Nabji-Korphu Trek

This one week trek offers a short, easy and enjoyable journey around scenic Trongsa Dzongkhag. The climate is warm and pleasant as the trail stays between 1000-1500m in altitude and there is a wide array of flora and fauna observable along the route including the rare Golden Langur, Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, Rhesus Monkeys, Rufous-necked Hornbills and Clouded Leopards.

Hikers on this trek will have plenty of opportunity to experience traditional rural life as they will spend nights in the villages of Nabji, Korphu and Nyimshong. Nabji is an idyllic village surrounded by verdant paddy fields and the villagers of Korphu are famed for their hospitality. Visitors will often be greeted by a Chipdrel procession and Marchang ceremony, practices typically reserved for royalty. Nyimshong is a good place to observe some of the local culture as the women often put together cultural shows full of singing and dancing for visitors.

This is the perfect trek for visitors looking to learn about and experience traditional rural life firsthand while enjoying the natural beauty and biodiversity of Bhutan. The best time to embark on this trek is in winter, between October-April.

DAY 1: TONGTONGPHEY – JANGBI VILLAGE

Distance 7-9.5 km, 3-4 hours, altitude range 1,000 m – 1,350 m. After an early breakfast at your hotel, you can take some time to wander around Trongsa town, taking a visit to the Dzong or the museum at the Watchtower of Trongsa. 

DAY 2: JANGBI VILLAGE – KUDRA VILLAGE

Distance 13-14.5 km, 6 hours, altitude range 1,350 m – 1,500 m. The morning allows you to further interact with the Monpas. Before you proceed, you can also pay a visit to the orchid garden that houses around 75 different varieties of orchids. 

DAY 3: KUDRA VILLAGE – NABJI VILLAGE

Distance 11-14 km, circa 5-7 hours, altitude range 1,500 m – 1,300 m. This part of the trek is a collage of streams, waterfalls and thick forests that will give you an invigorating feeling of being out in the wild. Animals such as Himalayan Squirrels, Rhesus Mecaques, and small snakes are often seen.

DAY 4: NABJI VILLAGE – KORPHU VILLAGE

Distance 9.5-13 km, 2-3 hours, altitude range 1300 m – 1500 m. En route to Korphu, Nabji temple is located amidst verdant paddy fields. Inside, there is a stone pillar on which Guru Rinpoche imprinted the thumbs of two warring kings as a symbol of resolution after bringing about peace. 

DAY 5: KORPHU VILLAGE – NIMSHONG VILLAGE

Distance 11-12 km, 4-6 hours, altitude range 1,500 m – 1,300 m. The hike from Korphu to Nyimshong is pleasant and arguably the best location for bird watching as it is home to over 395 avian species. The elusive Rufous Necked Hornbill has its nesting holes adjacent to the trail. 

DAY 6: NIMSHONG VILLAGE

Distance 5-6km, 2 hours, altitude range 1,300 m – 1,000 m. You begin by descending towards the Mangdi River. You are likely to see Herons, River-lapwings and even Golden Langurs in this region. A steep hour-long climb will bring you to the road from where your driver will drive you back to Trongsa.