how difficult is tiger nest trek

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Hiking the Tiger’s Nest Bhutan – A complete guide

Ever since we started planning our 7 days trip to Bhutan , the one thing we were constantly looking forward to was the trek to the Tiger’s Nest or the Paro Taktsang as the temple / monastery is known as. And why not, this was the first trek we were planning with our kids. And also, to some place which is the most famous in Bhutan. No doubt every magazine cover, blog cover (including ours 😛 ) and everywhere that you search for information on Bhutan, you see an image of the Tiger’s Nest. So much so that it has become synonym to Bhutan Tourism.

However, our excitement was also rooted in the fact that we were not sure if we could complete this trip with kids. I am sure many of you who will plan a trip to Bhutan will wonder. Can I trek to the Tiger’s Nest with my kids ? Can I trek to the Paro Taktsang with my elderly parents? How easy or difficult is the trek? In this post, I will answer all such possible questions for you. But before we dive into our guide on trekking to the Tiger’s Nest conquering one stair at a time, let me quickly introduce you to the history of Tiger’s Nest.

PS: Traveling to Bhutan with kids – don’t repeat the mistakes we made

Table of Contents

An introduction to Tiger’s Nest Bhutan or Paro Taktsang

The Tiger’s Nest is known with several other names. Paro Taktsang Monastery or Taktsang Palphug Monastery is also it’s names. However most popularly it is known as the Tiger’s Nest. It is a sacred   Vajrayana   Himalayan Buddhist site. Which is located above the valley of Paro in Bhutan. What makes it very interesting is it’s location on the side of a cliff. Which gives the feeling that it’s almost hanging from the edge of the cliff. However much you have seen it in pictures, when you get the first glimpse of this place, you wonder how it was ever built like this. It is actually one of thirteen Tiger’s Nest caves in Tibet. However, Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen  taktsang or “tiger lair” caves.

Built fully around 1962 and developed into a monastery complex, this cave was used by Guru Padmasambhava and his pupils to meditate. Ever since it’s inception, it emerged as the cultural symbol of the kingdom of Bhutan.

Interesting legends associated with Tiger’s Nest

It is said that Guru Padmasambhava actually flew to the cave on the back of a tigress. And hence when the monastery was built here, it was called the Tiger’s Nest. The word “Taktsang” literally means “Tiger’s lair”.

Another legends builds on top of the above, telling that one of the empress who became a devotee to the Guru, actually transformed herself into a tigress. And then carried the Guru on her back to this place!!

Yet another story tells that when Guru Padmasambhava reincarnated as Tenzin Rabgye, he built the monastery around this place in 1962.

It is believed that during the time Tenzin Rabgye stayed here, he could be seen concurrently inside and outside the cave,

Also, it is believed that due to the positive energy and the divine forces that reside here, there never has been an injury for people visiting here for worship. Also, any small amount of food always proved adequate for all the visitors here!!

What is the altitude of the Tiger’s Nest Bhutan?

The overall height of Tiger’s Nest Temple is 2,950 meters (9,678 feet) above the sea level. It is 800 meters higher than the valley of Paro from where the trekking starts. So, overall, as a part of trekking to the Tiger’s Nest Temple, one covers an altitude of 800 meters!

What is the difficulty level of hiking the Tiger’s Nest Bhutan?

The difficulty level of hiking the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan is moderate. It is not very easy. And it is also not difficult. Even elderly and kids are able to comfortably trek this path. But, the time taken by different people are different. One of our friends who visited here earlier this year, it took almost 8 hours to complete the whole trek both ways. While, there are people who have completed the trek in as quick as 3 – 3.5 hrs. So, how much time it will take to complete the trek to Tiger’s Nest and back really depends on each person’s stamina, trekking practice, how many breaks they take, whether they are traveling with kids and elderly etc.

There are steps carved out of the mountain to trek upto the Tiger’s Nest. However they are not all even. And neither of the same height or width. Some patches are very comfortable. At others the height of the steps is more. Where little kids or elderly might need an assistance. Near the entrance, you get a stick that you can borrow for the trek. This will help you navigate the rough patches of the trek. But overall, it is not very difficult.

How many steps are there when hiking the Tiger’s Nest Bhutan?

There are a total of around 1000 steps that you cover overall when hiking the Tiger’s Nest Bhutan. These include steps during the trek. And also a lot of steps inside the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. So, those who won’t be entering the Tiger’s nest monastery will have to deal with less number of steps overall.

What is the best season to trek through Tiger’s Nest Bhutan?

Spring and summer (before the rains) are the best season to trek through the Tiger’s Nest Bhutan. Because once rains start, the path becomes muddy and slippery. While in winters also, if it snows then the path is difficult to traverse. So, plan the trek accordingly. However, I know people who have trekked here in winter, summer and autumn. And they all had positive experiences.

Can I trek to the Paro Taktsang with Kids?

People trek to Paro Taktsang all the time. When we first asked our guide if we could plan the trip to Paro Taktsang with kids, he discouraged us, to be honest. He said people get over ambitious, and start the trek with kids. But they are rarely able to complete it. However, this didn’t deter our determination to trek to the Paro Taktsang with kids. Since, hiking the Tiger’s Nest was the last thing on our trip itinerary, we got ample of opportunity through out the trip to interact with other families with kids whom we met.

And we were relieved to find out that most of them had completed their Tiger’s Nest trek with their kids without any issues. In fact, the kids enjoyed the trek more than the parents. Particularly if they had company of other kids. Some parents even commented that the kids reached to the top before the parents did!!

These interactions gave us a lot of confidence to carry the trek with our kids. Also, later on someone informed us that the guides generally discourage from carrying kids. Because often parents request the guides to carry the kids on their shoulders or back when the kids get tired. Definitely not something the guides enjoy doing. But perhaps they are not able to refuse either. And so they do their best to see that the kids don’t come on the trek at all 😀

Having said that, you will be the best judge of your kid’s capacity. If your kids are used to some kind of daily physical activities like cycling , walking, running or even swimming, then they will be able to do this trek very easily. But you should also consider the fact that if the kid gets tired midway through the hike, will you be able to carry them with you. If you think you can do that, then you are covered for any risks of the kid refusing to walk further when midway through etc. 🙂

Can elderly try hiking the Tiger’s Nest Bhutan?

We met several elderly groups on our trip to Bhutan who had just completed the trek to the Paro Taktsang successfully. So yes, elderly can hike the Tiger’s Nest Bhutan without much difficulty. They might take more time than the young adults. And might need more rest and more frequent breaks. But, none of the elderly we talked to faced any kind of issues while completing this trek. In fact, the ones who were in groups particularly seemed to have enjoyed their trek to the Tiger’s Nest thoroughly. If you have elderly in your group, plan to reserve ample time for the trek. And give them sufficient breaks in between. Walk with them instead of leaving them behind. Because they might need some assistance here and there on the difficult steps and slopes.

Is a transport available to go to Tiger’s Nest Bhutan ?

There are mules available while hiking Tiger’s Nest. But the mules and horses take you only till the half point, where the cafe is there. After this point, there is only one option – to trek through rest of the path on your foot. Also, while coming back, there is no other alternative than to walk down the path. So, yes, you can say transport is available. But for only 1/4th of the journey. 🙂 However, if you think this will help you conserve energy and complete the trek conveniently, by all means, go for it. However, I personally felt this option was not of much help.

Is there food and refreshment option available during the Tiger’s Nest Trek?

Half way through the hiking to Tiger’s Nest, there is a small cafe. Mostly while going up, people order whatever they want. And by the time they trek down to the cafe, the food is kept ready. However, there are very limited options of food available. So, if you are particular about the food, then better to pack your own food and carry it with you. At the same time, do remember not to make your bag too heavy. As it will weigh you down during the trek. So, what you should do is for each member of the group or family traveling with you, distribute the packaged food and let everyone carry their load. Also, water is available at this cafe. But, better to carry few bottles of drinking water with you for the trekking path.

What is the ticket cost for trekking the Tiger’s Nest Bhutan?

There is no cost of just trekking till the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and viewing it from afar. Only when you enter inside the monastery, there is a ticket that you need to purchase. This Tiger’s Nest entry ticket costs 2000 BTN (~2000 INR) per adult and 1000 BTN (~ 1000 INR) per kid above the age of 5 years. Now, the trick is that the ticket needs to be purchased at the starting point of the Tiger’s Nest trek itself. So, you have to decide while starting itself whether you want to go all the way inside the monastery. Or, just view it from outside.

Many tourists who don’t want to spend so much on the ticket opt for the later. There are many view points all through the trek that give beautiful views of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery from different angles.  So, in case you know you can be satisfied with these views, you can do the trip without buying the tickets.

Also, if you feel you are not going to complete the full trek all the way up. Then also, there is no point buying the ticket. Since, there could be several reasons which might prompt you to go half way through or till whatever point you can, and then return from there. Some of the reasons could be traveling with kids, or elderly. Or, you are not used to walking or trekking so much. Also, it could be because of certain health conditions. In short, if you are certain you are not going to complete the full tour of hiking to Tiger’s Nest and entering the monastery then you need not buy the ticket.

Other general tips on visiting Tiger’s Nest Paro

Start from your hotel as early in the morning as possible for your trip to Tiger’s Nest Paro. The earlier you reach, the lesser will be the queues on the ticket counter. And also more favourable will be the weather

Carry enough drinking water with you. And an umbrella as weather can be little unpredictable during this time.

Pack your breakfast from your hotel for the trek. Most of the hotels are aware of the drill. So, just let them know you plan to visit Tiger’s Nest the next morning. And they will keep your breakfast packed.

Wear proper hiking shoes. We took these hiking shoes for Abhishek, this hiking shoe for myself, and this one for the kids.

Taking plenty of rest in while hiking the tiger’s nest if you feel exhausted, listen to your body. If you over exert yourself, you might not be able to complete the trek. So, don’t hesitate to take proper rest.

Don’t plan anything else on the day you plan to visit the Paro Taktsang. This way, you will have ample time to complete the trek at a slow pace. And you need not worry about time. This is particularly important when visiting with kids and elderly.

Useful resources from our Bhutan trip

If you are looking to plan your own trip to Bhutan, checkout our comprehensive guide to visit Bhutan , which contains all the information on places to visit, things to do, currency, weather, where to stay, what to eat and anything else that you would want to know before planning a trip to Bhutan.

Here’s our 7 days Bhutan trip itinerary which you can also follow. The post also includes suggestions on how to add extra days to the trip to make it more relaxing or more places to see.

