Nubji/Korphu Community Tour 13 days / 12 nights
Community Tourism
The 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 maximize socio-economic benefits and minimize negative impacts from tourism development to support the livelihood of the local community in the area and to create more awareness on natural, environmental, and cultural issues.
The highlights of the Nabji/Korphu Community-tourism include visits to small Bhutanese mountain villages and the Monpa ethnic group, diverse forests of the park, and possible sightings of endangered and vulnerable species such as the golden langur and rufous-necked hornbill.
The village communities along the trekking trail, namely the villages of Nimshong, Nabji, Korphu, Kupdra/Phrumzor and Jangbi, had established tourism management committees to plan and manage sustainable tourism development in the area. Some of the charismatic species in these trekking trail include red panda, golden langur which is endemic to Bhutan, common langur, sambar, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, tiger, leopard and some 449 species of birds.
The inhabitant of these trial are called Monpas, "The Monpas kept themselves uninfluenced by the 2,000 year-old mainstream culture of Bhutan," Monpas inhabit Mangdue and Wangdue valleys in central Bhutan and are often considered the first inhabitants of Bhutan. They are different from the Monpas of Tawang in Arunahal Pradesh.
"The term Monpa once came to mean little more than southern or Western Mountain dwelling non-Indian non-Tibetan barbarian. Not only the language but some of the social institutions peculiar to them and their dependence on forest for livelihood served to link them to the forest dwellers of Kumuan and Nepal and Nagas, Kukis and Mismis etc. of north eastern Himalaya. Traditionally, Monpas engaged themselves in weaving bamboo and cane products. They started shifting cultivation and recently switched to agriculture.
Bonism was the main religion before the advent of Buddhist doctrines. But they still remain the faithful adherents of the former. "The Monpas of Trongsa do have the stories of Guru Padmasambhava who they claim visited their place on the way to Bumthang via Nabgikorphu. But their faith on Bonism remained undeterred. Altars are almost absent in all the Monpas households. Animal sacrifice was practiced until recently during the Bon rituals though thispractice is today substituted by offerings of boiled eggs.
Monpas practice a mix of Buddhism and Bon (Shamanism) religion. Bonism was the main religion before the advent of Buddhist doctrines. But they still remain the faithful adherents of the former. "The Monpas of Trongsa do have the stories of Guru Padmasambhava who they claim visited their place on the way to Bumthang via Nabgikorphu. But their faith on Bonism remained undeterred. Altars are almost absent in all the Monpas households. Animal sacrifice was practiced until recently during the Bon rituals though this practice is today substituted by offerings of boiled eggs.
Each village can be considered as “Living Museum” as far as tools, cooking implements, food gathering, local festivals, songs and other practices. Each village unto itself is a cultural resource.
During the visit, you will have ample opportunity, to visit houses and mingle along the locals. You will then return to Trongsa and take the same highway back to Paro for you return flight back.
This route will take you through the temperate zone with great biodiversity, ranging from lush forest of conifer, rhododendron and magnolia to orchid draped oaks, banana trees and cactus plants. During clear weather, the high passes we cross, provides spectacular views of high snow capped peaks that go up to 25,000 feet.
There will be ample opportunities to interact with the friendly people of Bhutan and learn their philosophy of “GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS”.
Detail Tour Itinerary
DAY 01 Arrival Paro & Transfer to Thimphu
Distance: 55 Km. Driving 1.5 Hours.(Thimphu Altitude 7609ft / 2320m)
Fly from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air. From a window seat on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of Himalayan peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will be received by our representative and then drive to Thimphu the Capital City, the drive will take about 2 hours.
After lunch we would suggest, you go to Bhutan National Bank for currency exchange and then you can get an opportunity to purchase exquisite collector Bhutanese stamps. Then visit National Library where ancient texts and manuscripts are preserved; The Indigenous Hospital where traditional medicines are still practiced; Woodcraft and Painting school where traditional art and crafts are still kept alive; Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles are displayed and can be purchased. In the evening explore the busy Thimphu town with your guide or on your own.
Overnight – hotel Namgay Heritage/Hotel Migma.
Day 2 Thimphu – Gangtey
Distance: 130Km. Driving 6 Hours. (Gangtey Altitude 9380ft / 2860m)
Drive early to drive to Phobjikha, across Dochu-La Pass at 3050m from where snow-capped eastern Himalayan ranges can be seen on a clear day. Prayer flags will flutter you over the pass taking you deeper into the essence of Bhutan. Once you cross the pass, you wind down into a warm fertile valley of Wangdue. Visit Wangduephodrang which is built in 17th Century by Shebdrung Nawang Namgyel and lunch in the town.
After lunch drive further to Phobjikha, Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Visit Gangtey Gonpa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan and now housed 200 monks. If time permit then you can walk through natural trail till reached to hotel which is 1 1/2 hour hike.
Overnight – Hotel Dawachen.
Day 3 Phobjikha – Eundu Chholing via Trongsa
Distance: 105Km. Driving 5-6 Hours. (Gangtey Altitude…….. low valley)
After breakfast drive towards Trongsa passing over Pele la (11,000 ft). From here you can get first glimpse of the Black mountains. High Himalayan Mountains such as Jhomolhari are in view amidst hundreds of prayers flags; blessings abound. As we continue onwards we begin to get our first glimpse of the incredible massive dzong - Trongsa dzong; an architectural Wonder! Trongsa medieval watchtower and the great Mangde chu (river) enhance Trongsa dzong in its exceptional beauty and grandeur.
