Nabji-Korphu Trek

On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of major Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt. Jychu Drakey and Mt. Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of arrival formalities, your tour guide will receive you and take you to the hotel. After freshening up, you will be taken for a tour of Paro town including the ruins of Drukgyel dzong and Kychu Lhakang.

The journey between Paro and Thimphu takes just about an hour. It is a smooth drive along the Parochhu and later the Thimphuchhu after crossing Chuzom. Along the road, you will be able to see village settlements, farmlands, temples and chortens. On the way, you will visit Tagcho Lhakhang (temple) on the other side of the river. In Thimphu, you will be taken for a cultural tour to Changangkha Lhakhang, Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, and Kuenselphodrang or popularly known as Buddha point.  

The journey to Trongsa, the political and historical center of Bhutan in the past, is a mesmerizing one that takes you through a serpentine road, mixed forest, changing altitudes, and diverse sights and sounds. You will come across traditional agrarian villages along the way. You will also cross Dochula pass and Pelela pass.

Distance: 7-9.5 kms

Time:  3-4 hours

Altitude range: 1,000m – 1,350m

After early breakfast, you will visit the historical Trongsa dzong followed by the Ta-dzong that houses a museum. You will then drive along the Trongsa – Zhemgang national highway till you reach Tongtongphey, from where you will start the trek. Along the way, you could also visit the Kuenga Rabten palace. 

From Tongtongphey, you will walk downhill till you reach a suspension bridge over Mangdechhu. On this trail, you will sight golden langurs and hornbills. You will come across an indigenous community of Monpas said to be the first inhabitants of the country. You will also be able to experience their unique ethnic lifestyle and culture. The campsite is at Jangbi overlooking the beautiful Mangde valley.

Distance: 13-14.5 km

Time: 6 hours

Altitude range: 1,350m – 1,500m

In the morning you will visit the orchid garden that is home to about 75 different species of orchids. The trail leading to Kudra village is a fascinating one as you will come across numerous religious sites. The trail is filled with stone imprints of Guru Rinpoche’s footprints, dagger and phallus. Just before you reach Phumzor, lunch will be served. If there is time, you can also visit the village Lhakhang and then continue to the campsite in Kudra. An hour before you reach Kudra, you will pass through another Monpa village, Lekpogang. The campsite offers a bird’s eye view of Nyimshong village and also Zhemgang town.

Distance: 11-14 kms

Time: 5-7 hours

Altitude range – 1,500m – 1,300m

Today, the trail is truly a walk through the wild. The sights and sounds of Rufous-necked hornbill, streams, waterfalls and thick forests – all add to the experience. The Great Himalayan Squirrel, Rhesus Mecaques, and small snakes are often spotted along the trail. After five to seven hours walk, you will reach the idyllic village of Nabji, surrounded by terraced paddy fields from all around. Here you can indulge in local culture or play a game of football or volleyball with students at the community school.

Total distance: 9.5-13km

Time:  2-3 hours

Altitude range: 1300m – 1500m

At Nabji, you will visit the historical Nabji temple. Guru Rinpoche is said have mediated a truce between two warring kings – King Sindhu Gyalp of Bumthang and King Noeche of South – by imprinting their thumbprints on the black stone pillar. From Nabji, Korphu is about two-hour’s uphill walk. At Korphu, you can partake in the traditional game of ‘Khuru’, ‘Dego’, ‘Sok-sum’, and ‘Gee-dum’. You could also pay a visit to the village temple that houses the sacred relics of Pema Lingpa, the famous ‘Treasure revealer’ of Bhutan.  Korphu also offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of Nabji village.

Distance: 11-12 km, 

Time: 4-6 hours

Altitude range: 1,500m – 1,300m

The trek to Nimshong is a pleasant one and along the trail, you will able to spot numerous species of bird species. The forest here boasts of being home to more than 395 species. People of this village will entertain you through the night with offerings of ara (locally brewed alcohol).

Total distance: 5-6km

Time: 2 hours

Altitude range: 1,300m – 1,000m

The trek from Nimshong to Reutala involves descend and a sharp uphill climb till the road point. Along the trail, you can sight the Golden Langurs.  You will be picked up by your driver and driven to Trongsa.

After a night halt in Trongsa, you will head to Punakha today. On the way, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, the mecca of fertility. Later you will visit the magnificent Punakha dzong, located on the confluence of Mochu and Phochu. 

You will be driven to Paro today. After lunch, you will visit Paro Rinpung dzong and Ta-dzong that houses the National Museum. Evening is a right time to shop in Paro town.

Your tour escort will see you off at the airport.