If you are wondering what documents are required to obtain a tourist permit to visit Bhutan from India, check out this guide on how to obtain the same.

Places to see in Thimphu

Places to see in Punakha and why you must include Punakha in your travel itinerary

A virtual tour of the Punakha Dzong – a place you must not miss when visiting Bhutan

Our adventure on the Punakha Suspension Bridge

Why you must include the Buddha Point in your Thimphu sightseeing

A must visit in Phuentsholing – don’t forget to visit the Kharbandi Monastery for a tranquil experience and breathtaking views on your trip from Phuentsholing to Thimphu

PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.

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Tiger’s Nest Trek

Tiger’s Nest aka Taktsang Monastery is built right on a dramatic cliff in the Paro valley of Bhutan. This is the most iconic structure in Bhutan and cannot be reached with a vehicle. You have to go there on your foot. This is your ultimate photo travel guide to the Tiger’s nest in Bhutan.

The first time I saw the photo of the tiger’s nest, I thought it an optical illusion. I won’t be surprised if you think of it as a photoshopped image. A set of buildings or monasteries perched on an extraordinary cliff in a dramatic fashion with the lush green valley in the background. How did they build it there? This came across my mind instantly when I saw it. It’s nearly impossible to go there with construction materials. I got the answer later. Guru Rimpoche (Guru means the master) arrived there  on the back of a pregnant tigress all the way from Tibet and meditated there. So, instead of approaching from the bottom, he approached there from the top. Maybe that’s how it was built! Makes sense now, right? Whatever it is, I wanted to go to the Tiger’s nest someday on a trek instantly.

Table of Contents

Little more about Tiger’s Nest

As Rimpoche, the spiritual master went to the place on a tigress and meditated there, it is called the tiger’s nest. But it’s official name is Taktsang Monastery. It was built in 1692, more than three hundred years from today. It’s located in Paro valley. I believe Tiger’s nest is synonymous with the tourism poster or postcard of Bhutan. This should be your number one place to go during your trip to Bhutan.

But, there is a slight problem

You just cannot take a car and go there. There is no cable car either. So, you need to trek there for several hours on foot. While the trerk is not extremely difficult, it is not easy either. You need to be relatively fit and possess mental strength to reach there. Besides, the oxygen gets thinner in the higher altitude and it becomes difficult to do it.

Can I do the Tiger’s nest trek?

Of course, you can! All you need to do is to start the journey. If you are afraid of doing it, take plenty of your time in your hand as there is no time limit or reward to reaching to the top faster. I saw kids and old people on the trail.

My Trek to the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan Began

It was a beautiful sunny morning in December. The sky was so blue and clear, I could see the moon even at daylight. We started the day early. Rinjhin, our driver for the trip, dropped us at the base where the trek starts. It is about 10 KM from the center of Paro and less than 30 minutes of drive. He promised to wait there for us along with some other drivers. Only a handful amount of tourists were there for the trek. Tourism in Bhutan is more controlled than other parts of the world.

There was no particular mark to start the journey. But one could easily understand the path. During the beginning, I saw three-dotted temples nestled by the pine trees. Those looked beautiful in the morning ray.

I started my journey to heaven. It was a continuous ascent not particularly steep keeping the valley in on side and mountains on the other side. I took mostly dirt roads of muds. There are some shortcuts to reach to the top – those will cut your time but take an excellent test of your stamina because of their steepness.

Where the bushes are not thick, you will get unobtrusive views of the green mountain range with a ray of sun. One can easily sit here and spend the day looking at this lushness.

If you want to avoid walking, you can hire a person with a mule. The mule will not take you exactly to the top, but it will carry you quite a distance. For me, it was not only a humiliating way to visit such a fantastic place but also a scary way of trusting a mule rather than my foot in a path where a mistake can throw someone deep beneath the valley.

The roads are not narrow all the way. I saw it getting widened in places. My eyes got stuck with colorful prayer flags in different places. As I was approaching higher, I could feel the dry and thin air with depleted oxygen.

Within half an hour of trek, I got a glimpse of a tiny dot far away. Yes, that is the dramatic Tiger’s nest! It looked so far! While I was happy seeing it, I was tense about if I could make it! I continued my journey and the view of the tiger’s nest disappeared before coming back again. This cycle of hiding and seek continued.

Halfway to the Tiger’s Nest

When you will reach to a relatively flat terrain with prayer wheels, you know that you are already halfway! You will find a Cafeteria there with the view of the monastery. Many people end their journey in this place (such a shame!). If you are hungry, you can grab some food from there. I continued my journey spinning the prayer wheels – I need those prayers right now to cover the rest of the journey. I was not sure which one was more powerful between the big one at the bottom or the collective ones at the top!

After a while, I started to descend. Maybe I lost my path? Why would I go down? I am supposed to go up to the tiger’s nest. Then I realized that the path to the top goes down before going up again. Argh!

At this point, I became frustrated – the monastery was tantalisingly close, yet the journey was not completed yet. That is a common scenario in the mountains. You get a false notion of the distance. So, I walked and hiked endlessly. The pleasant news was, it was a relatively straightforward path.

Finally, I got very close after about 3 hours of hiking. I could see a stair with a railing going straight up. I buckled up for a steep ascent. Don’t be fooled by the greying nature of these photos – this is winter in Bhutan, during monsoon those become green.

Keeping the Tigers’ nest to the right, I saw a waterfall to my left. The water was not very thick. Interestingly, I saw ice where the water was falling. Maybe the temperature went beyond zero at night and it did not have time to be melted in the shadow.

There is a small shade before reaching the temple where you can ignite candles. You will get free water there. Here is an interesting thing – I saw multiple sources of water while going to the top, which was completely free. This is the beauty of Bhutan! I drank a couple of liters of water; I guess. I was telling you about the prayer flags during the trek. Now I see all of them have gathered in a single place. Green, white, red, blue – a million of them if not billions. Such a treat for the eyes.

I felt pains in my thighs, my century-old knees rattled, and my lungs were not happy with me – but my mind felt with absolute joy to see the Tiger’s nest – the Taktsang Monastery right before my eyes. I have made it to the top. It was gorgeous! It was majestic! It still looked like an optical illusion to me!

I started taking photos from fresh angles. Although from far off it looks like a single one there are multiple buildings there. There were four of them.

I came closer. The major building became more prominent. While there was no entry fee for me to get inside, I had to show my passport and enter my name in a register book to the guard. I entered the monastery on barefoot. Sadly, I could not take my cameras inside as it’s not allowed.

What’s Inside?

It’s a monastery. There are several prayer rooms along with dormitories. I saw colorful paintings on the wall. The monks were roaming around inside with typical orange dress. I joined a monk who showed us different rooms and described their significances. One room contained secret prayer. I was more interested in looking at the valley from the top.

The Descend

After an hour of stay inside the monastery, I descended. It’s the same way. As I was approaching down, I kept looking back to the monastery. I was hungry as I did not take lunch. So it was quick. It’s easier to get down than to go up. However, you should be careful otherwise you might end up twisting an ankle.

Alternate Path

I took the most common path to reach to the Tiger’s nest. However, one can approach the monastery from the top! No, it’s not through a helicopter or on top of a tigress. There is an alternate longer route which will take you to the monastery from a different side. This route is known as “A Hundred Thousand Fairies”.

Final Words

Almost everyone in the world knows about the Eiffel Tower. When I went there, I said to myself, okay; I see it. But I did not get bemused by seeing it. However, when I stood in front of the tiger’s nest, it blew my mind. It’s not because of its architecture, but its breathtaking location. It keeps coming back to me – “How on earth it got there?”

Tiger’s Nest Monastery Facts

Tiger’s nest is in an altitude of 3,120 metres (10,240 ft). It is about 900 metres (3,000 ft) above the Paro Valley.  

5 to 6 Kilometers from the base.

You should keep an entire day for the trek. It takes about 3 hours to reach there, 1 hour to visit the monastery, and 1 hour to get down.

It was Nu 500 for me. You can hire a pony and guide, which will cost you additional money.

Easy to Medium. Anyone with a modest fitness should be able to do it.

Tips for visiting Tiger’s nest

• If you are short in time, don’t get inside. The key attraction for me was the view of the tiger’s nest. You will only get it from outside.
• Tshechu festival is celebrated in the Paro valley in memory of Guru Rimpoche during March or April. If you could visit the monastery during the four-day festival, it will amaze you.

Further Reading

Exciting landing in the paro airport ., when is the best time for visiting bhutan , i found a calm park in bhutan once, exploring fascinatingly beautiful phobjikha valley ., thimphu , a capital like none other, did you like the trek to tiger’s nest pin it.

Fuad loves to travel! A lot! Carrying a Bangladeshi passport means he needs a prior visa for visiting most of the countries. He got detained in many borders because of his nationality but; he didn’t give up - he set his foot to 40 countries . He believes, if he could travel the world despite all the odds, you can, too. Fuad is a Computer Engineer by profession, and author of a travelogue in Bangla . He currently lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

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Hello Fuad, you are doing a great job on tourism, and enjoing your hobby -travel. I would like to ask you about, total cost for visiting Bhutan All I would to visit is the Tiger Nest Monastery, at a minimum cost. Yes, there are many of nice place I could visit, but I can not afford to pay more than one day at that cost -$200/per day. Q1 how is the day counted, 24 hours? or it ends a midnight. Q. can I get in and out in one day, for just visiting the tiger net monastery, Thanks, look forward to meet you.

Thank you for your kind words. I am a Bangladeshi citizen, and for a Bangladeshi citizen, we don’t need to pay that $200 per day tariff. So, I don’t have much idea about it. However, there is no entry fee to Tiger’s Nest, and it’s not very far from Paro, where the airport is. So, technically, you should be able to visit it if you stay there for 2 days.

What’s it Like Climbing the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, Bhutan

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Like the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty, the Tiger’s Nest is one of, if not the defining images of its home nation of Bhutan . For me, it’s one of the places that looks like it came straight from a fantasy novel. It was also one of the main things I was looking forward to seeing once we finally arrived in Bhutan.

Sitting precariously 3,000 metres above the Paro valley, the Paro Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) was built in the late 17th century on the site of a cave set into the cliff. Although we call it the Tiger’s Nest in English, Taktsang more accurately translates to “tigress’ lair” and aptly gets its name from the legend of its founding.

According to that legend, the 8th-century Indian Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche was carried up the mountain on the back of a disciple who had transformed herself into a tigress. Once they arrived, Guru Rinpoche then spent 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours meditating in the cave. After he had finished, it became a holy place and became known as Paro Taktsang.

