Nub Tshona pata – Haa
Unquestionably one of the most breathtaking hikes in Bhutan is the Nub Tshona Pata Trek in Haa, western Bhutan. The hiking trail passes through a surreal paradise of lush rhododendron and conifer woods, highland meadows, high mountain passes, and yak herder’s huts.
The walk is unusual and uncharted because few people hike in this area. The Nub Tshonapata Lake turquoise, and the lush, unspoiled forests remain the trek’s highlights, in addition to the extensive local legend. The trail meanders through energizing juniper and rhododendron forests, with breathtaking passes rising as high as 4350 meters above sea level.
The trek offers beautiful views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges and the nearby Tibetan Plateaus, turquoise glacial lakes, the chance to spot uncommon species of flora and wildlife, all at an altitude of about 4,000m, making it demanding but ultimately rewarding.
Along the walk, the abundant highland foliage is home to a variety of wildlife, including blue sheep, black bears, mountain goats, and even snow leopards. You may also see flowers like Himalayan blue poppies and yellow umbrellas.
Hidden in the folds of the Himalayas, Nub Tshona Pata, or the Great Lake of the West, is considered sacred by Bhutanese people. Legend has it that a revered Terton (religious treasure revealer) Sherab Mebar discovered sacred relics from the lake.
The golden pillars that were believed to be in the lake’s bottom were to be removed by masons after the Terton. Thus, according to myth, The Terton drunk the entire body of water dry. The main motive was to transport those pillars to Paro Dzong. However, driven by greed, the masons continued to remove significant portions of the golden pillars. The Terton shouted at them and lost his ability to retain the water infuriated by their behavior. The water is thought to have then pursued them all. According to the villagers, this is why the Terton was unable to unearth all of the lake’s riches.
A few of the artifacts found by the Terton are still kept in good condition in Pangbisa, Paro’s Ugyen Guru Lhakhang and Paro Rinpong Dzong.
The same route was once used for trade between Tibet and Haa.
One can witness breathtaking vistas of the entire Tshejala mountain range on a clear day. Passing past a number of yak herders’ camps, the trail will bloom with wildflowers in the spring.
You can spend the day exploring the neighboring slopes, visiting yak herders’ camps, or wandering around the sacred lake. You can also go on a day trip along the Domang Bridge, from which you can see the Longlithang and Bahyuelna meadows in their entirety.
You may get a closer look at a region of Bhutan that is yet undiscovered and remote thanks to the Nub Tshona Pata Trek. Trekking is most enjoyable in the spring and fall. Given that it requires a certain level of fitness, it is best for frequent trekkers.