Nabji Korphu Community Trail

The Nabji Trail is an ideal post-harvest/winter trekking open from October up to the end of March. The trail is set out in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, a park with an ecological rich environment. The park is located in central Bhutan, home to several cultural rich agricultural villages. It is a six day low altitude trek (between 693m and 1,636m) through six different villages located inside the park. Our starting point is Riotala (1060m) and final destination Tongtongphey (1061m).

On this trek, it's possible to see the Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei), one of the rarest primates, which can only be found in Bhutan and neighbouring Assam. Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is home to the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nepalensis). If you enjoy bird watching this is a superb place for it common mynas, blue-fronted redstarts, long-tailed shrikes and Eurasian sparrows, to name just a few common species, also spotted are also serpent eagle, golden-throated barbet, and the yellow-bellied flowerpecker. The park has a wide variety of plants and flowers found in this Himalayan area from Chir Pine, broad-leaved trees and Bamboo, to Rhododendrons and wild Orchids.

The area also contains cultural history, witnessed among others by the presence of a commemorative pillar in the temple of Nabji. The pillar symbolises the occasion that peace was negotiated between the two kings King Nauche from India and King Sindu from Bhutan intermediated by Guru Rimpoche in the eight century.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 01 - Arrival in Paro airport (2280meters) with sightseeing in and around Paro.
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel to settle in. After lunch we visit the Ta Dzong which houses the National Museum and visit Paro's Rimpung Dzong , on the way down we cross the 16th century cantilever bridge. Also visiting the Drugyel Dzong victory fortress, built in 1647 which is 18 kilometers from the Paro town. Explore the magnificent ramparts of the erstwhile fortress which defended the country against several incursions. We take a visit to a farm house and observe the traditional Bhutanese way of life & living. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 - Scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu for sightseeing.
Sightseeing in and around Thimphu valley we visit the National Library, which holds a collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, as well as the institute for Zorig Chusum commonly known as Painting School, textile and Folk Heritage Museum which provides an insight into Bhutanese material culture and everyday way of life. Also visiting the National Memorial Chorten, Trashichho dzong an impressive monastery, Bhutanese Handicrafts displaying a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. In the evening we explore the vibrant Thimphu Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 - Drive from Thimphu to Punakha with sightseeing on the way.
Leaving Thimphu we drive about 3 hours, with the road climbing steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges on a clear day. You will see Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Junipers and pine forests with chirping sounds of the many rare species of birds found in Bhutan. We drive onto Lobesa to take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, it is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. Driving North to the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 which strategically occupies the land between the two rivers Phochu and Mochu. After our day of sightseeing we head back to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 - Drive from Punakha to Trongsa.
Driving approximately 6 hours after our early breakfast to Wangdiphodrang and continue on to Tongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m). The pass is marked by a white chorten and many prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.

Stopping at Chendebji Chorten for lunch. You can see the chorten with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Finally reaching towards Trongsa you can view the stunning Trongsa Dzong from a distance. Trek briefing. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 - Trongsa (2,200m) Nimshong village (1,319m)
Total walking distance Riotala and Nimshong: about 6.5km; 3-4 hours Trongsa (2,200m) to Nimshong (1,319m). We start with a brief tour through Trongsa Dzong. From there the transportation follows the road towards Zhemgang to halt in Riotola (1,060mt), the start of Nabji Trail. Keep an eye open for deer and macaques along the way while taking in the beautiful views over Mangde Valley. Starting with a steep descent of 693m, to the bed of Mangde River; you can rest at Matling (804 m). We come across a chorten that indicates the entry to Nimshong village again another steep climb for about two hours. Nimshong is a small village, which has a population of around 465. A traditional welcome from the village people with dancing and singing while cooks prepare dinner. Our campsite (1319m) is just beside the Nimshong Community School. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 06 - Trek from Nimshong to Nabji.
Total distance: about 13km; 4-6 hours Nimshong Campsite (1319m) to Nabji Campsite (1,300m). An early morning, the village guide will take you to the local temple. From there the hike will go through a lush broadleaf forest alive with abundant bird and mammal life, with possible sightings of Golden Langur and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Nabji is pretty much at the same elevation as Nimshong village; however, the trail will move up and down through dense forest. Nabji consists of 55 households with a population around 400, situated on a foothill above terraced fields of rice. The temple of Nabji which means ‘promising' or ‘oath' harbors the stone pillar to mark the peace between Bumthang and Assam Kings. In the village you can find rock remains of a blacksmith (one of the reincarnations of Pema Lingpa). Overnight at tented camp.