PREPARATION

In order to give ourselves the most time to accomplish the Tiger’s Nest trek, we got up early and left Thimphu around 6am in order to arrive at the base of the mountain around 8am when the site opens to the public. At the entrance, a small collection of stalls was set up for purchasing souvenirs and crafts. There were also carved wooden walking/hiking sticks for sale for 50 Nu ($0.70). Thinking back, I would have found a stick quite useful, had I bought one like Dagney.

Once past the stalls the walk begins slowly. Through the gate, we crossed a couple of fields up to the base of the cliff. Here the locals keep mules and horses which you can hire to carry you upwards on the path. We did not take up this opportunity for a couple of reasons. 

First, we were concerned about the animals’ welfare, especially the mules’. Second, you can only go halfway up on the back of the animals anyway. The climb gets too steep for them to safely carry a person after a certain point (which kind of leads back into concern for their welfare). Third, I don’t know if you’ve ever been on the back of a mule or other horse-shaped animal, but if you’re not used to it, then it can be just as painful as walking up on your own in the first place. 

Plus, we also wanted to feel the satisfaction of getting to the Tiger’s Nest on our own!

BEGINNING THE Tiger’s Nest Trek

The ground sloped upwards and started to get more vertical. We were officially beginning our ascent! 

Although we were nowhere near the Tiger’s Nest at this point, I was excited about the trek ahead. We entered the wooded area that covers the side of the cliff. As it turns out, the main part of the Tiger’s Nest hike is not particularly difficult. It mainly consists of following a gradual incline up the side of the cliff. 

Where it begins to get steep, the path starts to zig-zag between the trees to make the slope easier to climb, though there are places where people have made their own path by cutting straight through to the next bend. These paths are easy to follow, but are significantly steeper, so while technically quicker, they can wind up taking just as long depending on your level of fitness (and ability to get lost).

For me, the trek was more of an endurance test. Having lived in the UK for most of my life, I was not used to the altitude. I found myself short of breath much quicker than usual. Dagney, on the other hand, grew up in the mountains of Colorado and was very much enjoying being able to walk rings around me.

He makes it seem like I didn’t struggle, but trust me, I was also struggling. Mine was just a fitness issue, rather than an altitude one.

HALFWAY THERE …

After a couple of hours of climbing (with regular stops to catch my breath), we eventually reached the rest stop that lies halfway along the Tiger’s Nest trek. Here, there are restrooms and an indoor seating area where you can get snacks and refreshments. It’s a good place to take a breather, and also drop off your poor mule if you hired one. 

We stopped for about 10-15 minutes and had a cup of tea (naturally) before resuming our hike further up the cliff. Not wanting to stop for too long as the day was getting hotter, we were soon on our way again. There were still a few hundred metres to go before we reached the Tiger’s Nest, both up and down (and then up again, as we found out later).

We spent another couple of hours ascending the cliff. During this time, the Tiger’s Nest had been gradually getting closer and closer. But now, it had disappeared from view. However, as we rounded a corner on an uncharacteristically flat path, we found a viewing platform and there it was – sitting majestically across from us!

Amazingly, we were actually slightly higher up than the Tiger’s Nest was. From the platform, we were looking down at it from across a small valley. Further down the path, a rope bridge crosses the gap next to a waterfall, surrounded by prayer flags.

THE TRICKY PART

This was the part of the trek I had not been looking forward to. In order to get to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery from this route, you have to hike a little further up the mountain. From there, you descend several hundred steps back into the mountain, only to then have to climb back up even more steps on the other side of the rope bridge. The going down part would be okay, but with the thinner air and the increasing heat it was going to be a tough final push to the top.

Sure enough, having gone down the steps to the bottom of the path by the waterfall, both of us were feeling the burn and I needed to catch my breath. Fortunately, the area around the bridge is particularly peaceful and refreshing. There are prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and spray from the waterfall in the air. It was a fantastic recharge, and made us ready for the final part of our journey.

THE FINAL PUSH

Even with that second wind, the stairway to the Tiger’s Nest felt like one of the longest I’d ever encountered. The steps seemed to get steeper as they went on (they don’t, but it felt that way). However, once we’d reached the top it was all worth it.

Once inside the Tiger’s Nest (even more steps to get up there!) we handed over our cameras and phones, and left our shoes at the entrance. We took a final glance across the valley and stepped into the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, instantly feeling relieved to be there. The Bhutanese believe that just stepping over the threshold of the monastery will bring you blessings, so many enter with their hands in prayer.

To see inside, you must join a tour, so we happily joined one led by a monk who lives and works at the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. One of the more incredulous moments came during that tour. I looked across the roof of one of the buildings, and lying there in the sun, looking at me with mild disdain, was a ginger cat! 

I know cats like high places, but this seemed a little extreme. The Bhutan we’d so far experienced had been full of stray dogs in the streets, with not a cat in sight. Perhaps they’re all living high up in the monasteries …

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR THE TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY TREK

Total Distance: 3 – 4 miles round trip (depending on if you cut through the mountain or go ‘around’ it Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet (518 metres) Highest Elevation: 10,232 feet (3119 metres) Length of time needed: Honestly varies based on fitness level. Most people do it in 3 hours!! We took closer to 8 (yup – but at least we did it!). Difficulty: That having been said, it is a relatively easy hike, just steep. If you have mobility issues or respiratory problems, though, you might want to reconsider. Cost: If you have to pay the tourist fee to enter Bhutan , a Tiger’s Nest trek is included in this cost, and can be arranged by your tour guide. Otherwise, entry to Paro Taktsang is free for Bhutanese (who MUST wear national dress) or 500 Ngultrum ($7) for foreign residents and Indian tourists. Opening Hours: 8:00 to 13:00; 14:00 to 18:00 (this is for entry into the Tiger’s Nest Monastery only , you can still be hiking outside of these times, although you won’t be permitted to start the trek much earlier than 8am). What to bring: Hiking shoes, comfortable hiking clothes (make sure your arms and legs are covered), LOTS OF WATER, hiking stick. It is also highly recommended to bring medication for nausea as many people (including myself) are affected by the high altitude. I didn’t need this, but it can’t hurt to have just in case. When to visit: We would recommend spring or fall. Summers can be unbearably hot in Bhutan, even that high up; winters can be exceptionally cold (even if you’re willing to wear layers) and also potentially icy.

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: –  26 Cultural Places to Visit in Thimphu –  Crossing the Jaigon-Phuentsholing Border

Have you hiked to the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan? Ever been waylaid by lack of air at high altitude? Have you found a cat in an unusual place? Let us know in the comments!

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Jeremy Paterson

An unusual walk, a laid back attitude, a lot of face and several pints of tea combine to make up this perpetual British dark tourist. With a good book at the ready, I'm working my way around the world in search of imaginative street art and cultural learning.

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The complete guide to hiking to the Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan

Posted on Last updated: February 7, 2023

Categories Bhutan

We just returned from our Bhutan trip yesterday and can’t wait to write this post about our hiking to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

We had heard about it so much- a place for the Buddhist to pay a pilgrimage in his lifetime, a temple with mystical legends, an unusual architecture that build in a cave at a remote location, the spectacular view of the surrounding mountain ranges and a site to immerse in the Bhutanese culture and spiritual beliefs.

So here we are with other tourmates, climbing up from the trailhead as early as 7.30 am. That meant we had to wake up before 5.00 am, had our breakfast, and took our tour bus from Le Meridian Hotel , which took about 35 minutes to arrive at the car park of the trailhead.

The monastery can only be reached by foot due to its location. Therefore, the hike begins at the parking lot at the base of the mountain. 

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy for more info. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Hiking to the Tiger’s Nest

Our guide provided us with trekking poles and offered to rent a mule or horse ride to go uphill until the midway for those who prefer to avoid hiking the whole trail.

We strongly advise anyone to use the toilet at the starting point of the hike, as the next toilet is available only at the halfway point, inside the café.

The round-trip hike generally takes four to five hours, plus an additional hour for the monastery tour. We had taken medicine for high altitude syndrome just in case, but we still did not want to over-exert ourselves. Therefore, we took six hours of slow trekking plus visiting the temple for the entire round trip.

The first part of the hiking trail to the Tiger’s Nest

We decided not to ride the horse for several reasons. First, this is the best training opportunity to prepare ourselves for our Mount Kinabalu hike next month. Besides that, riding on the mule only allows us to ascend halfway.

Besides, the mountainous paths become too steep to carry a person securely after the halfway point. Lastly, it can be just as uncomfortable as climbing up on your own if you’re not used to it.

Don’t miss the video shot at Tiger’s Nest. It is at the end of this article. 👇👇

The hiking trail is quite broad. It is divided into two paths at specific points, one for the mules and one for people to track. It is relatively easy to walk, and there are steps in most sections.

The trail is near the side of a cliff,  so you must be careful while walking. However, it also offers the opportunity to view the Paro Valley and the magnificent mountain ranges.

We took about 1.5  hours to complete the ascent to the café, roughly halfway up. We stopped multiple times to take photographs at various locations.

The mule/horse will stop here as the following part of the trek is too steep to carry a person up.

The Taksang Cafeteria at the midpoint

The trail levels off at the midway point. You can do your prayers here and take a rest from your hiking to the Tiger’s Nest at the Taktsang Cafeteria.

In addition to indoor seating, where you can purchase snacks and beverages, there are restrooms. 

We took a brief break—about 10 to 15 minutes—and took some pictures at the view platform of the cafe.

We didn’t want to stop for too long because it was getting hotter outside. Besides, the monastery will not accept guests entering after 11.00 am, so the best time to start hiking to the Tiger’s Nest is as early as possible.

We still had another 40 minutes of hiking before we arrived at the Tiger’s Nest. So we immediately resumed our journey.

The vegetation also changes into a pine forest.

There are numerous prayer flags along the way. As you ascend, savor the sights of the valley. The view gets better and better.

The final part of the Tiger’s Nest trail

A trail after the cafe is more challenging than before. Fewer steps are being constructed, and certain steep trails and rocky sections.

We took about another 45 minutes of tracking to reach Tiger’s Nest monastery from the cafe.

We reached the well-constructed stone steps 20 minutes before arriving at the monastery. There are a few viewpoints where we stopped to admire the stunning views of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

The final push to the top was a bit challenging with thinner air and rising heartbeats., 

You must walk up a few hundred steps, then descend several hundred to cross the bridge over a small waterfall. After that, there are a few more hundred steps before reaching the entrance.

