Nabji Korphu Winter Trek in Bhutan

An Enchanting Winter Trek in Bhutan

14 Days
Trekking
Village Tours
Wildlife Bird & Nature
Easy
5 Reviews:

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Even in a land recognized as one of 10 global ‘hotspots of bio-diversity’, the newly opened valleys of Nabji – Korphu have the reputation of being ecologically well-endowed. It is estimated that the region, harbors at least 395 species of birds, including the rare and beautiful Rufous Necked Hornbill. Otherworldly fauna, including Golden Langurs, one of the rarest primates make frequent appearances along the route. The trek goes through terraced farmland, broadleaf forests with an impressive array of flora and fauna, through the rarely visited villages. Among them, we also meet elders from shamanistic Monpa communities.
This exceptional trek into the Edenic wonderland of Bhutan’s Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is perfect for those who want a low altitude trek in a remote, un-spoilt area, with plenty of chance to interact with the friendly and hospitable local villagers. This trek is designed to benefit the villages we pass through and each village provides a guide, porters, food and handicrafts. In agreement with the government, Wind Horse pays the villages for these services, ensuring that money goes back to the community and we are lucky enough to see an untouched, un-spoilt part of Bhutan.

In addition to visiting and trekking , the tour touches major tourist places of Bhutan and the dates of small group journeys are tied into attending one of the colorful festival in Trongsa or in Nabji Village.

Outline Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 : Arrive and tour Paro Valley

Day 3 & 4: Drive and tour Punakha Valley

Day 5: Drive to Trongsa

Day 6: Explore the lower parts of Trongsa and Zhemgang and camp at Jangbi

Day 7: Drive to Jangbi on a farm road (3hrs) and trek to Kudra (4+hrs). Camp

Day 7: Trek to Nabji. Camp

Day 8: Excursion to Korphu village and camp

Day 9: Drive to Gangtey, Phobjikha valley

Day 10: In Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley

Day 11 & 12: Drive and visit Thimphu

Day 13: Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery.

Day 14: Departure

Nabji Trek: This 2 day day Nabji – Korphu trek , in the foothills of Black mountains under Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park was opened in 2006 but only recently has the route begun to grab attention. To minimize the impact on the fragile ecosystem of the region, only one group is allowed to walk the trail at a time. As a part of community tourism initiative, local villagers are employed to provide services and amenities in addition to our guide and cook from Thimphu. This trek may also be done in reverse order.

Monpa People: Monpas are believed to be the earliest settlers in Bhutan. They number around 3000 and inhabit villages dotting the mountain slope over looking Mangde Chhu near Jangbi. Monpas practice a mix of Buddhism and animistic shaminism.

This trip is best done in the winter months and dates can be planned to attend a local festival in Nabji or Trongsa or during the National Day celebration in Thimphu on Dec 17

                Art, Culture & History cover till central Bhutan
Access to remote villages to see and learn their ways of living
Rich and diverse flora and fauna
Spectacular views
Colorful markets
6 day easy –moderate trek
Dochula pass stay to get the spectacular snowcapped views
Takstang – the tiger’s nest monastery hike

            

Overview

Trip Type Trekking

Activities Included

Trekking

Village Tours Activities Included

Wildlife Bird & Nature

Accommodation 5 nights camping and rest in the moderate clean hotels with attached bath.

Meal All meals are included.

Best Seasons This trip is best done in Winter months, particularly best from mid Nov till Dec and from late Feb till March.

Best Months January, February, March, April, October, November, December

Not Recommended Months June, July, August

                            Art, Culture & History cover till central Bhutan
Access to remote villages to see and learn their ways of living
Rich and diverse flora and fauna
Spectacular views
Colorful markets
6 day easy –moderate trek
Dochula pass stay to get the spectacular snowcapped views
Takstang – the tiger’s nest monastery hike

                        

Cost Information

Cost Information
Cost is based on the number of participants. For details contact us.

