Nabji‑Korphu Trek, Bhutan

Step into the enchanting world of Bhutan’s rural landscapes on the 12-day Nabji-Korphu Trek, a journey that gently blends scenic trekking with profound cultural immersion.

Nestled within the pristine Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, this trek takes you through lush subtropical forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages that reflect Bhutan’s deep-rooted harmony with nature.

Bhutan lies at the core of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, boasting over 74% forest cover and rich ecosystems that shelter endangered species.

Here, nature — from mountains and rivers to ancient trees — is revered as sacred, reflecting centuries-old beliefs that have helped conserve the environment and become pillars of Bhutan’s unique Gross National Happiness philosophy.

Topics and activities of the Nabji‑Korphu Trek

This trek offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and meaningful community encounters. As you trek between remote Monpa villages — home to one of Bhutan’s oldest indigenous communities — you’ll witness daily life deeply rooted in oral traditions, spiritual practices that blend Buddhism with animism, and traditional crafts like bamboo and cane weaving.

Highlights of the journey include exploring sacred pilgrimage sites and ghost villages, camping beneath the stars near ancient temples, and taking part in local cooking workshops where centuries-old methods bring to life dishes made from fresh, local ingredients such as spicy ema datshi and yak cheese.

Along the way, you’ll observe traditional farming techniques and animist rituals that reveal the profound respect the locals hold for nature. You’ll also have the chance to attend vibrant local festivals and ceremonies, gaining a rich insight into Bhutan’s unique cultural fabric. The trek offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities in biologically diverse subtropical forests, home to golden langurs, black-necked cranes, hornbills, and a variety of rare butterflies.

Above all, the experience is about connecting with the local people — through storytelling, craft demonstrations, and sharing meals — creating genuine, lasting bonds that bring the culture and landscape to life.

Trek Bhutan’s hidden heart!

Arrival and orientation in Bhutan

The experience begins in Bhutan’s western region, where travellers encounter the country’s unique blend of ecological awareness and deep spiritual identity.

The land feels sacred—mountains, rivers, and forests are all honored in a centuries-old harmony between nature and people. Visits to iconic sites like Dochula Pass, Wangdue Dzong, and Chendebji Chorten provide a rich cultural foundation and insight into Bhutan’s vibrant Buddhist heritage.

From there, the journey moves into the heart of the Himalayas. The trek starts in central Bhutan, following ancient pilgrimage paths linked to Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism here. Along the way, you visit ghost villages like Kudra, camping beneath stars near ancient temples. This trek is both physically challenging and spiritually rewarding, inviting reflection and connection.

Local guides bring the region’s history and ecology to life with stories and insights, enriching every step of this unforgettable journey.

Accommodation and board during the trek

Accommodation is arranged in a mix of traditional homestays and campsites operated by local villagers. All homestays are officially approved and regularly checked by Bhutan’s Tourism Council to ensure quality and comfort.

Crucially, local families receive direct financial compensation for hosting guests — a core principle of this community-based model. This way, tourism generates real income for rural households and supports conservation through community benefit.

Meals are freshly prepared, often using local ingredients and traditional methods. Trekkers might find themselves sharing spicy ema datshi, sampling yak cheese from mountain herders, or joining a hands-on cooking workshop using centuries-old iron pans. Hospitality is a central part of the journey, offering intimate insight into Bhutanese life and traditions.

Leisure time in Bhutan

Beyond trekking, enjoy peaceful downtime in the Phobjikha Valley: hike nature trails, watch black-necked cranes, visit Gangteng Monastery, or relax with a traditional hot stone bath. These moments offer quiet reflection and a deeper connection with Bhutan’s slow, mindful rhythms.

With this carefully crafted community-based approach, the Nabji-Korphu Trek offers a meaningful, sustainable way to explore Bhutan’s cultural soul, stunning nature, and conservation spirit — all while directly supporting local communities.

Start your sacred journey today!

The region of Nabji and Korphu

The villages of Nabji and Korphu lie in the central-southern part of Bhutan, nestled within the Black Mountains and protected by Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park — one of the country’s most ecologically and culturally important regions.

This subtropical landscape forms part of the Inner Himalayas, with altitudes ranging from around 1,000 to 2,500 metres. The region sits at a geological crossroads, where uplifted Himalayan foothills meet ancient rock formations shaped by tectonic activity over millions of years.

The area is home to the Monpa people, one of Bhutan’s oldest Indigenous communities, and is teeming with biodiversity: flowering rhododendrons, wild cinnamon trees, golden langurs, hornbills, and countless butterfly species all thrive in the warm, forested valleys.

The Nabji-Korphu trail connects sacred landmarks and ancient pilgrimage routes, blending cultural richness with natural beauty. In these valleys, spirituality, ecology, and daily life intertwine — making the region a living example of Bhutan’s approach to conservation through community and reverence.