Visit the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

When we arrived at the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, we had to leave behind our backpacks, cameras, mobile phones, and shoes. There was security personnel stationed just outside the monastery’s gates.

Our guide took us to the main building of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Unfortunately, we cannot provide images here since photography is strictly prohibited. 

Tiger’s Nest Monastery is perched at the cliff’s edge 3120m above sea level. 

We spent about an hour inside the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, visiting the Lhakangs at the main temple and lighting some butter lamps for prayers. The small lamp is 50 ngultrum, and the bigger one is 100 ngultrum each.

After visiting the Buddhist monastery, we took our own pace to descend, which can only be done on foot. (There was no mule service for descending).

The History and legend of Tiger’s Nest Monastery

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang Monastery, was built in 1693 by Guru Rinpoche.

According to the Bhutanese legend, Guru Rinpoche (also called Guru Padmasambhava, the second Buddha) meditated in Eastern Bhutan and saw the Tiger Nest in his meditation. He manifested himself in one of his forms as Guru Dorje Drolö. One of his spiritual consorts, Yeshi Tshogyal, transformed herself into a tigress .  Gurun Rinpoche rode on the back of the tigress from Singye Dzong in Eastern Bhutan to Taktsang.

During that time, there were local deities and demons as bonism was practiced in Bhutan. So he meditated in the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave at Tiger’s Nest for three months and subdued the local spirits and demons, converting them to Buddhism. 

That is why Tiger’s Nest is one of the sacred sites in Bhutan. For this reason, it is not only for hiking for the Bhutanese people but a pilgrimage.

Note : The name Takshang means Tiger’s Lair. Tak means Tiger, and Tshang means lair/nest.

A brief history of Paro Taktsang

The temple is said to have been built in the 8th century, in which the chief architect was none other than Guru Padmasambhava.

The present structure was constructed in the late 17th century by the founder of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Rinpoche.

Unrfountately, a major fire set Tiger’s Nest Monastery ablaze in 1998 and destroyed most of the wooden structures, intricate carvings, and murals. However, the restoration work was finished in 2005, which is what we visited today.

Watch our video shot during our trip to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. 👇👇

If you have read this blog post this far, don’t miss out on the video shot during our hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Click the image below to watch on YouTube (shot in high definition!).

The common questions of the Tiger’s Nest hiking

1. what to bring during the hike.

You can bring some snacks and water if you get hungry and thirsty. Also, carrying a walking stick and wearing knee guards is a good idea. It is also advisable to wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes. Besides that, just enjoy the journey!

2. How long is the round-trip hike?

The Tiger’s Nest trek is about 4 miles (6.4 km), which takes about 4-6 hours to complete for an average person.

3. Will I get high altitude sickness?

Some of us got headaches and palpitations due to the high elevation. Therefore, it is best not to stretch ourselves to the limit. Instead, you can take the high altitude medication called acetazolamide to reduce the chances of getting high altitude syndrome. We took this medication, and we were completely free from any symptoms. Please consult your doctor before your trip.

4. Am I fit enough to hide up to Tiger’s Nest?

It is an easy trail for a seasoned hiker. However, if you are not hiking regularly, you may find difficulties. It is preferred to try hiking before visiting Tiger’s Nest Monastery. We had 82 years old grand lady in our group who managed to hike halfway to the cafe.

Toong Foo Chan

Monday 6th of February 2023

Amazing pictures, lovely blog and big hearts. Definitely one for the bucket list. Much appreciated for sharing.

Tuesday 7th of February 2023

Glad to know you like it. We have a few more articles about our Bhutan trip. We hope you like the rest too :)

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

Just awesome!

Renuka Devi

Informative... while reading I could visualize myself walking the trek too. Beautiful scenery. Magnificent structure. Thank you

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Tiger’s Nest Hike – Bhutan’s Jewel Trek

The Tiger’s Nest Hike is one of the most popular hiking trails in Bhutan . It leads you to one of the most unusual and beautiful spots in the world – the Tiger’s Nest Monastery .

The monastery at 900m above the ground on a cliff. This unique building site is a fascinating and surreal experience. That’s not to mention the beauty of the location itself.

If you’re traveling in or near Bhutan, then hiking up to the Tiger’s Nest is an absolute must and here’s everything you need to know about the trail.

Tigers Nest – Quick Facts

In this article you will learn (and see):

• All about The Tiger’s Nest Monastery
• Difficulty of the Tiger’s Nest hike
• The Tiger’s Nest route overview
• What to wear and what to bring
• Best Time to hike
• Other pro tips

All About The Tiger’s Nest Monastery

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery , also known as Paro Taktshang, is a sacred Buddhist temple and monastery that was built on a cliff-side in the Paro Valley. The site sits at a remarkable height of 900 meters ( 2995 feet) above sea level and is still a functioning monastery.

The temple was built around the cave in which Guru Padmasambhava, the “second Buddha”, meditated and first introduced Buddhism to Bhutan.

Folklore tells a tale of the Guru having flown from Tibet to the cave on the cliff on the back of a flying tigress.

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a mystical site with a fascinating and mysterious history. This makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan.

How Difficult Is The Tiger’s Nest Hike?

The hike to Tiger’s Nest is a moderate to difficult one. You’ll be able to do it if you have at least an average level of fitness.

The hike takes between 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace. Some parts are quite steep so go slow and be sure of your footing – especially when you make the return trip downhill which can be quite slippery. The hike is about 6 km (4 miles) in length round trip.

Make sure not to rush or push yourself too hard. The quick elevation to 900 meters can put a bit of strain on your body as it needs more time to adjust.

Tiger’s Nest Route Overview

The hike up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery begins at the base of the mountain. Ther is a dirt trail with some rock, sand and gravel patches along the way.

For people who cannot make the climb, there are horses available for hire at the starting point. While the trail is not steep, it is uphill the whole way.

There is a cafeteria at the halfway mark. Take a break to catch your breath and eat something to keep your energy levels up.

From this point, you can see a clear view of the monastery and take some beautiful photos of it. Some people choose to make this their finishing point and return back down after seeing the view.

The trail levels out for a while after the halfway point. The second half of the hike a bit easier and less strenuous than the first.

There is an excellent photo point along the second half of the hike. You can see a closer view of the entire monastery as it perches on the steep cliff.

The last section of the trail includes a series of about 700 stone steps that you will need to journey along.

You’ll walk down the stairs at first, then across a bridge. Finally, you’ll start climbing the stairs up to the monastery. This is the real challenging part of the hike so be sure to take your time, it’s not a race to the top!

You can then enter the temple, after taking off your sunglasses and shoes. Your backpacks , cameras , and cell phones will also need to be left in a locker at the entrance.

Your guide can then give you a tour of the temples. Learn about its history and all the fascinating legends associated with the monastery.

What To Wear

While it can get pretty cold in the winter time, you’ll start to feel hot as you hike. Layers of light clothing are your best option.

You’ll need light layers that you can remove and carry with ease.  Don’t make the mistake of carrying around a heavy winter jacket and not needing it.

Even if you go in the warmer months, you’ll need to wear respectable clothing as it’s a sacred site with monks present. So no shorts or revealing tops. The temple itself can be quite cool so you should take a jacket or long-sleeved layer with you as well.

Wear thick, dark-colored socks as you’ll be walking around the monastery in them. The floor will be quite cool so thicker socks will be more comfortable.

You should also try to take a scarf with you to cover your nose and mouth. This works great to filter for the dust kicked into the air by people or horses on the path in front of you.

Best Time To Go

The best time to do the Tiger’s Nest hike is from October to December, as the weather is beautifully clear and cool as winter approaches.

Springtime is from March to May and is also a lovely time to visit with moderate temperatures.

Pro Tips And Information

One of the most important tips you should follow if you want to do the Tiger’s Nest Hike is not to hike it on your first day in Bhutan.

This is because the area’s altitude is quite high. Give your body a day or two to relax and adjust to the higher elevation.

The hike is a pretty steep incline, which will take you a further 900 meters in quite a short time. Attempting it too quickly could make you feel a bit sick.

Other articles on Bhutan hikes:

• Hiking in Bhutan
• Snowman hike
• Druk Path hike
• Jomolhari hike
• Best places to visit in Bhutan
• Best time to visit Bhutan
• How to get to Bhutan
• Festivals in Bhutan
• Bhutan facts

About the author 

Mila Whitman

Mila has been to 5 continents, visited over 40 countries and hiked across some of the most famous mountain ranges including the Andes and the Atlas Mountains. As an AMS sufferer she learned a few techniques to reduce the symptoms and the effects on her hiking adventures.

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Paro Taktsang: A Detailed Photo Guide for Hiking the Tiger’s Nest in Paro, Bhutan

Picturesquely perched on a cliffside, the Tiger Nest Monastery or as is locally known, the Paro Taktsang Lhakhang (Monastery) is not only one of the most venerated places of pilgrimage but also the most Instagrammable places in Paro, Bhutan.

What makes the hike to Tigers Nest so great? Is the hike worth it?

The Tigers Nest trek can get exhausting but it is definitely worth the effort. If dramatic landscape with a seemingly precariously perched monastery on a cliffside excites you, I would highly recommend the hike to the magnificent Paro Taktsang.

Standing at the foot of the mountains on which the monastery seemed precariously perched, the peaks looked all too indomitable 

If dramatic landscape with a seemingly precariously perched monastery on a cliffside excites you, I would highly recommend the hike to the magnificent Paro Taktsang.

The Tiger’s Nest is at 800 meters (over 2,600 feet) above the valley and is located 2,950 meters (9,678 feet) above the sea level.

You will need a degree of fitness to do the Tigers Nest Trek, but having said, let me assure you, I saw people of all ages and sizes make it to the end.

Quick Facts About the Hike

Questions you should be asking before heading to the bhutan tiger nest trek.

Trekking with Children? Wondering if you are fit enough for the Tiger’s Nest Trek? I had similar ‘Parental & Fitness concerns’ before heading for this trek. So now, I’ve put together this post to help you have a better idea of what it takes to do the Paro Taktsang Lhakhang trek (Tigers Nest Trek).

How do I get to Tiger nest from Paro?

Unless you are an Indian, Bangladeshi or a Maldivian national your licensed Bhutanese tour guide will accompany you to the Tiger’s Nest.

Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals who are visiting without a tour guide need to reach Ramthangkha which is 12 kilometers from Paro. It is approximately 2 -3 km uphill trek from here.

The standard rate for a Taxi from the upper part of Paro is 800 INR (for one side of the journey). Don’t forget to bargain if you are traveling during the offseason.