Included

Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees and taxes.
Accommodations in hotels as listed during the tour and in tent camps during the trek
All meals including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the trip.
All trekking supplies (except personal gears such as shoes, sleeping bag, back-pack etc).
All transfers and sightseeing with entrance fees.
Pack animals/Porters for carrying luggage and trekking gears during the trek.
English Speaking local Guide

Not included

Flights into and out of Bhutan
Optional Travel/Medical Insurance
Personal expenses such as bars, beverages in the hotel, telephone, laundry, trips, and others

Traveller Review

5 Reviews:

Nabji Korphu Trek & Tour (Feb 21 – March 24,2019)

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Dear all,

Thank you for giving me an unforgettable experience in Bhutan, although I personally would had wished for more trekking, maybe another trip.

First of all – BIG thanks to Pema and Yeshey for their guideness through Bhutan and always being so positive and kind hearted.

Also BIG thanks to Gudu for the absolute spotless driving.

As we often said on the trip – We miss you Gudu!

Here is some more feedback:

*Would be great if you could update your links on what to bring on trips and also on your own equipment.

*Also great to inform travellers to bring enough cash, because the ATM’s are not reliable.

*Tipping – it felt that we had to tip so much more than expected, to more people.

Such information should be highlighted, because it becomes a big problem when there is no money, and also when in remote places it is hard to tip in US dollars.

*Would be good if the guides had Power banks to be able to charge phones etc when trekking. They need to be able to contact help if necessary. They should not rely on us guest to be able to charge their phones.

*Also good, I believe, that the guides should always bring a small pack with them with a First Aid kit, even on small walks to Temples etc. Anyone can step wrongly and sprain an ankle or anything can happen and they should be prepared. Does not need to be a big pack, maybe just a hip back.

*I know that the weather can change quickly, but good to have some knowledge of the weather forecast, to be able to change plans ahead rather on the road.

*Trekking equipment, I felt that many things was not necessary to carry along the trek by the porters – like platsic tables, toilet tents, sleeping mats (they were so big), big lunch!? All very nice of you, but we can manage without a table for one or two nights! Felt bad for the porters to carry unnecessary stuff.

*The food on the trekking was THE BEST! The cook / cooks were amazing, and the chili cheese – wow. The lunches were great, but sometimes walking you don’t always need a big lunch, a sandwich and small snacks will do and then we can eat more in the evening.

Once again – Thank you for taking me to Bhutan. I want to come back and hike Snowman Track!

Nabji Korphu Trek & Tour (Feb 21 – March 24,2019)

Monika Komerak

Feb 21 -March 04,2019

Nabji Korphu Trek & Tour (Feb 21 – March 04,2019)

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Hello!
First of all I want to let you know how much I enjoyed this trip and my visit to Bhutan. Amazing country and people! Beautiful scenery!
Pema, Yeshey and Gudut were top notch! They went above and beyond in making sure we had a fantastic experience. And always with a smile and in the most sincere way. I would give them a 10 out of 10 rating! I think of them as my brother’s now.
All the staff that were part of our trek – the chef, 2nd chef, helpers etc.were so great! The food was really delicious and the service fantastic. I felt like I was at a first class resort! The bonfires at night were a perfect ending for each day and the time when we got socialize not only with our co-travelers but with the crew. The trek was my favorite part of the trip.
A few suggestions:
*Make sure everyone has cash with them (rupees or Bhutanese ngultrum). We ran in to the issue of having access to cash when needing to pay/tip the local porters etc. Luckily some of us had extra cash to lend to others. We found that ATMs are not very reliable once we found one. Often out of service or not connecting with foreign cards. Very important to know so you can prepare and bring local currency or rupees with you. Also important to let travelers know that the Bhutanese currency can not be used outside of Bhutan like the Indian rupees can.

*The trip program is wonderful but it would have been nice to have some more free time, especially the days we were in towns etc. There were a few times when I felt very rushed. It may not be necessary to visit every temple, Dzong etc.

* Would have liked to do more hiking and less visiting temples etc.

* I was sad that our guides and driver were not able to stay in the hotels with us but understand the reason why. It was so wonderful to spend time with them during the trek at the bonfire in a more relaxed atmosphere. That sort of disappeared once we started traveling by bus.

