Nabji-Korphu Community-based Nature Tourism Trek
Open from October up to the end of March. The trail goes through the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park located in central Bhutan, in an ecological rich environment. The park is also home to several cultural rich agricultural villages. The trail is a six-day low-altitude trek (between 693 m./23,100 ft and 1,636 m./5,453 ft) through six different villages located inside the park. Starting point Riotala (1,060 m./3,533 ft) and final destination Tongtongphey (1,061 m./3,537 ft) are two small villages along the Trongsa-Zhemgang road, situated in the buffer area of the park at the east side of the Mangde Chhu (river). On this trek, you will possibly see the Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei), one of the rarest primates, which can only be found in Bhutan and neighbouring Assam. Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is also home to the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nepalensis). In addition to this, the trail is a superb place for birding (common mynas, blue-fronted redstarts, long-tailed shrikes and Eurasian sparrows, to name just a few common species, but spotted are also serpent eagle, golden-throated barbet, and the yellow-bellied flowerpecker) and has a wide variety of plants and flowers found in this Himalayan area (from Chirpine, broad-leaved trees and Bamboo, to Rhododendrons and wild Orchids). Besides the natural beauty of the area, the area also contains cultural history, witnessed among others by the presence of a commemorative pillar in the temple of Nabji. The pillar symbolises the occasion that peace was negotiated between the two kings (King Nauche from India and King Sindu from Bhutan) intermediated by Guru Rimpoche in the eight century. Along the six day trail more traces of Guru Rimpoche’s presence during his visit to Bhutan in the 8th century can be found.
The last two days of the trek will go through the homeland of the Monpa people. The small traditional villages of the Monpa community are scattered on the slope overlooking Mangde Chhu. The Monpas are thought to be the first settlers in Bhutan, the Mangde Chhu valley representing one of the earliest areas of settlement in Bhutan. The Monpas practice a mix of animistic shamanism and Buddhism. Monpa refers to “the people of darkness” referring to their isolated position in the past. In general term Mon refers to people without religion that symbolizes period before the advent of Buddhism in Bhutan. They were originally hunters and food gatherers and their culture, tradition and practices are intrinsically linked to the forest around them. They are traditionally cane weavers and bamboo crafters, using their skills for house construction, making baskets and other household items.
Community Tourism
The Nabji Trail supports the park management in their efforts to conserve nature by creating more awareness on natural and environmental issues, through tourism awareness programmes and by introducing socio-economic benefits. Specific measures are put in place to maximise socio-economic benefits and minimize negative impacts from tourism development to support the livelihood of the local community in the area and to create more awareness on natural, environmental, and cultural issues.
Facilities provided
Raven Tours and Treks will offer a service package that includes campsite, porters, guides and cooks. Others services and products offered by us are a cultural program, handicraft made out of cane and bamboo, vegetables and firewood. The entire campsite will have more or less the same facilities such as camping ground, toilets, shower, kitchen and a mini theatre (two campsites) for cultural program.