How long is the hike to Tiger’s Nest?

An entire circuit of Tiger’s nest will take around 5 to 6 hours. The climb to the monastery takes about 3 hours on a comfortable pace. A Gym enthusiast or a medium-paced runner can complete it in about 2 hours. The Tiger Nest Trek distance (total distance walked) is about 4 km one way with 700m in elevation gained.

We did this trek with our 11 and 13-year-old children and they were faster than us.

• We took a little less than 2 and a half hours to reach the Monastery.
• We spent around 1 hour at the monastery.
• It took us one and half hours to reach down

Plan on leaving Paro around 8 am and arriving back at your hotel around 3 pm.

How fit do you need to be to do this hike?

The Mantra for climbing the Tigers Nest is to take small steps and walk at a relaxed pace with plenty of rest.

Entry Ticket for Tiger’s Nest Monastery

You can climb up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery for free but Indian, Bangladeshi and  Maldivian nationals need to buy an entry ticket to the Monastery which costs around Rs.500. For all other nationals, it is included in the Visa fees (More on it in the last paragraph of this post).

This ticket is available only at the entrance and so don’t forget to buy it before you start the trek.

Before you start Rent a bamboo walking stick

This is the starting point of the Tiger’s Nest Trek. You can see in the image below locals standing with Bundles of bamboo sticks. These can be taken on hire for Rs.50 (NU 50/-). You need to return it once you are back.

As soon as you reach the parking, the locals will flock you urging you to rent bamboo sticks from them.

I would highly recommend hiring the sticks just before you start the trek. The walking sticks will

• help you balance on the dirt track which tends to get slippery,
• help in getting a good walking rhythm when synchronized with your arms,
• help reduce the strain on your knees when walking downhill

You can hire Horse/Ponies to reach mid-way till the Cafeteria

Beyond the parking is a small market selling souvenirs. As you cross it you will be greeted by ponies and pony owners. If you wish to ride a pony it is here that you need to hire.

Ponies/mules take visitors halfway – just till the cafeteria. The trail followed by tourists is the same as done by the ponies.

The Bhutanese believe that if you go up to Taktsang Monastery on a horse or a pony, you share the merits you gained with the horse. Food for thought 😉

Hiking to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

The hike to tigers nest can be roughly divided into three parts.

As you walk past the ponies this open patch with the first view of the Tiger’s nest greets you.

Standing at the foot of the mountains, the monastery looked indomitable.

The Tiger’s nest trail is a dirt path. At the very start, of the trek, you will notice the Water driven Prayer wheel. This type of prayer wheel is simply a prayer wheel that is turned by flowing water.

The water that is touched by the wheel is said to become blessed and carries its purifying power into all life forms in the oceans and lakes that it feeds into ( Source ).

Tall pine and cypress trees draped in tender green moss on either side of the trail make a good canopy of shade.

We visited the Tiger’s Nest in June and the weather was rather warm. The trail is rocky and dusty, and even slippery at times.

There is a cafe with toilets at the mid-way point. Here, you can take a break at the Taktsang Cafeteria. 

At the halfway point, the trail levels out for a little bit.

The path also got narrower and steeper. It was also festooned with an abundance of colorful Buddhist prayer flags which caught the wind and fluttered wildly, creating a piece of strange music in an otherwise still and tranquil atmosphere. 

The winding path suddenly turned a corner and opened up stunning, panoramic views of the verdant valley in front and hills in the distance. 

Locker Facility at Tiger’s Nest, Paro

PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO BHUTAN?

Wondering which places to visit to make the most of your money spent?

On popular dates of travel such as during Fall, Spring & festival time, flight tickets & Good Hotels tend to get fully reserved 3-4 months prior.

To avoid settling for something less than what you pay for, I recommend you plan your itinerary well in advance.

You can reserve your ticket and plan your trip to Bhutan with me and relax knowing that my trusted team will take good care of a fellow wanderlust traveler. FOR DETAILS EMAIL at [email protected]

Do You Need A Guide to visit the Paro Paro Taktsang?

If you are not an Indian, Bangladeshi or Maldivian National then you will be accompanied by your local tour company as this is a prerequisite for all visitors to Bhutan (For more see the last paragraph of this post).

Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals visiting without a guide:

Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals visiting without a guide: Once you reach the Monastery you will need to get your ticket registered.

You can not visit the temples unless accompanied by a guide.

If you don’t have a guide with you, you need to wait for more tourists to join.

Once there are enough tourists, a Government-authorized guide will take you up a flight of stairs and brief you about the historic and religious importance of the Monastery. This service is free of charge.

Why is it called Tiger’s Nest?

The legend of Taktshang (Tiger’s lair) is believed to be dated 747 AD when Guru Padmasmbhava chose a cave on a sheer rock face to meditate. He took the wrathful form, Guru Dorji Drolo and rode a tigress to subdue the evil spirits in the locality.

Taktshang thus became one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the Himalayan Buddhist world. ( Source )

Tigers Nest Temples

Like many prominent buildings in Bhutan, the Tigers Nest is constructed of stone and rammed mud and features stark white exterior walls with red shingled as well as golden roofs.

The current structure was constructed in the early 2000s after a fire broke out in 1998.

The temple complex at Paro Taktsang is made up of four temple buildings and a series of eight caves. The buildings are connected by a network of narrow stone walkways and a few rickety bridges, with the caves accessible behind the temple buildings.

Boldly colored paintings on the Thangkas (Buddhist tapestries of a deity or Mandal) are a prominent feature of the interior of Paro Taktsang. There is a Hall with Thousand Golden Statues of Buddhas. In this hall, the statue of a large tiger can also be seen ( For More Click Here ).

What to Wear for Tiger’s Nest Hike?

• Wear comfortable dry-fit clothes for the hike.
• To enter the monastery your clothes should cover your hands and legs.
• If you are traveling in a season when it is too hot and humid to wear such clothes you can carry change of clotes in a small backpack.
• Locker facilities are available once you reach the Tiger’s Nest.

The Tiger’s Nest trail is a dirt trail and tends to get slippery at places. So good grip shoes are highly recommended. Any running shoe will also do.

During rains the path can get very slushy with mud so dress accordingly or better avoid going during this period.

Things to Keep in mind before the Tiger’s Nest Hike

• Ensure that you carry enough water and some snacks as there’s only one cafeteria. The cafeteria closes around five pm.
• Cameras and cellphones are not allowed inside the monastery.
• They provide lockers to keep your belongings safe.
• Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays is recommended.
• The monastery is closed between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and photography isn’t permitted inside.
• Begin your return journey from the Tigers Nest latest by 3.00 p.m. as the sun sets around 5.30 p.m. which will make your descend difficult and dangerous when it is dark.

Travel Requirement for visiting Bhutan

All tourists (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) who wish to travel to Bhutan require a visa and must book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners.

The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.

In keeping with the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s policy of “High Value. Low Impact” tourism a Minimum Daily Package is required for tourists (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) ( Source ).

• High Season Tariff For (March, April, May, September, October, and November) US$ 250 per person per night
• Low Season Tariff For (June, July, August, December, January, and February) US$ 200 per person per night

Price Includes:

• A minimum of 3-star accommodation, (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium).
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
• All internal transport (excluding internal flights)
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
• All internal taxes and charges
• A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65, This Royalty goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
• Sightseeing as per itinerary

Not Included:

• Airfares and Airport Taxes
• Visa other than Bhutan before & after
• Insurance of any kind
• Expenses of personal nature
• Breakfast on the day of arrival (Morning Flight)
• Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation due to any reason (Please get insurance coverage for such expenses)

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3 thoughts on “Paro Taktsang: A Detailed Photo Guide for Hiking the Tiger’s Nest in Paro, Bhutan”

Bhutan is the place where I want to go back again and again. I have visited that place with my family for a couple of times. Your blog post reminds me of these times and that was an amazing travel guide for me.

Your photos are stunning, take love.

we loved our Bhutan Family trip as well. It indeed is a Happy Country to be 😉

I would like to visit Bhutan. Seeing your writing, the interest increased even more

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Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike In Bhutan (Paro Taktsang)

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike is one of the best things to do in Bhutan , and probably one of the most amazing day hikes anywhere in the world.

This photogenic Buddhist monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, clings to the side of a steep cliff that’s 900 meters tall (3,000 feet)! It hardly looks real.

The Tiger’s Nest hike is not too difficult for most people of average fitness, and it’s located fairly close to the main airport in Bhutan. However, because of Bhutan’s unusual tourist tax, this awesome little country is still off the radar for most international tourists.

This travel guide will explain how to do the Tiger’s Nest Bhutan hike, how to get there, what to expect in terms of difficulty, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Table of Contents show 1) Tiger’s Nest: Quick Facts 2) How To Get To The Tiger’s Nest Monastery In Bhutan 3) Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike: What To Expect 4) How Hard Is The Tiger’s Nest Hike? 5) How Long Is The Tiger’s Nest Hike? 6) Best Time To Visit The Tiger’s Nest Monastery In Bhutan 7) What To Bring For The Tiger’s Nest Hike 8) Other Tips For The Tiger’s Nest Bhutan Hike 9) Monastery Hours & Entrance Fees 10) Frequently Asked Questions (Paro Taktsang) 11) Best Bhutan Tour Company 12) More Bhutan Travel Tips  

Tiger’s Nest: Quick Facts

• Distance: 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) round trip
• Elevation Gain: 600 meters (1,970 ft)
• Top Elevation: 3,100 meters (10,170 ft)
• Duration: 4 – 8 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate

Taking a picture at the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint

How To Get To The Tiger’s Nest Monastery In Bhutan

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is located about 15 kilometers from Paro town and the Paro International Airport in western Bhutan, so it’s relatively accessible.

The paved parking lot is only a 30 minute drive from Paro. The road to the trailhead can be a bit narrow and winding at times, but it’s not a steep or dangerous drive at all. Your tour guide in Bhutan can arrange transportation for you to the start of the trail.

The monastery itself is located on a steep cliff above the Paro valley, so the only way to get there is by hiking. There’s no cable car, and you can’t drive to the top either. No matter who you are, a hike is required!

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike: What To Expect

• starting the hike.

The hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery starts out in a dense forest of pine trees. You get your first view of the monastery almost right away, although it’s distant and it looks very small at the top of the mountain.

Early on, you’ll pass some little Bhutanese stupas with prayer wheels inside, and a small stream and waterfall. The hiking path can be a bit rocky and muddy in places, and there are occasionally tree roots to step over. Even though the trail starts in the shade, much of it later on will be in the sun.