I can’t say enough about how great Pema, Yeshey and Gudut are! They truly made the trip as wonderful as it was! I know it can’t be easy with 11 different people but they did a fantastic job!!!

On another note, I hope WindHorse will consider to do motorcycle trips in Bhutan. I would come back in a heartbeat for that!!!

Thank you for a wonderful experience in exploring and seeing a small part of a wonderful country with kind and welcoming people. It met all my expectations and I can’t wait to come back!

Kindly;

Minna Case

Feb 21 - March 04, 2019

Nabji Trek and Tour

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In mid Febuary into early March; we were a group of 11. (10:1 women to men, ages 39->71yrs.). Along with 3 male guides from Wind Horse Tour and Trek. Some of us were picked up at the airport in Guwahati, by Yeshi. He saw us before we saw him!
As a group, we all walked into Bhutan by way of Gelephu. What a stark difference between the chaos and pollution of India to the calm and relative clean of Bhutan. My favorite part of our adventure was the trek; although the rest of the trip was amazing and beautiful as well. Our trekking crew from Wind Horse were kind, fun and gracious hosts.The meals on our trek were the best! Chili Cheese! Villagers from homes near places we were walking by; greeted us with local oranges and arra (local rice wine). Some would also be porters for our camping equipment, (bedrolls, tents, kitchen and seating). We would do a kind of walking leap frog with them on the trail.
The hotels and restaurants, we visited along our way to Thimpu (and Tiger’s Nest!), got progressively more populated. So by the time we got to Tiger’s Nest, I felt Our guides- Pema Dendup and Yeshi Penjor, as well as our very skilled driver Gudu Mahat gently prepared us for our last big hike together. They absolutely made my experience of Bhutan! Knowledgeable and passionate about sharing in their home’s culture, rich history, hospitality and Yeti stories. They were playful and curious about each of us, as we were of them. Pema and Yeshi even learned how to make snow angels!
We stayed in Bhutan for 11 days. I have memories to last a life time and new stories to tell. Wind Horse Trek, and our beloved guides absolutely made my experience a positive, life changing adventure. Thank you so very much!

Jennifer

Feb 21 -March 04, 2019

Nabji Korphu Trek & Tour ( Feb 21 -March 04,2019)

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Some highlights that were possible because of the flexibility & willingness of Pema, Yeshe & Gudu.Visiting with village people especially the first camping night when they came down to our bonfire at dinner & we celebrated together a birthday of one of our group. One woman made her a scarf, 3 young girls choreographed a few dances to Bhutanese music. Chef made a bday cake. It was very festive & wonderful. The lovely tents having been set up, in all of our camping nights was a blessing & accommodations were way more sophisticated than expected.

In another village we were all invited into a home of an extended family who served us tea & baked rice goodies. All spontaneous & very loving & out of the blue.

Saving the puppies was a highlight. It could not have been implemented without the gracious permission & help from P,Y & G. I can’t praise them enough!!!!!!

Some of us were interested in the 1/2 marathon that was being held close to hotel on departing day. They arranged it so that we could stop & participate in the cheering on of the first finalists. Same with an archery meet. We passed by, had interest so we stopped & watched.

Compliments to our cooking crew who were excellent!!!! 3 hot meals a day with snacks & all very very good. I wondered what the media meant when they said you don’t go to Bhutan for the food. I was expecting not to be able to eat anything. We all commented on how much better our camping food was than the hotels. Don’t get me wrong. Choice of hotels was great.

I was not prepared for the difficulty of the climbing. I had been sick in India & less in shape than I thought. Also the oldest of the group.

Excuses aside, I loved the hiking but was humiliated (I guess that’s a personal issue. Was very difficult to not measure up). Once again Pema & Yeshe were there for me & Gudu also on the Tiger’s Nest climb. I only made it 1/2 way which was disappointing (again personal-ego)

So, this is just a little more of details of tour.

We all felt so taken care of being treated like royalty really. Dream come true.

