the second day. This 5 night 6 day trek takes you up to the mysterious Norb Tshona Patta Lake. It is believed by the Bhutanese people that Terton (treasure revealer) Sherab Membar fished many highly treasured artifacts from the lake of which, the highest prized treasure was a pair of cymbal that is still played to this day at the Paro Tshechu every year.

Note: Sighting of flora and fauna is seasonal.

ITINERARY

Day 1: ARRIVAL

Sightseeing around Paro.

Day 2: PARO

Acclimatization Hike to Taktsang Monastery.

Day 3: TRANSFER TO HAA
Distance: 65km Drive Time: 2-3 hrs

Transfer to Haa. Sightseeing around Haa.

Day 4: TREK DAY 1 : DRAGNAG DINGKHA – WOMJITHANG
Distance: 10 km Walking Hours: 7-8

Drive to Dragnag Dingkha Lhakhang and meet our trekking team. We will walk through thick pine forest with tall Rhododendrons trees. The trail will take us up and over two passes (Chozu La at 3900 meters and Tsabjo La-west at 4100 meters) with views of Mt. Jhumolhari and the surrounding mountains. Walking above the tree line after the first pass, we cross Tsabjo La-west and descend to our campsite in Womjithang at 3700 meters.

Day 5: TREK DAY 2: WOMJITHANG – TSHONA PATTA
Distance: 9 km Walking Hours: 6-7

Continue south west and cross more high pasturelands. We climb our biggest pass yet, today, called Tsejey La (4200 meters). If the weather permits we will be rewarded with an amazing view of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 meters). From here we descend to a swampy area called Tsew and another short climb to Bjido ridge before descending to Norb Tshonna Patta.

Day 6: TREK DAY 3: REST DAY AT TSHONA PATTA
Distance: – Walking Hours: –

Rest day at the lake. Explore the surrounding area near the lake.

Day 7: TREK DAY 4: TSHONA PATTA – RIGONA TSHO
Distance: 7 km Walking Hours: 5-6

We head towards the northern direction on a nice trail crossing Dong Kacheydo La. You will be able to sight Mt. Kanchenjunga again, given the weather permits. Descend to camp near Rigona Tsho (4000 meters).

Day 8: TREK DAY 5: RIGONA TSHO – YULO MEADOWS
Distance: 10 km Walking Hours: 6-7

We start off, taking an easterly direction climbing over rocks to reach our highest point of the trek Bjara La (4400 meters). After crossing the pass we descend for an hour on rocky trail after which, the trail is proper and flat. We come out to our campsite at Yulo meadows (4000 meters) through Tsabjo La-north.

Day 9: TREK DAY 6: YULO – DRAGNAG DINGKHA
Distance: 5 km Walking Hours: 3-4

The trail today is all downhill. The trail will be familiar to you since we walked up the same route 5 days ago. Our car will be there to pick us up near the Lhakhang where we started the trek.

Day 10: HAA – THIMPHU
Distance: 105 km Drive Time: 3-4 hrs

Transfer to Thimphu.

Day 11: THIMPHU

Sightseeing around Thimphu valley.

Day 12: DEPARTURE

Drive to Paro to catch your outgoing flight.

Kindly note that you can always customize your trip. Drop us a message if you are keen to find out more!

DATES

Available year round.

Generally treks in Bhutan are best enjoyed when done during the shoulder season of spring and fall.

We recommended the spring months from Mid March to late May and in the fall from late September to Early November

WHATS INCLUDED

The price quoted is per person for a minimum group size of two people

Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels and farmhouses
Double tent with sleeping bag and matt (our clients prefer to bring their own sleeping bags)
Single room supplement is additional USD30 per day per person
All three meals (does not cover beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants except water)
Bottled mineral water for the entire trip
Afternoon tea and snacks
English speaking and knowledgeable and trekking guide
Trekking team with porter ponies
Comfortable superior vehicle with a reliable driver
Museum entrance fees
Campsite fees
Visa fee and processing charges
Tourism Development Fund
Government taxes
All administrative cost
Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip

WHATS NOT INCLUDED