11-Day Nabji Korphu Community-Based Ecotour

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Today, you'll explore Thimphu and visit various historical, traditional and natural sites. These will include the National Library, Folk Heritage Museum, National Institute of Traditional Arts and Crafts, and Royal Takin Preserve. Then, after lunch in a local restaurant, you also visit the Royal Textile Academy, Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang and Buddha Point, where the largest Buddha Statue in Bhutan can be admired.

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After breakfast at the hotel, you'll begin the journey to Phobjikha valley. En route, you'll visit Dochula Pass to view the Himalaya mountain ranges, and Chimi Lhakhang to see the Divine Madman's temple. After lunch in the Divine Cafeteria, you will cross deep forests before entering the Phobjikha Valley. In the afternoon, you'll take a leisurely hike to see the villages in the valley going about their traditional farming activities.

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After breakfast, you'll move towards Trongsa visiting Chendebji Chorten en route. In Trongsa, you will visit the Ta Dzong Heritage Museum housing ancient Bhutanese artefacts and have lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards, you'll continue your journey towards Tongtongphey from where your local trekking guide will join. This marks the starting point of the community-based ecotourism trek; you will stay in campsites for the next three days.

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The 13-14.5 kilometre trek route for the day starts from Jangbi at an altitude range of 1,350-1,500 metres. The mild trail to Kudra is especially interesting as it passes the stone imprints of Guru Rinpoche’s footprints, dagger and phallus. There will be stops along the way whenever there are special landmarks. Lunch will be provided as a packed lunch during the trek and you will stay at Kubra campsite in the evening.

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This part of the trek is a wilderness trek and is about 13-14 kilometres in length at an altitude range of 1,500–1,300 metres taking around 6-7 hours. You may encounter a lot of mammals and birds, while the scent of wild orchids will freshen your mood as you walk. A packed lunch will be provided during the trek. After settling into the Nabji campsite, you will be treated to an array of cultural performances put on around a campfire by the local people of the Nabji community.

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You'll hike to Korphu, which is located slightly above Nabji. The trek takes about 1.5 hours to climb uphill. Although they are quite near to each other, there are many marked differences between the two prospering villages of Korphu and Nabji. You'll be welcomed into the Korphu community with singing and dancing. You'll have lunch in one of the community houses, and visit the Korphu Lhakhang before heading back to Nabji. In the evening, you can enjoy a hot stone bath.

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Your driver will pick you up and you'll begin your journey towards Trongsa. Enroute you will pass through Nyimshong village, and later pay a visit to a nunnery and Kunga Rabten Palace, formerly the winter residence of the second King of Bhutan, now a monastic institute home to over 50 monks. You'll also have lunch en route in a local restaurant in Langthel. Once you've checked into the Yangkhil Resort, you can explore Trongsa town and do some shopping in your free time.

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You will visit Trongsa Dzong, the longest Dzong in Bhutan that played a critical role in bringing all the eastern part of Bhutan under one rule. You'll then set off on the drive to Paro, stopping at Nobding village for lunch and then visit the Punakha Dzong. One of the most beautiful in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhanbdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founding father of Bhutan. Once you arrive in Paro, you'll check into the Rema Resort and have dinner there.

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After breakfast, you'll be driven around 20 minutes to the starting point of the hike to the Taktsang Monastery. Founded on the cliff, this monastery is one of the most iconic landmarks of Bhutan. You'll have lunch in the Tiger's Nest Cafeteria, the perfect midpoint of the hike. Afterwards, you'll visit Ta Dzong Museum and Rinpung Dzong which bear great historical significance to Bhutan. In the evening, you'll have some free time to explore Paro's local arts and crafts shops.