This is a very famous hike, so the main trail can be busy with people and also horses, which hikers may rent to help carry them partway up the mountain. This means you have to dodge horse poo along the trail.

You should give the horses plenty of space when they pass, because you don’t want to be kicked. Thankfully, the horses have bells, so you can always hear them coming.

A good local tour guide can also show you side routes with more shade and less people. There are lots of lesser used side trails on this hike because of the monastery’s long history as a Buddhist meditation site.

Start of the hike. You can see the monastery barely visible at the top of the mountain!

A small stupa by a stream

• Taktsang Cafeteria Views

After you’ve hiked approximately halfway to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, you’ll reach a nice little mountain cafe called the Taktsang Cafeteria.

This is a great place to stop and rest, and the cafe has good views of the monastery from below. The monastery still looks far away at this point, and there’s plenty of climbing left to do, but your destination is getting noticeably closer.

The monastery is already in range for some good photos if you have a phone or camera lens with a bit of zoom. Meanwhile, you can buy food, drinks, or souvenirs at the cafe, and there are free bathrooms as well.

After leaving the cafe, there are several more nice views of the monastery as you keep climbing the trail. Along the way, we saw magpie birds and grey langur monkeys (including babies)!

The path gradually becomes a bit less steep as you go, until it finally flattens out when you’re getting close to the monastery.

Another glimpse of the Tiger’s Nest — looking through the prayer flags

Grey Langur monkey in the forest

• Tiger’s Nest Monastery Viewpoint

After about 2 hours of hiking (or more), you’ll finally reach the famous viewpoint of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery! This is the spot where all the great pictures are taken, showing the building perched on the edge of the giant cliff.

The monastery is extremely photogenic, and any phone or camera will take great pictures of it. You don’t need a special zoom lens or anything like that to get nice photos.

It’s a stunning sight to behold, and I felt like I could’ve stayed there for hours admiring the view. The cliff is massive and it has a sheer drop of more than 900 meters (3,000 feet)!

It’s hard to believe anyone could build something so fantastic on this cliff, especially in 1692 when the monastery was first established. I really think it’s one of my favorite things I’ve seen anywhere in the world .

The viewpoint has several tiers, so there’s lots of room to spread out and take photos. Crowds usually form at the first viewpoint, but you can take even better photos if you keep going lower and closer to the monastery.

Up close view of Paro Taktsang — the Tiger’s Nest Monastery!

Even a cloudy day can be good for photos at the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

• Taktsang Waterfall & Bridge

From the main viewpoint, in order to reach the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and go inside, you will have to hike down a series of concrete steps and then go up even more steps, but there’s a metal railing you can hold at all times.

At the bottom, you’ll cross a foot bridge over a stream, and pass a tall waterfall with several drops. It’s an impressive waterfall that’s apparently hundreds of meters tall if you measure it from the base of the mountain!

I never knew there was a waterfall at Taktsang Monastery, so this was a fun surprise to see.

• Inside The Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Now that you’ve reached the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, it’s time to go inside. You can’t bring any bag, camera, or phone inside, but entering the Tiger’s Nest is still very worthwhile.

There are big, spacious lockers at the monastery entrance where you can store your camera stuff. My entire 30 liter backpack fit inside a locker just fine, with room to spare. I was a little nervous leaving my expensive gear here, but it was no problem.

The inside of the monastery has many interesting rooms and corridors, with a holy cave, temples, and small courtyards. Inside the temples, there are colorful paintings on the walls, and Buddhist monks chanting, praying, and burning incense.  

• Viewpoints Above The Tiger’s Nest

If you still have extra time and energy after visiting the Tiger’s Nest, you can hike even higher on the opposite mountain.

Starting from the famous viewpoint, there’s a little used hiking path that leads up to several other interesting Bhutanese temples with sweeping views of the valley and Paro Taktsang.

Most tourists don’t know about this detour, so you can have the views all to yourself, and it gives you a unique perspective of the Taktsang monastery from above.  

How Hard Is The Tiger’s Nest Hike?

The difficulty of the Tiger’s Nest hike will depend on your age and fitness level, and whether you’re acclimated to elevation before you start. If you’re a young and fit hiker, reaching the Tiger’s Nest will be fairly easy for you.

However, for most people, I would describe the hike as moderately difficult. It will definitely be challenging for older folks who don’t hike much, but it’s still doable if you take your time. I’ve heard of people as young as 3 and as old as 85 completing this hike, but not without some struggle.

There is quite a bit of uphill walking on rough terrain, and the relatively high top altitude of 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) adds another layer of challenge for us sea level dwellers. I got a headache after my first visit to Paro Taktsang, but some bedrest and ibuprofen cleared it up.

If you think you might have a hard time on this hike, I’d save it for later in your Bhutan itinerary, that way you’ll already be better acclimatized for the altitude. Besides, the Tiger’s Nest makes a nice ‘grand finale’ for your trip anyway, since it’s easily one of the most best things to do in Bhutan!

If you want to make things easier, you can also pay to rent a walking stick or horse at the start of the trail. However, the horses can only carry you to the Takstang cafe, which is approximately halfway to the monastery. You’ll still have to be able to walk the rest of the way yourself. If you’re disabled or in a wheelchair, the hike won’t be possible for you.

A zoomed in view of Paro Taktsang from below (300mm lens)

A wide angle (24mm) view from the Taktsang Cafeteria

How Long Is The Tiger’s Nest Hike?

The Tiger’s Nest hike can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours roundtrip, depending on your fitness level. I would say 5 hours roundtrip is a normal time for the average person, not counting the time you spend taking photos and looking inside the monastery.

With no breaks, I reached the Taktsang cafeteria in about 45 minutes, and then reached the main viewpoint in another 45 minutes. Lastly, it took me another 15 minutes to hike from the viewpoint to the monastery and go inside.

This means I reached the monastery in less than 2 hours, but that’s an unusually fast pace. Most people will take longer, which is fine. It’s not a race. I was just anxious to see the Tiger’s Nest and take pictures!

In any case, even if you’re a fast hiker, you will need to devote a full day to visiting the Tiger’s Nest Monastery because you’ll want to spend plenty of time enjoying the views, taking photos, and touring the inside of the temple.

My Bhutanese tour guide told me that before the road was renovated in 2005, the trail was even longer and it took twice as much time to hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Nowadays, it’s quite a bit easier, but it’s still plenty of challenge.

My tour guide and I both agreed that the most special way to see the monastery is by hiking to it, and hopefully the Bhutanese government never builds a road leading all the way to the top of the mountain! That would ruin some of the experience.

Ponies and prayer flags

Best Time To Visit The Tiger’s Nest Monastery In Bhutan

Generally the best time to visit Bhutan and hike to the Tiger’s Nest is in autumn (October to December) or spring (March to May), when the weather is dry and sunny. The shoulder months like September can also be good.

Don’t rule out cloudy or rainy days for visiting the Tiger’s Nest. While it may not be ideal, you can still take good pictures of the monastery even if it’s rainy. The first time I visited Taktsang it was very cloudy and rainy all day, but it gave everything a mysterious atmosphere with the clouds swirling around the mountain.

The best time of day to start the hike depends on your priorities. Most tours will start around 8 AM, and that should put you at the monastery before noon, which gives you lots of time to hike at your own pace, and then do plenty of sightseeing and photos there. The morning also has cooler temperatures for trekking.

However, you can potentially skip some of the crowds by starting later in the day, and the lighting is better for photos at that time anyway. On a sunny day, the best lighting for the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is actually around noon or later. Before that, you can still take nice pictures but the monastery will be partly or fully shaded.

Horses can carry you halfway up the mountain, but you have to hike the rest.

What To Bring For The Tiger’s Nest Hike

• Hiking Shoes: The terrain on this hike can be steep and sometimes slippery, with occasional rocks, mud, or tree roots. You’ll want good hiking shoes or boots with grip.
• Jacket: Wear a light jacket that you can shed easily. You may be cold at first when you start the hike, but you’ll heat up quickly, especially if it’s a sunny day. Dress in layers.
• Sun Protection: It’s easy to get burned by the sun at this high altitude, so you’ll want to wear a hat and/or sunscreen.
• Water: It’s a good idea to bring at least 1 liter of drinking water. Your Bhutan tour guide can provide this for you. It’s also possible to buy extra bottled water from the cafeteria at the halfway point.

Temple perched on the cliff

Other Tips For The Tiger’s Nest Bhutan Hike

• Dress Code: The Paro Taktsang is an active Buddhist monastery, so you can only go inside with modest clothing (pants and long sleeves). Hats and shoes have to be taken off too. Outside the monastery, any clothing is okay as long as it’s not too revealing. There are bilingual signs at the viewpoint that say posing in inappropriate clothing is prohibited. That means no swimsuits or anything similarly revealing like that. Shorts and short sleeves are fine for the hike if you don’t plan to go inside the monastery.
• Bathrooms: There are toilets at the parking lot and also at the Taktsang cafeteria, which is the halfway point of the hike. There are also toilets at the monastery itself, although I’ve heard they’re very dirty. The toilets at the cafe are free to use, but there was a small cash fee to use the ones in the parking lot. Aside from this, there are also some places off the trail where you can go in the bushes if you really need to.
• Cell Service: If you have a Bhutanese SIM card, there’s some reception all along the whole hike, so you can make calls or send texts if needed. There was no WiFi at the Taktsang cafeteria when I went, although I wouldn’t be surprised if they add that soon.
• Horses: You can ride a horse halfway to the monastery for a fee. The horses are healthy and well cared for. My tour guide said the more expensive horses (for ~$20 USD) are better trained and safer than the cheap ones ($10). He said some tourists have fallen and broken arms or worse. He was not trying to sell me on this service, so I’m inclined to believe him. If I rode a horse here, I would try to get the best and most experienced horse out of the lineup.
• Mosquitoes: I only saw one or two mosquitoes on the hike, and if you’re wearing pants they shouldn’t be an issue at all. There is no presence of Malaria in the Paro district of Bhutan, so you don’t have to worry about that either.

Monastery Hours & Entrance Fees

• Hours: 8 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 5 PM
• Entrance Fee (Adults): 2,000 BTN ($25 USD)
• Entrance Fee (Kids 6-18): 1,000 BTN ($12 USD)
• Entrance Fee (Kids 0-5): Free

These are the current opening hours and entrance fees as of 2024, but you might want to double check with your Bhutan tour guide before you go, as it may change occasionally. This is only for entering the monastery. You can start the hike at any time of day, and there’s no fee for the hike.