Day 07 - Trek from Nabji to Korphu for lunch stop then back to Nabji.
Total distance: 13km; 4-5 hours Nabji village (1,300m) to Korphu Lunch spot (1,636m). From our base camp in Nabji, we will do a day hike to Korphu village which is situated on a mountain top at 1,500m. The village consists of 76 households, with an approximate population of 600. A spectacular hike uphill to see the view from the clustered village of Korphu it's breathtaking. It is possible to visit Korphu's temple, which houses the sacred relics of Pema Lingpa. Local lunch will be provided in the village. Mid-afternoon, we hike back to Nabji. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 08 - Trek to from Nabji to Kubdra Camp site (1636 meters)
Total distance: 14 km; about 5-7 hours Nabji/Korphu campsite-Kubdra Camp site (1636m). Today our trail starts on to Kubdra village, we will come across dense forest, big trees with clippers, orchid and small bamboos. After 5 to 6 hours hike, we rest on benches provided; enjoy your lunch with a nice view of water fall at a place called Zhelyung (1565m). After few hours walk we come across an ethnic group (called the Monpas) inhabited in Kubdra. Kubdra is situated in the middle of the forest. Along the way you'll find traces of Guru Rimpoche. The habitat you traverse is very attractive for tigers and leopards (though it is very rare to spot them, droppings and spores can be found). Kubdra only has 3 households, but the few Monpas living here are very happy to welcome you at their campsite. Overnight at tented.

Day 09 - Trek from Kubdra to Jangbi village (1368m)
Total distance: 14.5km; approx 6 hours Kubdra Camp site (1636m) to Jangbi village (1368m). Continuing Kubdra to Jangbi village. A brief visit to the small village of Phrumzur with its temple at 1,400m. From the temple site there's a good view over the valley, here lunch will be served. From Phrumzur the hike continues, with great vistas and pristine forests along the way. A welcoming tea is prepared in the orchid garden in Jangbi. Here you will also find more information on the Monpas and their Cane and Bamboo Project. Camp will be set near Jangbi village with a beautiful view over the valley and Mangde Chhu. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 10 - Trek from to Tongtongfey (1,061m) then onto Trongsa.
Total distance: 9.5km; about 3-4 hours Jangbi Campsite (1,368m) to Tongtongfey (1,061m) then onto Trongsa. Today there is a steep descent of 950 meters, which will bring you to the Mangde Chhu bridge crossing, then there will be a climb to Tongtongfey. The bus will bring you back to Trongsa for a real bed and shower. If time permits, you can visit the Kuenga Rabten Palace and the Nunnery on the way back to Trongsa. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 - Drive from Trongsa to Bumthang
After the tour of Trongsa we drive to Bumthang, 68 km away from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m). The road winds steeply up to the pass and then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. Stopping in Chumey village there are many shops selling yathra, a woolen textile. Bumthang is famous for yathra a distinctive strip of woven woolen fabric in numerous colours and patterns mostly made using ancient dyeing techniques .The Road follows the valley down and it climbs through blue pine forests to Kiki La (2860m). We then descent down to the Choekor Valley or central of Bumthang. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 - Sightseeing around Bumthang
Bumthang valley comprises of a combination of four valleys & Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. Home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visiting the Jakar Dzong built in 1667 and it`s seat of district administration and regional monastic body of Bumthang. Jambay Lhakhang founded in 7th century by the Tibetan king Songsen Gampo it is one of the oldest monasteries in the country. Kurje Lhakhang, where the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan subdued a local demon and left his body imprint. Tamshing founded in 1501 by Terton (Treasure Revealer) Pema Lingpa the incarnation of Guru Rinpoche. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhisattvas) in Bhutan. Visit a farmer's house for refreshments and observe the traditional way of living. We also visit a Swiss farm which produces cottage, swiss cheese, honey, a large variety of fruit juice and spirits. The Brewery that manufactures the famous Red Panda Beer (weiss beer) also located here. Take a leisurely walk in Chamkhar town. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 - Leaving Bumthang behind we drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha.
Driving approx 7 hours to the glacial valley of Phobjikha. On the slopes of valley the great monastery of Gangtey is situated, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km, down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Explore Gangtey village and Phobjikha valley. The unique black necked crane festival is held on the valley floor every November. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 - Drive from Phobjikha back to Paro.
An easy drive via Wangdiphodrang. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 - Sightseeing in and around Paro.
Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful Pine and rhododendron forests. We stop at the tea house for rest and refreshments ,the tea house offers magnificent up close view of the tigers nest and continue the hike for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the imposing Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. History states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger and meditated here for three months. It is regarded to be one of the most venerated cultural heritage sites in Bhutan. People from all over the Himalayan Diaspora frequent this place on the pilgrimage trail to Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 - Transfer to international airport for your final departure.
After breakfast our Airport Representative will drop you to the Paro International Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.

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Accommodation Details

Standard government approved accommodation (in twin share rooms) for the duration of tour.