The Black Mountains, spanning approximately 1400km², are a sacred area in Bhutan, now known as Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park. Dungshinggang, the highest peak at 15,145ft/4617m, holds cultural significance, believed to be the dwelling of Jowo Dungshing (‘The Fir Lord’). The park, rich in flora and fauna, is accessible to trekkers, offering diverse landscapes and cultural sites.
Trekking possibilities abound, with the Nabji-Korphu trek being a popular choice. This six-day, easy to moderate trek explores villages at altitudes ranging from 2296ft/700m to 5412ft/1650m. The trek starts and ends at small villages along the Trongsa-Zhemgang road, providing an immersive cultural and natural experience.
Day 1: Trongsa drive to Tongtongphey and trek to Jangbi
Day 2: Jangbi to Kubra (Kudra) village
Day 3: Kubra (Kudra) village to Nabji (Nubji) village
Day 4: Nabji village to Korphu
Day 5: Korphu to Nyimshong
Day 6: Nyimshong to Reotola trail head drive to Trongsa town
Day 1: Trongsa drive to Tongtongphey and trek to Jangbi
Drive from Trongsa to Tongtongphey, departing early for better wildlife sightings, including a memorable black panther sighting in the past. Descend 600m to the Mangde Chhu river, cross a suspension bridge, and climb steeply for 950m to Jangbi village (4428ft/1350m). Camp near Jangbi village, offering panoramic views of the Mangde Chhu valley.
For two days, immerse yourself in the homeland of the Monpas, Bhutan’s earliest settlers. The Monpas, with their unique language Monkha, blend animistic shamanism with Buddhism. Traditionally hunters and gatherers, they possess exceptional skills in cane weaving and bamboo crafting, crucial for house construction and crafting household items.
Day 2: Jangbi to Kubra (Kudra) village
Today’s guide is Guru Rinpoche, whose presence is felt along the trail through stone imprints of his footprints and symbolic representations like daggers and phalluses, each accompanied by stories of his visit to the area.
At the Monpa village of Phrumzor, near Ugyendar, a scenic lunch spot awaits below a steep cliff. Notable holy rocks along the trail include Phrumzor Ney, Ouzha Ney, and Ugyen Drak Ney. If time allows, visit the village lhakhang before continuing the trek via Lekpogang village to the campsite at Kubra (Kudra) village, inhabited by only three households.
Day 3: Kubra (Kudra) village to Nabji (Nubji) village
Traces of Guru Rinpoche continue to adorn the trail on this day, as you venture through thick forests adorned with numerous waterfalls and streams, offering a true wilderness experience. Upon reaching paddy fields, the picturesque village of Nabji awaits on a foothill. Home to around 400 people residing in 55 households, Nabji village boasts several religious sites, including a holy tree, a stone bell crafted by Guru Pema, and a large split stone used for hiding valuables during times of conflict. Camp is conveniently located near the village, allowing for easy access to its cultural and spiritual landmarks.
Day 4: Nabji village to Korphu
Perched atop a mountain, Korphu village comprises 76 households with approximately 600 residents. The ascent to Korphu offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding valleys, providing a spectacular experience for trekkers. The village’s temple holds sacred relics attributed to Pema Lingpa, a renowned treasure revealer of Bhutan, adding to its cultural significance.
Day 5: Korphu to Nyimshong
Embark on a delightful day hike amidst lush broadleaf forests, serene paddy fields, and captivating waterfalls, adorned with picturesque cantilever bridges. This scenic route offers abundant birdwatching opportunities and is a haven for botanists and ethno-botanists. Nyimshong, the final village on the trek, boasts a population of around 465 residents in 58 households. The campsite is conveniently nestled in the nearby forest, offering a tranquil setting for trekkers.
Day 6: Nyimshong to Reotola trail head drive to Trongsa town
Descend to a suspension bridge over the Mangde Chhu river, then hike alongside the river before a final steep climb to reach the trailhead at Reotola (3280ft/1000m). Note ongoing road construction with blasting. Transport available to Zhemgang or Trongsa town, where visitors can explore the old Kuenga Rabten winter palace.
What should I bring with me?
· Good walking shoes
· Sunglasses
· Sunscreen (highest possible)
· Woolen cap
· Prescription medications/ first aid (only basic first aid is/ can be provided)
· Sturdy and ‘broken-in’ trekking boots
· Rain gear
· Torch (flashlight)
· Insect Repellent
· Gaiters
· Gloves
· T-shirts
· Comfortable walking pants
· Down jacket
· Day bag (to carry your requirements while walking)
· Energy chocolate bars
· Water bottle
· Memory card and batteries for camera and flashlight
· Toiletries
Maximum recommended load for trekking is 25kgs (55 lbs), or 1/5th of body weight.
What will be the weather like in Bhutan?
Days are normally warm, nights can be quite chilly. In winter, the temperature is below freezing point. Monsoon shower in summer can be expected with heavy rains in July and August.
Preventing Altitude Sickness
· Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills or other narcotics, they may decrease ventilation, intensify hypoxemia and make symptoms worse.
· Drink plenty of fluids.
· Avoid heavy exercise at high altitudes. Mild exercise is okay.
· Diamox (acetazolamide) 125 mg. tablets taken twice a day is F.D.A. approved for prevention and treatment of A.M.S. Although it originally was released as a diuretic (water pill), it also helps you breath deeper and faster. This allows you to get more oxygen. Diamox is especially helpful with the sleeping problems and other symptoms of A.M.S.
· Home oxygen will relieve symptoms. Home oxygen is safe, cheap and easy to use. It can be used at night when symptoms are worse and off and on during the day as symptoms dictate.
· If nothing else works, you can return to lower altitude. Going down to lower altitudes will always help relieve the symptoms of AMS, it is also one of the best ways to overcome the sickness.
Acute mountain sickness is caused by lack of Oxygen when traveling to higher elevations. This usually occurs in individuals exposed to an altitude of over 7000 ft (2100 m) who have not had a chance to acclimate to the altitude before engaging in physical activities. Mountaineers, trekkers, skiers and mountain travelers are at the greatest risk. While individual tolerance varies, symptoms usually appear within several hours, with those in weaker physical conditions being more susceptible. Headache, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath and poor appetite are the initial symptoms. Inability to sleep is also frequently reported. In more severe cases, thinking and judgment may become impaired. An uncommon but potentially fatal complication called high altitude pulmonary edema, caused by fluid build-up in the lungs can also occur in rare cases.
The symptoms of acute mountain sickness can be prevented or minimized by gradually ascending (less than 500 meters/day) over several days to give your body a chance to acclimate to the higher altitude. Taking the prescription medication Diamox (acetazolamide) 250 mg three times a day has been shown to speed up the acclimatization process and can be taken shortly before and during the ascent. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. This medication is a mild diuretic and may work by changing the body’s acid-base balance and stimulating breathing. Dexamethasone 8 mg once a day has also been shown to be effective. However, this steroid medication may have more adverse effects. Once symptoms occur, they usually improve over several days without treatment. However, if they become severe, they can be relieved with the administration of oxygen or descent to a lower altitude.
Packing
A soft but strong duffel bag luggage is best suited on treks as it will be loaded on horse backs. A small back pack (day bag) to carry your essential things on the way like rain gear, wind stopper, camera, batteries, water bottle, candies etc.