THANK YOU very much for gifting me / us with your BEAUTIFUL BOOK of Bhutan & car sticker.

Book is magnificent & I will proudly drive around with sticker.

CB Goldstein

Feb 21 -March 04,2019

We enjoyed our trek very much. It was highlight of our trip in many ways.

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Nabji Korphu Trek (Nov 16 – Dec 01,2011)

Namaste Ugen,
Happy New Year! Sorry that we are so late in letting know about our trip in Nov.
I think that you wanted some feedback about our trek.

We enjoyed our trek very much. It was highlight of our trip in many ways. It is what I remember most.There was confusion on our part regarding tipping our porters and local guides. We would be happy to talk with you about this.Our trip was everything that we expected and more….especially camping above Tiger’s Nest…..hearing Buddhist monks at prayer……

We saw so many beautiful cultural sites and the countryside was spectacular……the only thing that I missed was getting to meet/know the people….a home stay in the countryside or village would’ve been wonderful.We were treated very very well by everyone associated with Wind Horse and I felt like honoured guest but I also felt very removed from the Bhutanese people…..even sharing a meal with a family in their home would’ve been great! I do not know the logistics of this suggestion and perhaps it would not be even possible. Dick and I did have tea with a shop owner when we were able to wander around Bumthang on our own for a few hours. The time that we spent with her is a fond memory.However, there isn’t a single day on our trip that I would “give up” for different experience…… We loved everyday of it!! We were sorry to leave but happy to be our own again as we traveled to Nepal.

Judith A

(Nov 16 – Dec 01,2011)

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Guides

Sonam Loday

Yonten Phuntsho

Yonten Phuntsho is one of our senior most guide. And well versed on his business. Initially, he conceded an impression of a man of a few words but I was in for surprise with the knowledge of his job, great sense of humour and congenial personality- simply one cannot judge a book by its cover. His unwavering focus, dedication, knowledge and passion runs deep for the love of his works. His aptly quote Barbara Kingsolver “I do my best work if I think about what it is I have to offer”.

From the outset, he knew what he wants to do in his life. Right after finishing his Class 12, he enrolled for guide course for culture initially then extended few more month to complete course on Trekking as well in 2008. After doing free lancing for a while, he joined Wind Horse Tours in 2010.

For most Bhutanese, appeals that mountainous terrains throw in for an out door adventures are native. In the case of Yonten, it was no exception. He easily gave in to the temptation of Mountain biking with its advent. He explored and lead tours in his bike but his allegiance is more inclined to off road biking trips that leads to quaint villages. To explore the unknown and love for nature, these attributes that he cultivated while trekking the alpine highlands and wilderness in remote corner of country was what prompt him to readily agree to embark on audacious Haa to Phuentsholing on mountain bike, overcoming challenges of carrying bike in tough terrains, untamed vegetations and unexplored areas.

IMG 2679 Windhorse Tours — On Left -Yonten & rest in Phobjika Valley

IMG 2695 Windhorse Tours — Second Left – Yonten and the rest – all rest to continue journey further carring the bike

IMG 2716 Windhorse Tours — Yonten in thick of action – carrying his bike

IMG 2737 Windhorse Tours — In centre – Yonten with other amidst Bike Trip

Pema Dhendup

Pema Dhendup is the one among the few young guns at Wind Horse Tour, Bhutan. He possess an infectious smile and exuberance that rub off to child and old alike. Unwarily, he has a mature head on his young shoulder and it is most conspicuous when he is among guests, untying knots of religion and its intricate iconography with ease and dexterity.
It took him to many different regions in the country to finish his school as his father’s job demanded. This helped to pick up different local dialects of the region. Currently, this stand in good stead for him. In 2011, he completed his Degree in Arts with history as major from Darjeeling, a hill station in India. He knew what he wanted and it was such a easy choice to opt for guide training. He led his first group 2013 at Wind Horse Tours and the rest the guests’ feedbacks and testimonial itself speak volumes.

He harbours a new found passion for birds, which was ignited when he was doing a tour with bird enthusiast and the similar history with the cycling.