| Day 1 |
Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1.2 hrs)
Transfer to Thimphu by car/bus. Afternoon, visit the weekend market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday), Handmade paper Mill, School of Arts and crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan, Lunch in town. Drive pass by Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, Enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m. |
| Day 2 |
Thimphu – Punakha (2.5 hrs)
Drive through Dochula pass at 3050m. When the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a short tea break continue to sub tropical Punakha. Afternoon visit nunnery and walk down to your hotel. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m. |
| Day 3 |
Punakha – Trongsa (5 hrs)
Check out of the hotel and visit Chimi Lhakhang on foot, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus. En route visit Wangdi town and continue to Trongsa over Pelela pass at 3300m. Visit amazing Trongsa Dzong on arrival. Fortress which used to rule enter kingdom and homes of royals. Evening relax in your hotel or take a stroll. Overnight in Trongsa, altitude 2200m. |
| Day 4 |
Trongsa – Nimshong (Trek Start). Distance: 6.5k, walking time: 3-4h, sleeping altitude: 1319m.
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. Distance: 13k, walking time: 4-6h, sleeping altitude: 1300m.
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 halt
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 – Kubdra. Distance: 11-14k, walking time: 5-7h, sleeping altitude: 1636m.
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. Distance: 13-14,5k, walking time: 6h, sleeping altitude: 1368m.
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 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 (Trek end). Distance: 7-9.5k, walking time: 3-4h.
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. If time permits, you can visit the Kuenga Rabten Palace and the Nunnery (on the way back to Trongsa). Overnight in Trongsa. |
| Day 10 |
Trongsa – Phobjikha (4 hrs).
Check out from the hotel and drive to Phobjikha, the valley of back necked cranes which migrates from Tibetan plateau in every winters. On arrival visit famous Nyingmapa monastery in black mountain region. Evening we will walk in the beautiful valley of Phobjikha meeting locals and students. Rest of the time at leisure. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m. |
| Day 11 |
Phobjikha – Paro (6 hrs).
Check out from the hotel, we will take two hours natural trail hike and retrace our drive back to Paro via Wangdue, Dochula and Thimphu. In Paro visit the National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. One can also venture to try local restaurant for dinner. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m. |
| Day 12 |
Paro sightseeing.
After our delicious breakfast, our team will receive you and transfer to north end of Paro valley and hike to Tiger Nest Temple. Tiger nest is renowned temple in the Buddhist world which ceilings on the vertical cliff 900m above the valley floor. The hike will take about two hours to reach to the top and will warm us for the trekking next day. En-route drive to visit historical drukgyel ruin Dzong and kichu temple praying to bless us for the rest of the journey. Overnight in Paro. |
| Day 13 |
Departure.
The tour will end today morning after boarding your flight to back home, you will carry smile on your face, eyes full of tears and memories unlimited. Say goodbye to our staffs at the airport with the prayers of save journey and to see you again in future. |