We now stop to visit Trongsa dzong; ancestral home of the royal family. Built in 1648 ad it is presently the administrative seat of the district and the home of the monastic school. Built at split-levels on a narrow spur, the dzong offers magical wonder. The watchtower, located directly above the dzong, has on display many interesting armors and other weapons of war used by ancient warriors. Then drive further to the south of Trongsa valley is Eundu Chholing, the winter palace of the first king, Sir Ugyen Wangchuck.
Overnight at the Eundu Chholing Place.
Day 4 Riotola – Nimshong
Total walking distance Riotala and Nimshong: about 6.5km; 3-4 hours Trongsa (2,200m / 7,333ft)-Nimshong village (1,319m / 4,367ft).
The first day starts with a brief tour through Trongsa Dzong and its Ta Dzong strategically located above the Mangde River. From there the bus will follow the road towards Zhemgang to halt in Riotola (1,060m/3533 ft), the start of Nabji Trail. Keep an eye open for deer and macaques along the way but notice the beautiful view over Mangde Valley as well.
The trek starts with a steep descent of 693m/2310 ft, to the bed of Mangde River; within one and hour from the river you can have a rest at a place called Matling (804 m/2600 ft). After half an hour you will come across a chorten that indicates the entry to the Nimshong village which is a steep climb for about two hours from the river. Nimshong is a small (circa 58-household) village, which has a population of about 465 people. The villagers welcome you with dance and songs while cooks are preparing diner. The campsite (1319m/4397 ft ) is just beside the Nimshong Community School next above the village.
Day 5 Nimshong-Nabji
Total distance: about 13km; 4-6 hours Nimshong Campsite (1319m / 4397 ft)-Nabji Campsite (1,300m / 3827ft).
Early in the 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 a dense forest. Nabji consists of 55 households and an approximate population of 400 people. The village is situated on a foothill above terraced fields of rice. The temple of Nabji which means 'promising' or 'oath'-harbours 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 campsite surrounded by the rice fields of Nabji.
Day 6 Nabji – Korphu(Day Hike)
Total distance: 9.5-13km; 4-5 hours Nabji village (1,300m / 3827ft)-Korphu Lunch spot 1,636m / 5453ft).
From our base camp in Nabji, we will do a day hike to Korphu village. Korphu is situated on a mountaintop at an altitude of 1,500m/5000ft. The village consists of 76 households, with an approximate population of 600 people. 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 7 Nabji/Korphu – Kubdra
Total distance: 11-14 km; about 5-7 hours Nabji/Korphu campsite-Kubdra Camp site (1636m / 5,453ft).
Our trek today starts on a trail to Kubdra village, leaving Nabji village at the holy tree. The trail has it own beauty; 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.).
Then after few hours walk you will come across an ethnic group (called the Monpas) inhabited in Kubdra. Kubdra is situated in the middle of the forest, around 6 hours walking from Nabji. 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.
Day 8 Kubdra-Jangbi Village
Total distance: 13-14,5km; circa 6 hours) Kubdra Camp site (1636m / 5453ft) -J angbi village (1368m / 4560ft).
The hike continues from Kub dra to Jangbi village. Again traces of Guru Rimpoche can be found along the way (foot print, dragger and hat). A brief visit will be paid to the small village of Phrumzur with its temple (at 1,400m). From the site of the temple there's a good view over the valley, here lunch will be served. From Phrumzur the hike continues, with great vistas and pristine forest 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.
Day 9 Jangbi Tongtongfey-Trongsa
Total distance: 7-9.5km; about 3-4 hours) Jangbi Campsite (1,368m / 4,560ft) - Tongtongfey (1,061m / 3,537ft) -Trongsa.
Today there is a steep descent of 950 meters, which will bring you to the bridge crossing the Mangde Chhu; after that there will be a last climb to Tongtongfey. From here, the bus will bring you back to Trongsa for a relax and shower. If time permits, you can visit the Kuenga Rabten Palace.
Overnight hotel at Yankill Resort .
Day 10 Trongsa – Wangdue
Distance: 1290Km. Driving 6 Hours. (Wangdue Altitude 4428ft / 1350m)
Depart Trongsa for Wangduephodrang with scenic stops for photo opportunity along the way. Look for Yaks along our route.
Overnight hotel at Kichu Resort or Punatshenchu Resort.
Day 11 Wangdue – Paro
Distance: 133 Km. Driving 5 Hours. (Paro Altitude 7,478ft / 2280m)
Drive to back to Paro, the road gradually descends into the balmy Punakha valley, and then begins a long climb back up to the Dochu La, where a stunning field of white chortens and colorful prayer flags send blessings up to the Himalayan sky; snow peaks line the horizon. From the La, it is only another hour to Thimphu.
Stop here for lunch, then continue to Paro (just under 2 hrs), one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan with its slate-roofed farmhouses, graceful willow trees and rushing glacial river beneath snow covered peaks. In route visit Botanicalarden and Takchok lhakhang built by Drupthop Thangthong Gyelpo the Iron chain bridge builder. Still you can see the iron chain bridge which is built by him.
Overnight at hotel Tashi Namgay Resort or Hotel Tenzinling.
Day 12 Excursion to Taktshang Monastery
A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After breakfast a short drive till the motor road point, from there a 2 hour hike till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktshang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance to Taktshang monastery.
The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.
After lunch hike back till the road and drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 Kms. away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. On a clear day you can get a view of the Mt. Chomolhari (Alt 7329m). On the way back visit a typical Bhutanese farm house and take a leisurely stroll around the compound and the Paro town.
Overnight same hotel in Paro.
Day 13 Departure from Paro International airport.
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Discovery Bhutan will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.