Community-based Ecotourism

UD Travels Walks Extra Miles for You

Community-based Ecotourism

Unique Divine Travels delivers authentic community-based ecotourism in national parks while preserving rural cultural values. Our flagship program, the Nabji Trail, passes through five traditional Monpa villages.

Season: March to May and September to December

Day 1: Arrive in Paro

  • Reception at the airport by our guide and driver;
  • Visit Ta Dzong museum showcasing Bhutanese art and artifacts;
  • Drive to Thimphu with optional birding at Jigme Dorji National Park;
  • Evening stroll in Thimphu; and
  • Night halt in hotel at Thimphu.

Day 2: Drive to Trongsa

  • Photo stop at Dochu La (108 stupas);
  • Scenic stops at Pele La;
  • Continue to Trongsa; and
  • Night halt in hotel at Trongsa.

Day 3: Drive to Langthil and start trekking from Tongtophy (950 m) to Jangbi village (1350 m)

Distance from Tongtophey to Jangbi: 7–10 km (about 3–4 hours walk).

Rufous-necked Hornbill
Rufous-necked Hornbill along the Nabji Trail
  • Drive to Tongtophey, then descend to Mangdi Chhu and ascend gradually. Guests are welcomed by the Jangbi community before a final climb of about 950 meters to camp. Cultural insights on the Monpa and Cane and Bamboo Project are shared. Camp overlooks the valley and Mangde Chhu.

Day 4: Jangbi to Kuda (1500 m) via Phrumzur where you come across Phurpa Ney, Uzha Ney and Guru’s Zhabji at Ugyen Drak

Total distance: 13–14 km; 7–8 hours walk.

  • Pass orchid gardens, descend to Rimdigang Chhu, then climb steeply to Phrumzur. Sacred imprints linked to Guru Rimpoche appear along the trail.
  • Brief visit to Phrumzur temple for views and lunch, then continue hiking. Extra caution is required at the slippery β€œUgyen Drak” cliff.
  • Kuda village has three households and offers warm hospitality with views of Nimshong and Zhemgang.

Day 5: Kudra to Nabji (1350 m); Enroute via Rangtha Ney and Zhug Thri

Total distance: 11–14 km; about 6–7 hours walk.

  • Trek to Nabji village at 1,350 m, passing sacred landmarks including Rangtha Ney. The trail crosses wildlife habitat, though sightings are rare. Guests are welcomed, with hot stone bath available.
  • Nabji has about 55 households above terraced fields. A guided visit includes the village temple and historic stone pillar.
Lush paddy field below Nabji village
Lush paddy field below Nabji village

Day 6: Nabji to Korphu (1500 m); Korphu origin

Total distance: 9.5–13 km; 4–5 hours walk.

  • Day hike to Korphu with panoramic terrace views. Campsite facilities available if staying overnight.
  • Korphu sits at 1,500 m with about 76 households. Visit the village temple housing sacred relics. Packed lunch provided before return or birding.
Korphu village
Korphu village

Day 7: Nabji to Nimshong (1310 m)

Total distance: about 13 km; 5–6 hours walk.

  • Forest hike rich in birdlife. Nimshong has 58 households and welcomes visitors with cultural performances. Campsite overlooks the village.

Day 8: Nimshong to Reotala (1200 m)

Total distance: about 6.5 km; 3–4 hours walk.

  • Steep descent to Mangde Chhu, then climb to Reotala exit point. Transfer back to Trongsa.
  • Night halt in hotel at Trongsa.

Day 9: Trongsa to Phobjikha, Wangdue

  • Visit Chendebji Chorten;
  • Scenic drive via Pele La and Lawa La;
  • Visit Gangtey monastery;
  • Visit Black-necked Crane visitor information center; and
  • Night halt in hotel or home stay.

Day 10: Phobjikha to Thimphu

  • Visit Punakha Dzong at river confluence;
  • Visit Buddha Point;
  • Visit Takin preserve;
  • Stroll in Thimphu town; and
  • Night halt in hotel.

Day 11: Thimphu to Paro

  • Depart from Paro airport.

Cost Includes

  • Accommodation (3-star hotel with twin beds) and home stay
  • 3 meals a day
  • Transportation within Bhutan
  • Trekking equipment – tents, sleeping bag, mattress, etc.
  • Service of experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide
  • Service of cooks
  • Pack animals or riding ponies with porter