Come and experience the wildlife on offer, 56 species of mammals including the one horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, striped hyena, Gang tic dolphin and wild bison.
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Want to be in camera range of the highest peaks in the world, fly above the clouds, over glaciers, lakes, rivers while cruising so close to the awe-inspiring massifs of rock and ice an out-of-this world experience.
Rafting is inarguably the best way of exploring and experiencing Nepal’s natural thrill with rivers crashing down through the foothills providing the best white water rapids with many exciting moments.
Nabji Korphu Community Trail - 16 Days.
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.
Along the six day trail more traces of Guru Rimpoche’s presence can be found.
The last two days of the trek will go through the homeland of the Monpa people. The small traditional villages of the Monpa community are scattered on the slope overlooking Mangde Chhu. The Monpas are thought to be the first settlers in Bhutan, the Mangde Chhu valley representing one of the earliest areas of settlement in Bhutan. The Monpas practice a mix of animistic shamanism and Buddhism. Monpa refers to “the people of darkness” referring to their isolated position in the past. In general terms Mon refers to people without religion that symbolises period before the advent of Buddhism in Bhutan. They were originally hunters and food gatherers and their culture, tradition and practices are intrinsically linked to the forest around them. They are traditionally cane weavers and bamboo crafters, using their skills for house construction, making baskets and other household items.
Community Tourism
Nabji Trail supports the park management in their efforts to conserve nature by creating more awareness on natural and environmental issues, through tourism awareness programmes and by introducing socio-economic benefits. Specific measures are put in place to maximise socio-economic benefits and minimize negative impacts from tourism development to support the livelihood of the local community and to create more awareness on natural, environmental, and cultural issues.
The trail itself has been in use since long by the villagers themselves, who use the trail to commute between villages. A waste management system has been put in place where tour groups have to carry their non-degradable waste out of the park. Waste can be disposed of at the end of the trail, at the Park Range Office in Tongtongfey, where an incinerator is built. This incinerator is not only for the benefit of tour groups but also the local community.
The trail has been developed in such a way that community will have the sole responsibility to manage and provide services. The service package includes community camping sites with basic facilities Nimshong, Korphu, Kubdra and Jangbi or with bucket shower/hot stone bath facilities (Nabji), local lunches, tea or meal.. Each village has a Tourism Management Committee (TMC), as appointed by the villagers. The TMC will monitor and control the services, revenue collection and utilization through the Community Development Fund (CDF). The revenue so generated will go directly into CDF bank account.
On rotation basis, individuals from different villages generate income through portering from village to village, assisting as cook, or village guide. Other activities generating income for individuals by developing tourism in JSWNP include cultural performances, sales of crafts, vegetables and other agricultural products.
The TMC decides the deposit on certain percentage of the revenue generated from the individual tourism activities such as portering, guiding and cooking into the CDF bank account. The accumulated fund can be used by the communities for their village development activities, children education and expansion and maintenance of the tourism related infrastructure. The fund can be used to support initiatives which involve those who are not directly involved in tourism development (especially children and elderly).
Accessibility
Best time to visit the area is from October to March. The Pilot Community Tourism Steering Committee has set specific dates to visit the park only one tourist group can visit at a time. A maximum number of 11 people per tour group are allowed on the trek. We offer a service package that includes campsite, porters, village guides and cooks. Others services and products offered are a cultural program, Handicrafts made out of cane and bamboo, vegetables and firewood.
Basically all the campsites have more or less the same facilities such as camping grounds, toilets, shower, kitchen and a mini theatre two campsites for cultural program. A minimal amount will be charged on top of the services provided, which will go directly into CDF.
The trail starts and ends at the road between Trongsa and Zhemgang. Therefore Trongsa is a good ‘base camp’ to start the trek. Not only because of its close distance from start and finish of the trail, its accommodation facilities, and its perfect location between Punakha and Bumthang, also because of possible visits to Trongsa Dzong and its Ta Dzong a watch tower which will be converted into museum. Kuenga Rabten, the old winter palace, can be visited along the way to or from the park.
Itinerary in Details
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.
NOTE: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. The trek can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
Upon booking this holiday in Bhutan please allow at least 30 days as the Bhutanese government has strict Tourism policies. Please see our Visitor Facts for more information.