Also, keep in mind most Bhutan tour packages already include these entrance fees in the total tour price, so you generally won’t have to pay anything when you enter the monastery. The entrance fees only apply to tourists visiting the monastery independently.

Monkey hiding in the bushes

Frequently Asked Questions (Paro Taktsang)

• What does Taktsang mean in English? The name Taktsang means ‘tiger’s lair’ in Tibetan. According to legend, the Indian guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambahva) was transported to the cave on the back of a tigress, giving this place the name it has today.
• Are there wild tigers here? No, there aren’t wild tigers living in the Paro area anymore, but they still live in other parts of Bhutan. If you’re lucky, you can see Bengal tigers in the Jigme Singye Wangchuck or Royal Manas National Park. Both of these parks are in central Bhutan.
• Where is Taktsang located? Taktsang is located on a steep cliff outside of Paro town, in western Bhutan. You can drive to the starting point in 30 minutes from Paro town, but the only way to reach the monastery is by hiking to it.
• When was Paro Taktsang built? The Tiger’s Nest Monastery was formally built in 1692, although its history as a Buddhist meditation cave dates back to the 9th century. Today, it’s a famous icon of Bhutan, and the cliffside monastery was even featured on the back of the country’s 5 ngultrum cash notes.
• Can kids do the Tiger’s Nest hike? Yes, kids can hike to the Tiger’s Nest, but I would definitely try to get acclimated to the altitude before doing the hike with kids. I would say 7 is a good age, although I’ve heard of younger kids doing it as well. I wouldn’t recommend kids going on horseback here, because the seat is high for kids and the ponies can be a bit erratic since the path is rough. It would be easy for a kid to fall from a horse here, and they could be seriously injured if that happened. You can hike slowly, take your time, and drink lots of water. If your kids are having too much difficulty on the hike, you can always turn around at the cafeteria or later, while still getting some views of the Tiger’s Nest.
• How many steps up to the Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan? There isn’t an exact count of how many steps the hike takes since it’s mostly a dirt trail, but the final section alone has hundreds of stone steps. Some sources say there are 700 stone steps to go from the viewpoint to the monastery. All in all, it’s quite a workout, but it’s worth every minute!
• What is the UNESCO status? The Tiger’s Nest Monastery hasn’t been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site yet, but that could change. It was submitted as a tentative site in 2012. Hopefully soon it’ll get the recognition and protection it deserves!

The Tiger’s Nest is probably one of my favorite views in the world

Best Bhutan Tour Company

For most nationalities, the only way you can visit Bhutan is with a visa and tour organized by a local Bhutanese tour company. There’s also a daily tax of $100 USD per person, which is a rule established by the Bhutanese government to try to ensure ‘quality over quantity’ tourism.

I visited Bhutan with this tour company on GetYourGuide. It was a great experience, and I would happily recommend them to anyone! The owner of the company, Tsenrig, helped me craft the perfect 7-day Bhutan itinerary, with a visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and lots of other great sights around the country of Bhutan.

Their most popular itineraries are 5 or 7 days , but they also have tours of 9 or 10 days , or even as long as 15 or 20 days. The itinerary is very flexible and you can choose the sights you most want to see on each day you spend in the country of Bhutan.

My private tour guide, L. Dorji, was fantastic and very helpful, staying at my side every step of the way. He even kindly insisted to carry my heavy backpack for me, and helped me swap between my camera lenses whenever I was taking pictures.

Dorji knew every detail about the history of Bhutan, and he’s been doing the trek to the Tiger’s Nest for decades. He was one of the best tour guides I’ve had anywhere in the world. Overall, I would highly recommend this company for your hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan!

Book Now: Bhutan Tour 5 / 7 / 9 Days

More Bhutan Travel Tips

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for the Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike in Bhutan. It was one of my favorite experiences in this little Asian country.

I’ll be adding more Bhutan tips to my travel blog soon, so don’t forget to bookmark it and check back later!  

• Bhutan Travel Itinerary: Best Things To Do & See
• 7 Day Bhutan Tour By GetYourGuide

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All You Need To Know About The Hike To Tiger’s Nest Bhutan

Tiger’s Nest Paro an amazing and most picturesque place perching on the cliffside of a mountain at an elevation of 3120 meters above sea level. Tiger’s Nest monastery in Bhutan is a place to trek and enjoy nature at the fullest, local guides are there to help, and on halfway cafeteria is there to relax and energies yourself. The Tiger’s Nest Temple, also known as Taktsang Monastery, is one of the most recognized and sacred places in Bhutan.

Discover why Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan remains an essential destination on every visitor’s bucket list, regardless of the duration of their visit. Explore the extraordinary allure of this iconic site.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) Facts

What is the story behind tiger’s nest (taktsang monastery) and where is it located.

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery) is a recognized and sacred Buddhist site located near Paro in Bhutan. It was first built in 1692, Guru Rinpoche had first meditated in the cave and this is the major event that introduced Buddhism into Bhutan. It is believed that the Guru Rinpoche was carried from Tibet to the Paro Taktsang on the back of a tigress, thus the name is given, ‘Tiger’s Nest’.

Getting into Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) Monastery 

The Tiger’s nest is located near Paro Valley. It takes about half an hour to reach the hiking spot from your hotel in Paro. The hike starts at the bottom of the mountain from where you can see a glimpse of Tiger’s Nest temple. There are some outdoor shops where you can buy necessary things for the hike such as walking sticks, and umbrellas, and also you can buy souvenirs. If you are unable to hike up to the temple, you can hire a horse at this place. The horse can walk up to the cafeteria; from there, you have to walk yourself for over an hour to reach the temple.

The total hiking time to reach the Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) is about 3 hours from the bottom. The hike up to Cafeteria is halfway, it takes about one and a half hours to reach the cafeteria. A total of 5 hours would be spent (back and forth) on the hike to this sacred monastery.

The path is covered by tons of prayer flags and you can enjoy the beautiful view of Paro Valley as you go higher. Before you reach the Tiger’s Nest, you have to climb nearly 800 stone steps, and finally, you reach the most sacred site, Tiger’s Nest.

Once you reach the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, your guide will take you inside the monastery. Your day bag, photography, and shoes are not allowed inside the monastery. These kinds of stuff will need to be left with security persons just outside of the monastery gate. When you are going back, do not forget to take pictures of the Tiger’s Nest temple, which is something you want to look back on forever.

Gears to bring for the Tiger’s Nest hike

• Normal hiking shoes (No trekking shoes are necessary)
• Some snacks or energy bars (You will take lunch at Cafeteria, en-route)
• Camera, Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
• Day bag, Water bottle
• Walking pole (Waling wood sticks are available on hire/purchase at the hiking start point)

When is the best time of the year to visit Tiger’s Nest?

Tiger’s Nest Temple is open and possible to visit all year round. However, the best times to visit Bhutan and hike the tiger’s nest are during spring ( March, April, and May) ‘ Pre-monsoon’, and autumn ( September, October, and November ) ‘Post-monsoon’. Winter ( December, January, and February ) is the coldest month and you may encounter snow on the trail. However, you still have the best view and are good for photography. And the summer ( June, July, and August ) is monsoon but less crowded.

How fit do you need to be for this hike?

Anyone of average fitness can do this hike. Take your time, do not exhaust yourself. You can bring hiking poles that help to hike and especially it is helpful for your knees on the descent. You can also take your kids for a hike. The difficulty level of the Taktsang hike is kind of moderate with a steep ascent but every fit average person can make it to this temple/monastery without any difficulties.

Can I hire a horse on this hike?

Yes, If you are comfortable taking a horse ride, you can hire a horse during the hike. The horseman will follow you along with a horse, so it is less risky. You can only take a horse up to Cafeteria, after that you should hike to the temple on foot.

Opening time of Tiger’s Nest Monastery

The opening time of Tiger’s Nest is 8 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM Daily during October, November, December, January, February, and March and it opens until 6 PM during April, May, June, July, August, and September . However, it is better to re-confirm with your tour operator before you hike to the monastery.

Choosing a tour package for this hike

Tiger’s nest is included in almost every itinerary that you get for Bhutan and this is one of the major things to do in Bhutan. If your major highlight is hiking Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan, we generally recommend the three most popular short itineraries like Shortest Bhutan Tour Package (3 days) , Short Bhutan Tour Package (4 Days) , Bhutan Tour with Tiger’s nest hike (5 Days) .

You May also like;

• 7 Days Paro Phuensholing Bhutan Tour
• Chomolhari Trek in Bhutan
• 7 Nights 8 Days Bhutan Tour

In conclusion, Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) in Bhutan is an incredible and picturesque destination situated on a cliffside at an elevation of 3210 meters above sea level. This iconic monastery offers a thrilling trekking experience amidst nature’s beauty, with local guides available for assistance and a halfway cafeteria for relaxation. Known as Taktsang Monastery, it holds immense culture and spiritual significance, making it a must-visit for every traveler. Explore the enchantment of Tiger’s Nest, discover its fascinating facts, and plan your visit during the best months for an unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary attraction that captivates visitors from around the world.

Have questions? Make us an enquiry, our experts will help you customize and plan your perfect trip. Let’s get started!

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The early stages of the hike to Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest Monastery

What Do you Need to Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery?

You won’t need any specialist mountaineering gear to hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, though you will need some suitable footwear and clothing . The hiking trail is mostly a dry bare path and is sometimes rocky, so a good pair of suitable footwear is required.

The hike will make you warm and sweaty, but it can be very cold at the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, especially when the clouds gather. You may want to bring gloves for when the temperature drops and wear warm socks for walking around the temple’s cold stone floors.

Bring enough bottled water to keep you hydrated, and carry a few snacks and sweets for an energy boost. Your Bhutanese guides will probably bring these too. 

Long walking sticks are available to hire from the base at the start of the trek for 50 Bhutanese Ngultrum (around 15 cents/10p); though not essential they do make the steep descent a little bit easier.

Tackling the Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery

The starting point of the Tiger’s Nest hike is around a 20 minute drive from the centre of Paro . It’s best to start the trek as early in the morning as possible, when the lower temperature makes the hike a little more comfortable.

Your Bhutanese guide will  advise the best time to get there and will also accompany you on the climb (a climb that they will most likely have done hundreds of times before).

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery can just about be made out from the pine forest at the starting point, a tiny white speck buried high amongst the distant trees.

For those less able to hike there are also horses available to hire from here that carry passengers to the halfway point.

