Trekking & Cultural Discovery

Nub Tshonapata Trek & Bhutan's Untouched Valleys

A 15-Day Expedition Into Bhutan's Hidden Landscapes and Living Traditions

overview

Step deep into Bhutan's untouched wilderness on a 15-day journey that weaves high mountain passes, secret valleys, and heartfelt cultural connections. This rare Nub Tshonapata Trek invites you to wander through mystical forests, cross sacred ridgelines, and share fireside moments with your trekking crew under star-filled skies. Between the trails, enjoy traditional meals, learn Bhutanese crafts, and reflect on serene landscapes that have remained untouched by time. Perfect for those seeking boutique Bhutan trekking tours, this experience offers a profound connection to Bhutan's spirit at your own relaxed, unhurried pace.

Trip Highlights
  • Trek Through Hidden Wilderness: Cross soaring passes and discover sacred lakes within Bhutan's untouched landscapes — a highlight of any Bhutan trek.
  • Connect through cultural immersion: share meals, laughter, and traditional games with your private trekking crew and local hosts.
  • Plant Seeds of Hope: Take part in a meaningful tree-planting ceremony alongside monks in a sacred valley.
  • Restore Body and Spirit: After the trek, soothe your senses with a rejuvenating spa experience and indulge in a traditional hot stone bath.
  • Craft Personalized Memories: Create custom stamps featuring your portrait and send heartfelt postcards to loved ones.
ITINERARY

Day 1: Paro to Thimphu – Welcome Rituals in the Mountain Kingdom

Touch down in Bhutan and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Stroll through a lively farmers' market and, if time allows, witness locals gathering for sacred rituals at a revered site.

Day 2: Thimphu – Sacred Mornings, Artisan Encounters & City Soul

Begin your day with a gentle hike before immersing yourself in Bhutanese culture and traditions. Connect with local artisans, encounter Bhutan's national animal, light butter lamps in a temple, and enjoy the vibrant café culture.

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha – Mountain Roads & Village Connections

Travel across a panoramic pass offering breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Pause for a scenic village walk, then continue to a welcoming farmhouse for an evening of cooking, sharing stories, and exploring village life.

Day 4: Punakha – Prayers, Plantings & Bhutanese Playfulness

Visit a spiritual monastery to plant a tree and share blessings with the resident monks. Try Bhutan's national sport before settling into a serene eco-lodge, where you'll join evening prayers.

Day 5: Punakha to Haa Valley – Into the Quiet Heart of the Highlands

Venture toward the hidden Haa Valley, crossing Bhutan's highest pass. Savor handmade regional delicacies and immerse yourself in the valley's slow, soulful rhythms.

Day 6: Kajena to Tshokam Camp – The Trek Begins: Forests & First Light

Begin your Nub Tshonapata adventure — a rare gem for those who love trekking in Bhutan. Trek through ancient forests and rhododendron meadows, reaching a peaceful campsite beneath towering peaks.

Day 7: Tshokam to Womji – Alpine Meadows, Sacred Passes

Climb sacred passes and descend into lush valleys filled with alpine meadows. Settle at your next camp, surrounded by untouched wilderness and sweeping valley views.

Day 8: Womji to Nub Tshonapata – Descent into a Hidden Lake Sanctuary

Cross dramatic ridgelines and panoramic viewpoints, descending into the hidden basin of Nub Tshonapata — a tranquil jewel that defines the essence of a trek in Bhutan.

Day 9: Nub Tshonapata – Stillness, Solitude & Sacred Reflections

Spend a rejuvenating day hiking ridges, practicing mindful movement, or relaxing lakeside. Absorb the peace of one of Bhutan's most sacred and isolated landscapes.

Day 10: Nub Tshonapata to Rigna Tsho – Glacial Lakes & Himalayan Horizons

Ascend to a lofty pass where Kanchenjunga crowns the horizon. Continue to a quiet lakeside campsite nestled within pine-fringed slopes.

Day 11: Rigna Tsho to Yulo Meadow – Onward Through Whispering Pines

Traverse rugged trails and ancient landscapes. Descend toward a meadow where prayer flags flutter, and the return leg of your Bhutan trekking experience begins.

Day 12: Kajena to Paro – Farewell Trail & Healing Waters

Conclude your trek by walking through lush forests rich with birdsong and herbal scents. Drive to Paro, where a soothing spa session awaits.

Day 13: Paro – Culture, Community & Closing Circles

Reflect on your journey during visits to cultural landmarks and traditional farmhouses. Share stories and a farewell meal with local hosts.

Day 14: Paro – Pilgrimage to the Tiger's Nest

Ascend a sacred pilgrim's trail to a monastery perched dramatically on a cliffside. Celebrate your achievement with a traditional hot stone bath and a relaxed evening stroll through Paro.

Day 15: Paro – Departure with the Mountains in Your Heart

Following a relaxed breakfast, go to the airport for your next journey. Depart with the stillness of Bhutan in your heart, and a camera full of memories from this remarkable Bhutan trekking tour.

Uncover what we include?

Your journey with Raven is thoughtfully curated to feel seamless, immersive, and personal. We take care of the essentials—and the extraordinary—so you can focus on being fully present.

  • Handpicked boutique accommodations.
  • Daily meals, fresh snacks, and traditional teas.
  • Bhutan visa processing and Sustainable Development Fee.
  • Entry to cultural sites and temples.
  • Private licensed guides and dedicated vehicles.
  • Behind-the-scenes cultural experiences and local encounters.
  • A few signature Raven touches—crafted to surprise, delight, and connect you to the spirit of Bhutan.
  • 24/7 in-country support and concierge assistance.
When you trek with Raven, every step is supported by quiet care and deep intention.

Our treks are designed to offer both adventure and ease, allowing you to walk lightly and rest deeply in the heart of Bhutan's highlands. A full-service trekking team, including expert guides, trained chefs, and seasoned horsemen, will support you. We provide high-quality camping equipment, warm sleeping gear, filtered water systems, and thoughtfully arranged tents—from dining and kitchen to toilet and shower—for your comfort in the wilderness. Behind the scenes, every detail is tended to, from nourishing trail meals to your gear arriving ahead of you by pack horse. Safety remains paramount, with satellite communication and a stocked first aid kit always on hand.

What we do not include?

We keep things beautifully simple. The following items are excluded:

  • International flights (assistance available upon request)
  • Credit card or bank transfer processing fees.
  • International flights to and from Bhutan.
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal extras.
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
Optional Activities
Additional note
Your Journey Starts with a Conversation

Every Raven journey begins with a simple hello and grows into something personal, soulful, and deeply rooted in Bhutanese culture. What you see here is just a glimpse; the real itinerary takes shape after we learn what moves you, what pace you like, and what moments matter most.

Rather than sending a set schedule, we take time to craft something that feels just right for the season and you. When you're ready, we'll begin that process together with heart, care, and intention.

FAQ
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