Nabji Korphu Trek (Manas Trek) - 6 Days/5nights:
The trail is set out in the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Ideal times to trek October to March. The park is located in central Bhutan , is also home to several cultural rich agricultural villages. The trail is a six day low altitude trek 693m to 1,636m travelling through six different villages located inside the park. You have the possibility of sighting many bird species and even the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill. Besides the natural beauty of the area it is also rich in cultural history with the commemorative pillar in the temple of Nabji. The pillar symbolises the occasion that peace was negotiated between two kings. (King Nauche from India and King Sindu from Bhutan) intermediated by Guru Rimpoche in the eight century. You will also pass through the homeland of the Monpas people. The Monpas people are thought to be the first settlers in Bhutan. They were originally hunters and food gatherers and their culture, tradition & practices are intrinsically linked to the forest around them.
Day 1. Nabji Korphu Trek
Riotala to Nimshong, distance 6.5kms, time 3-4 hours.
Trongsa 2,200m - Nimshong Village 1,319m
Travel by car/mini bus to
Riotala the start of the Nabji trail. Keep an eye open for deer and macaques
along the way while enjoying the beautiful view over the Mangde Valley. The trek
starts with a steep descent of 693m, to the bed of the Mangde river following
the river bed until you see the chorten that indicates the entry to Nimshong
village. A steep climb up the the village which has 58 households with a
population of approximately 465 people.
Overnight tented campsite 1319m
Day 2. Nabji Korphu Trek.
Nimshong to Nabji, distance
13kms, time 5 hours.
Early this morning you will visit a local temple. Today you will hike through a
lush broadleaf forest alive with abundant bird and mammal life , with possible
sightings of Golden Languars and Rufous-necked Hornbill. The trail moves up and
down through a dense forest. Nabji consists of 44 households with approximately
400 people. The village is situated on a foothill above terraced fields of
rice. The temple of Nabji which means 'promising' or 'oath harbors the
stone pillar to mark the peace between Bumthang & Assam Kings. In the
village a rock remains of the blacksmith. (one of the reincarnations of Pema
Lingpa)
Overnight tented campsite 1300m
Day 3. Nabji Korphu Trek.
Nabji - Korphu - Nabji,
distance 12kms, time 4-5 hours
Nabji Village 1300m - Korphu 1636m
From Nabji base camp this
morning enjoy a day hike to Korphu village. Korphu is situated on a mountain top
at an altitude of 1500m. The village has 76 households and approximately 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. Stop in Korphu for lunch and
return to Nabji mid afternoon.
Overnight tented campsite 1300m
Day 4. Nabji Korphu Trek.
Nabji - Kubdra, distance 13kms, time 6-7 hours.
Nabji Village 1300m - Kubdra Campsite 1636m
Our trek today starts on a
trail to Kubdra village. The trail leads you through a dense forest, with
big tress with clippers, orchids and small bamboo. You will lunch
overlooking the waterfall at Zhelyung. Continuing along the trail you will come
the Monpas inhabited in Kubdra in the middle of the forest. Kubdra only has
three households but the few Monpas living their are very happy to welcome you.
Watch out for tigers and leopards the local inhabitants in this area although
they are rarely seen droppings and spores can be found.
Overnight tented campsite 1636m
Day 5. Nabji Korphu Trek.
Kubdra - Jangbi, distance
14kms, time 6 hours.
Kubra 1636m - Jangbi Village 1368m
The hike continues to Jangbi
Village you will see traces of the Guru Rimpoche along the way (foot print,
dagger and hat) Visit the small visit of Phrumzur with it's temple from here you
can see right over the valley. further along the trail you will see great vista
sand pristine forest. Tonight your campsite near Jangbi has a beautiful
view over the valley and Mangde Chuu.
Overnight tented campsite 1368m
Day 6. Nabji Korphu Trek.
Jangbi - Tongtongfey, distance
9kms, time 3-4 hours
Jangbi 1368m - Tongtongfey 1061m
This morning you have a steep descent of 950m which will bring you to a bridge crossing Mangde Chuu, after that is the last climb to Tongtongfey where your driver will be waiting to transport you by road to your overnight accommodation. If time permits visit Kuenga Rabten Palace and the Nunnery.
James Irving,
Mobile Travel Agents - MTA Travel, Suite 208 "Eastside" 232 Robina Town Centre,
Robina QLD 4226
Australia.
Tel: 1300 365 688 x 176, Fax: (07) 5522 9734, Mob: +61412 416111, A/hours: (07)
5525 2845.
Email:
jirving@mtatravel.com.au
Web:
www.bhutan.com.au