Nabji Trail Trekking - 13 Days

Nabji Trail trekking goes through the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park located in central Bhutan, in an ecological rich environment. The park is also home to several cultural rich agricultural villages. The trail is a six-day low-altitude trek (between 693m/23100ft and 1,636m/5453ft) through six different villages located inside the park. On this trek, you will possibly 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 also home to the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nepalensis).

In addition to this, the trail is a superb place for birding (common mynas, blue-fronted redstarts, long-tailed shrikes and Eurasian sparrows, to name just a few common species, but spotted are also serpent eagle, golden-throated barbet, and the yellow-bellied flowerpecker) and has a wide variety of plants and flowers found in this Himalayan area (from Chirpine, broad-leaved trees and Bamboo, to Rhododendrons and wild Orchids). Besides the natural beauty of the area, 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.

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 programs 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.

Trek Level: Easy
Season : October to March

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Paro - Thimphu:
The flight into the Himalayas reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits you will be able to see Mt Everest (8848 meters) and other Himalayan mountain ranges. Landing in the Paro valley, surrounded by 4000 meters high mountains stretching across the west of Bhutan, enables you to have a visual landing which is indispensable and that makes your day an unforgettable one. Our representative welcome you in Bhutan and drive you through the beautiful valley of Paro to the capital city Thimphu. (2 hours drive). Thimphu is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu and set gloriously in the hills of the Thimphu valley. It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government to several foreign missions and development projects. Bhutan's only golf course, a nine-hole circuit, is situated next to the magnificent Tashicho Dzong. Visit Zorig Chusum Institute 13 traditional arts and crafts. It was established in 1971 by the Royal Government in order to preserve the invaluable heritage and promote the arts of Bhutan, Hand Made Paper Factory which was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan, Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the glorious religion) houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, the main secretariat building and the central monk body and Sangaygang view point as well as being the location of the transmitter tower of the only national television tower in the country (BBS), the view point is also the perfect place to take in some truly breathtaking views of the entire city of Thimpu. Overnight Thimphu Hotel.

Day 2 Thimphu to Trongsa:
Trongsa forms the central hub of the kingdom and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country where launched. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Trongsa. Visit weekend Market days are absolutely central to the lives of the Bhutanese. Later drive to Trongsa(5 hours drive) driving towards Punakha(2 hours 30 minutes), we come across a pass known as Dochula from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially in clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens. Overnight Trongsa Hotel

Day 3 Trek Start Trongsa to Nimshong village:
Total walking distance Riotala and Nimshong: about 6.5 kilometers, 3 to 4 hours. The trek starts with a steep descent of 693m/2310 ft, to the bed of Mangde River. Nimshong is a small (about 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 (1319 meters) is just beside the Nimshong Community School next above the village.

Day 4 Nimshong to Nabji
Total distance: about 13 kilometers, 4 to 6 hours. 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 consists of 55 households and an approximate population of 400 people. The village is situated on a foothill above terraced fields of rice. Overnight at campsite surrounded by the rice fields of Nabji

Day 5 Nabji village to Korphu:
4-5 hours. 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

Day 6 Korphu to Kubdra:
Total distance: 11to 14 kilometers, about 5 to 7 hours. 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, enjoy your lunch with a nice view of water fall at a place called Zhelyung (1565 meters). 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 7 Kubdra to Jangbi village:
Total distance: 13 to 14 kilometers, about 6 hours walk. The hike continues from Kubdra to Jangbi village. Again traces of Guru Rimpoche can be found along the way (foot print, dragger and hat). A welcoming tea is prepared in the orchid garden in Jangbi. Camp will be set near Jangbi village with a beautiful view over the valley and Mangde Chhu.

Day 8 Trek End Jangbi Village to Trongsa via Tongtongfey:
Total distance: 7 to 9.5 kilometers, about 3 to 4 hours. 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 real bed and shower. Overnight Trongsa Hotel.

Day 9 Trongsa to Punakha:
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo(Chief Abbot) and the monk body. It has a temperate climate and its rich fertile valley is fed by Pho(male) Chu and Mo(female) Chu (river). Morning drive to Punakha valley (3 hours 30 minutes drive) via visit Phobjikha the winter habitat of the black necked cranes which are an endangered species, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong it was founded in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.Wangdue Phodrang dzong sits majestically on a steep ridge overlooking the highway that fork to the east and south of the country, Wangdue Town which has a unique town to look around with small huts by the side of the road. Overnight Punakha Hotel

Day 10 Punakha to Thimphu:
Morning visit Kham Sum Yule Lahkahang it was built by HRH Azhi (Queen) Tshering Pem Wangchuck for a successful rule during the reign of the present Crown Prince Daso Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, and Punakha Dzong remarkable for its ability to withstand natural disasters - fires and earthquakes have done nothing to diminish its grandeur - the Punakha Dzong is rightly famous throughout Bhutan, as well as being one of the most well protected buildings in the country. Afternoon drive back to Thimphu (2 hours 30 minutes drive). Overnight Thimphu Hotel

Day 11 Thimphu to Paro:
Morning visit memorial Chorten which was memorial structures designed to evoke the same perfect symmetry and elegance of the Buddha himself, and it is traditionally good luck to pass them on the left. This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country. Afternoon drive to Paro valley (2 hours drive) and visit Kichu Lhakhang it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Ta Dzong (watch tower), which it served as during the 17th century to guard the region from the Tibetan invasion. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968 and Rimpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels) it was built during the time of Zhabdrung (deeply revered to this day as dynamic political and spiritual leader) in 1644. Overnight Paro Hotel

Day 12 In Paro:
Morning visit Taktshang Monastery generally regarded as Bhutan?s most recognizable cultural icon, the Taktshang Monastery, or Tiger's Nest, is strikingly iconic of the country's culture and traditions. Afternoon visit farmhouse of Bhutanese which is justly not famous for its cuisine, which is somewhat predictable, eating at a local farmhouse at least gives a slightly different variation. Overnight Paro Hotel

Day 13 Depart From Paro:
Early breakfast at the hotel and then Drive to Paro International airport to fly your onward destination

Note: Designed itinerary is a sample itinerary intended to give you a general idea of trip to Bhutan. We can create an itinerary to suit as your needs and interest one you give your interest and travel timeframe.

Trekking in Bhutan