Like elsewhere, in Bhutan too, tourism is seen as a means to support the livelihood of the local communities. One of the initiatives that are being introduced is the “Nabji Trail”. The Nabji Trail is an ideal post-harvest/winter trek open from November up to the end of March. The trail is set out in one of the national parks, the Jigme Singye Wangchuk national park, a park with a rich ecological environment. The park, located in central Bhutan, is also home to several cultural rich agricultural villages. The trail is a six-day low-altitude trek (between 1000 and 1500 meters) through six different villages located inside the park.

On this trek you will possibly be able to see the golden langur (Trachypithecus geei), one of the rarest primates, which can only be found in Bhutan and neighboring Assam. Jigme Singye Wangchuk national Park is also home to endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nepalensis). More so, 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 flowerpeckers) and has a wide variety of plants and flowers found in this Himalayan area.

Besides the natural beauty of the area, the area also contains history, witnessed among others by the presence of a commemorative pillar in the temple of Nabji. The pillar symbolizes the occasion that peace was negotiated between Bumthang and an Assam king in the eight century, through the intermediary of Guru Rimpoche (A saint who introduced the tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism in the kingdom). The trek will also pass through the homeland of the Monpa people. The small traditional villages are thought to be the first settlers in Bhutan, the mandechu valley representing one of the earliest areas of settlement in Bhutan. The Monpas practice a mix animistic Shamanism and Buddhism. They are expert cane weavers and bamboo crafters, using their skills for house construction and making baskets.

The trail has been developed in such a way that each village specific activities generate community revenues. These revenues earned are used to support initiatives, which involve those who are not directly involved in tourism development (especially children and elderly).

Tour to this area would not only assist the community in supplementing their income but a great experience to learn and understand a different culture and tradition on actual ground.