Trip cost as per above program
Group Size
1 (Solo Trip)
2 – 5
6 - 9
10 - 12
Cost per person in USD
4025.00
3780.00
3380.00
3225.00
Cost per person in GBP
2230.00
2092.00
1872.00
1785.00
Cost per person in EURO
3330.00
3128.00
2800.00
2670.00
Cost per person in AUD
5365.00
5040.00
4500.00
4300.00
Single Supplementary (if require) US$ 400, GBP 220, EURO 330, AUD 530 per person
The above cost Includes
1. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus (all airport transfers).
2. Standard government approved accommodation (in twin share rooms) for the duration of tour.
3. Service of licensed English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guides.
4. All sightseeing tours, Monument /Museum entrance Fees as per itinerary.
5. All meals fixed breakfast, lunch & dinner with Tea and Coffee for whole duration of your stay in Bhutan.
6. Country Presentation & Tour Briefing on Day 1 evening with welcome drinks.
7. Cultural afternoon/evening consisting of traditional mask dances & folk dances (with beverages) ~ For Group Tours
8. Mineral water supply for the trek or tour.
9. Government Royalty (which is 35% of $200) this goes to the country's health & education projects.
10. Private Transport & Driver within Bhutan. (Imported Prado’s, Micro Buses & Toyota Coaster Buses)
11. Toyota 4 X 4 luggage vans & light trucks for group travel
12. All our government taxes.
13. Tourist service charge, vat.
14. Official expense.
15. Bhutan Visa Fees and Visa Processing assistance
16. Tented accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (You will be provided water proof two-three man dome tents, sleeping mattress, air pillows, dining tents, kitchen gears, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)
17. Required number of trekking staff.
18. All trekking access, route permits logistics & fees.
19. Luggage will be hauled by horses, mules or yaks at higher elevations.
20. Food, accommodation, salaries, insurance, equipment and transportation for all staffs.
The above cost Excludes
1. Bottled/alcoholic/cold drinks, room service and al a cart meals.
2. Your travel insurance (compulsory).
3. International airfares and airport departure tax.
4. Photography charges (if and when applicable).
5. Items of a personal nature such as laundry.
6. Personal Equipment.
7. Tips to guides, restaurants, hotel lobby, porters and trekking staff. (Tipping is expected.)
8. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
9. Personal trekking Equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions for Nabji Korphu Community Trail
Q. What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me? A. This trek is suitable for any kind of person, no previous experience is required. To condition yourself for the trek, some fitness programs with walking is recommended before you embark on journey. Any person suffering from pre-existing medical condition must seek medical consent/advice before considering this trek.
Q. What sort of accommodation can I expect during the trekking? A. Hotels vary in style and quality we use government approved hotels are clean and well maintained with hot and cool water, telephones with international dialing and fax facilities. Along the trekking routes we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents with a good mattress. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. You will also get a bowl of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up and before meals.
Q. What sort of food can I expect in trekking? A. Most of the restaurants serve Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine with plenty to choose from. Whiling camping our expert camping cook will prepare Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental fare. If you have any special dietary requirements please advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Q. What sort of transportation you use? A. We use comfortable and reliable Japanese Toyota SUV's, micro-buses and coaches to transport our guests. The cost of transport is already included in the daily tour cost. All our drivers are licensed by the Road surface transport authority (RSTA). Our vehicles are also certified and inspected by the RSTA frequently to comply with the road worthiness and safety standards. The guests will have a vehicle, guide and driver at their disposal at all times.
Q. What is the best season for this trekking? A. The best time for this trekking is October to May.
Q. What is the weather & temperature like? A. Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally cooler around -2 below to 9 degrees with warmer days around 5 - 15. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 30 deg C to 0 deg C low.
Q. Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip? A. These facilities are available in all hotels but not along the trekking route. Remember to bring your adapters!
Q. Is there any Photography restrictions? A. You will have many photo opportunities please ask if it is ok to take someones photo. Photography in, monasteries, shrine rooms of dzongs and religious institutions is generally not permitted but outdoor photography is permitted. To be sure when visiting such places, you may ask your guide.
Q. Can I use credit cards in the places visit in tour? A. In Bhutan there are no ATM machines for the use of credit or debit cards, you are required to bring travelers cheques or cash.
Q. Is the water OK to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter? A We provide you mineral water whiles your stay in Bhutan which is 100% safe to drink.
Q. Are the Ace the Himalaya Agency's staff insured? A. Our company insures all our trekking staff, including guide, cook, sherpa and porters. Please, Click on LEGAL DOCUMENT page (Company) to view insurance details.
The above cost Includes
