7 Nights | 8 Days
This is an ideal post-harvest/winter trekking open from October up to the end of March. It was opened in 2006 and set out in the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, a park with an ecologically rich environment, in central Bhutan.
You will possibly see the Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei ), one of the rarest primates, which can only be found in Bhutan and neighbouring Assam(India) and the Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nepalensis). This trail is superb for birding (common mynas, blue-fronted redstarts, long-tailed shrikes and Eurasian sparrows,) to name just a few common species. You also spot the serpent eagle, golden-throated barbet, and the yellow-bellied flower pecker along with a wide variety of flora.
Tour highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Riotala – Nimshong
Begin the day with a brief tour of Trongsa Dzong (Fortress) and the Ta Dzong after which you will enter Zhemgang with a halt in Riotola. As the Nabji Trail begins; keep an eye open for deer and macaques along the way but notice the beautiful view over Mangdue Valley as well.
The trek starts with a steep descent of 693m/2310 ft, to the bed of Mangdue River. After an hour from the river, you can rest at a place called Matling (804 m/2600 ft). You then come across a chorten (stupa), the entry to Nimshong village, which is a steep climb for about two hours from the river.
Nimshong village has a population of about 465 people. The campsite (1319m/4397 ft) is just beside the Nimshong Community School above the village.
Day 2: Nimshong – Nabji
We will visit the local temple in the morning and begin the hike through lush broadleaf forest enlivened by several birds and mammals. You could spot the Golden Langur and Rufous-necked Hornbill. The temple of Nabji –which means ‘promising’ or ‘oath’- harbours the stone pillar that marks the peace made between the Kings of Bumthang and Assam, brokered by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. In the village you can find rock remains of a blacksmith (one of the reincarnations of Pema Lingpa).
Overnight at campsite surrounded by the rice fields of Nabji.
Day 3 : Nabji
From Nabji we begin a day’s hike to Korphu village, situated on a mountaintop at an altitude of 1,500m/5000ft. It is a spectacular hike uphill, and the view from the clustered village of Korphu is breathtaking. It is possible to visit Korphu’s temple, which houses the sacred relics of Pema Lingpa. A local lunch will be provided in the village. In the mid-afternoon, we hike back to Nabji.
Day 4: Nabji/Korphu
The trek today starts on a trail to Kubdra village, leaving Nabji village at the holy tree. You will come across dense forest, big trees with clippers, orchid and small bamboos.
After 5 to 6 hours hike, you can rest on the benches provided; enjoy your lunch with a nice view of water fall at a place called Zhelyung (1565m/5217ft.).
A few hours later you will come across the ethnic group (Monpas) inhabitating Kubdra. Kubdra is situated in the middle of the forest, around 6 hours walking from Nabji. 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).
Day 5:Kubdra – Jangbi
The hike continues from Kubdra to Jangbi village. Several places associated with Guru Rimpoche can be found along the way (foot print, dragger and hat).
We will briefly visit the small village of Phrumzur, which has a temple (at 1,400m). From the temple, we can have a very good view of the valley. Lunch will be served here. From Phrumzur the hike continues along pristine forests all along. The camp will be set near Jangbi village with a beautiful view over the valley and Mangde Chhu.
Day 6:Jangbi – Tongtongfey
The day will see you make a steep descent of 950 meters, which will bring you to the bridge crossing the Mangdue Chhu. After this, there will be a last climb to Tongtongfey.
From here, you will be driven back to Trongsa. If time permits, you can visit the Kuenga Rabten Palace and the Nunnery (on the way back to Trongsa).
Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 7: Trongsa – Thimphu/Paro
Your return journey will be as exciting as the onward journey was. You can either spend the night in Paro or Thimphu to fly out of the country the next day.
Day 8: Departure from Paro international airport
Our company’s representative will escort you till the airport.