Pausing for breathe and to admire the view; tea and crackers at the halfway point; dozing dogs and prayer flags line the route to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

The hike is split into two sections , with a much needed cafe marking the end of the first section of the trek. The initial part of the climb offers beautiful views over the Paro Valley and the surrounding forests. 

The first part of the hike is all uphill . The path is a wide and dusty track, big enough to share with the horses who make the trek back and forth throughout the day.

Colourful prayer flags fill the trees along the entire route to the Tiger’s Nest, as does the familiar sight of Bhutan’s docile stray dogs dozing in the sunshine. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery frequently peers through the gaps in the trees, never seeming to get any closer.

The halfway point of the hike to the Tiger’s Nest Mountain. The iconic monastery still seems a way off in the distance.

At the halfway mark is the welcome break of the Taktsang Cafeteria . This is also as far as the horses will carry passengers from the base of the trek. 

The cafe directly faces the Tiger’s Nest and as well as a restorative cup of tea and the chance of a toilet break, it also offers a wonderful incentive to continue the climb.

The second section of the hike continues uphill before it eventually evens out into a long and welcome stretch of flat path . At the end of this flat section is the spellbinding view of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery . The iconic scene appears suddenly, with the famous monastery slightly hidden around a bend in the path.

Many people decide that the view is enough and don’t continue any further. This is understandable, as the final section of the hike to the entrance of the monastery is as arduous as any other part of the trek. 

However, if you can carry on then you should , as the temples inside the monastery are just as spectacular as the view of it from the outside. It is said in Bhutan that the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is so sacred that visiting it is equivalent to visiting 1000 monasteries .

Inside the Tiger's Nest Monastery

A long and narrow set of rocky steps connects the viewpoint to the monastery. The steps descend sharply before crossing over a short bridge covered in prayer flags. 

The stairs that lead up to the monastery then rise rapidly , carved from the cliff face, and continue into the monastery itself, where a close cluster of temples cling to the mountain side.

Photography is not allowed inside the Tiger’s Nest Monastery , and bags, cameras and mobile phones are not allowed to be taken inside. Lockers are available at the entrance to store personal belongings and your guide will more than likely take care of this for you.

The descending steps and final uphill hike to reach the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous landmark.

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery gets its name from the cave where, according to Bhutanese legend, a tigress landed after she flew Padmasambhava , a Buddhist guru, on her back to defeat a tiger demon who had brought suffering to the Paro Valley.

Inside the monastery are a number of small temples , each one decorated in the bright and beautiful colours typically found in Bhutan’s monasteries.

Worshippers pray in front of elaborate shrines to Buddha and Padmasmabhava, and family portraits of the Bhutanese King and Queen hang nearby in ornate golden frames.

From the walkways that connect the temples there are stunning views of the green forests and mountains of the Paro Valley far below.

According to the legend, Padmasmabhava meditated in the cave for a total of three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours , making this one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. This is why the famous monastery was built in such a perilous location.

The Descent Back to the Base

The descent from the Tiger’s Nest Monastery back to the starting point is naturally a much easier hike . However, leaving the monastery means having to descend and then climb the hundreds of narrow stone steps one more time. 

Once you reach the top of these stairs the rest of the trek is all downhill . It’s still around a two hour hike back to the base, but the euphoria at having made the summit and having seen one of the most spectacular buildings on the planet will almost carry you back down to earth.

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Guide To Tiger’s Nest: Exploring The Cultural Landmark Of Bhutan

Perched dramatically over the face of a vertical cliff, the Tiger’s Nest was built 2600 feet above the valley and is located 9,700 feet above sea level. Even if a person is visiting Bhutan just for a few days, they make sure to visit this iconic Tiger’s Nest temple in Bhutan , because of the sheer beauty it holds. Its convenient location near one of the international airports in Bhutan, also makes it one of the most visited places in Bhutan .

Before we know more about the Tiger’s Nest, let me tell you that this monastery is also popular by several other names which we will be using throughout this blog. Here’s a list of the alternative names for Tiger’s Nest:

• Paro Taktsang
• Taktsang Monastery
• Taktsang Palphug Monastery
• Copper-Colored Mountain Paradise of Padmasambhava
• Temple of the Guru with Eight Names

Legend of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

According to the legends surrounding the Taktsang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” it is believed that Guru Rinpoche, also known as Guru Padmasambhava, flew to this sacred location on the back of a tigress. This was the site where he tamed the tigress as it was originally a devil who had transformed itself into a tigress.

Another version of the legend suggests that a former wife of an emperor willing became a follower of Guru Rinpoche and transformed into a tigress to carry Guru Rinpoche from Tibet to the present site of the monastery in Bhutan . 

In either account, Guru Rinpoche meditated in the caves of Taktsang Monastery Bhutan in eight incarnated forms, thus adding to the spiritual importance of the Tiger’s Nest. It is the Paro Taktsang that enlightened the Guru to preach Buddhism to the Bhutanese people after meditating at this place for 3 years 3 months 3 weeks 2 days and 3 hours.

In the later years, many monks, followers, and students of Guru Rinpoche went to the caves in which today’s Tiger’s Nest is located to meditate. This further added to the spiritual aura of these mystical caves. 

In 1692, Tenzin Rabgye built the 1st monastery here. Legends claim that Tenzin Rabgye was a reincarnation of Guru Padmasambhava himself. Several miraculous events are attributed to him, such as being seen simultaneously inside and outside his cave, the ability to feed all visitors with a small amount of food, and ensuring the safety of worshippers despite the difficult approach to the monastery. 

Additionally, witnesses reported seeing various animal forms and religious symbols in the sky over the Paro Valley in Bhutan , including showers of flowers that appeared and disappeared without touching the ground. These mystical occurrences further cemented the belief in the divine nature of the Taktsang Monastery and its connection to Guru Rinpoche.

Overall, the legends surrounding Taktsang Monastery are rich with tales of divine intervention, miraculous events, and the spiritual significance of this sacred site in Bhutan.

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About the Tiger’s Nest Trek

• Elevation: 3,120 meters (10,240 ft)
• Total Distance: 6.4 km
• Time Required: 3-6 hours depending on your pace.
• Difficulty: Easy
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: BTN 500
• Distance From Paro: 12 km

Going for the Tiger’s Nest trek is one of the top things to do in the scenic Paro Valley for adventure enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. To embark on the trek to the Tiger’s Nest, reach the starting point by 8 AM. (This is the earliest time when one can begin the trek). Starting earliest allows you to reach the Paro Taktsang before the afternoon as the heat gets intense by this time, especially in the summer months.

At the entrance of the Tiger’s Nest trek in Bhutan , you will find several small stalls selling souvenirs and local handicrafts. You can also buy/ rent a beautifully carved trekking stick here. Enter the gate to begin your hike to the Taktsang Monastery Bhutan. Walk through the fields to reach the base of the cliff. If you are unfit, you can choose to go up on a mule or a horseback from here. But it can take you only halfway.

Get ready to walk through the forested trail with gradually inclined slopes along the sides of the cliff. The trail is frequented with colorful flags, small shrines, and benches throughout, providing ample places for the hikers to stop and have some rest. After climbing for around 1-2 hours through the zigzag forested trail, you will reach halfway.

The halfway point of the trail is marked by the popular Taktsang Cafeteria which serves as a perfect rest stop. There are restrooms and a seating area where you can have some beverages and refreshments to energize yourself. There are also several prayer wheels here which the hikers spin before continuing the hike. 

The Paro Taktsang hiking trail from here gets steeper. You can also get glimpses of the Paro Chhu (Chhu means river in Bhutan ) that flows in the valley below. Approximately after an hour of intense hiking, you will reach one of the best viewpoints of Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This viewpoint is higher than the Taktsang Monastery. You can view the bridge, a waterfall, and thousands of prayer flags here that connect this cliff to the enchanting Tiger’s Nest cliff.

The real Bhutan adventure begins here. Many visitors return from this point, but if you want to go inside the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, you will have to cross this tricky part. From this viewpoint, you have to take a set of steep steps to go down the bridge. Be very careful, especially in the monsoon season as these steps can get slippery. 

Many take a quick photo stop on the bridge enveloped in colorful prayer flags. You can see the enchanting Paro Valley in front, a small waterfall behind, and the Tiger’s Nest on the left hill. From the bridge, get ready for a final push that will take you to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Climb a fleet of steep steps to reach the entrance of the Tiger’s Nest.

At the entrance, you will have to submit your cameras and mobile phones before entering the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Inside the Tiger’s Nest

The Tiger’s Nest comprises a series of temples and meditation caves, all interconnected by staircases and pathways carved into the rocky cliffs. The complex consists of four main temples, each dedicated to different deities and aspects of Buddhism. 

These temples are adorned with colorful frescoes, intricate woodwork, and sacred relics, creating a serene atmosphere conducive to contemplation and devotion. Each temple offers a unique spiritual experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the teachings of Buddhism and find inner peace amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings.

As you explore the interiors of the Tiger’s Nest, you will encounter prayer halls filled with the soothing sounds of chanting monks and the fragrance of burning incense. The temples are adorned with exquisite Buddhist artwork, including thangka paintings, statues of revered deities, and ornate altars. 

One of the highlights of visiting the Tiger’s Nest is the breathtaking views it offers of the Paro Valley below. From the monastery’s vantage points, visitors can marvel at the lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks that characterize the Bhutanese landscape. The panoramic vistas serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality, inspiring a sense of awe and reverence in all who behold them.

In addition to soaking in the natural beauty and spiritual ambiance of the Tiger’s Nest, visitors can engage in various activities to deepen their connection to the sacred site. Meditation sessions led by experienced monks offer an opportunity for introspection and inner peace while chanting ceremonies allow visitors to participate in ancient Buddhist rituals. Lighting butter lamps and offering prayers at the temple altars are some of the best things to do in Bhutan , symbolizing devotion and spiritual merit.

Best Time To Visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery

In spring, the monastery is adorned with colorful blooms, and the lush greenery adds to the enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can witness the rejuvenation of nature as flowers blossom and wildlife becomes more active. However, be prepared for occasional showers and slippery trails due to melting snow.

In autumn, the weather is cool and dry, offering excellent visibility for panoramic views of the Paro Valley. The surrounding landscape transforms into a tapestry of vibrant colors as the leaves change, creating a picturesque setting for trekking. However, the trails can be crowded during this time, so plan accordingly to avoid congestion.

During the summer months (June to August ), the monsoon brings heavy rainfall, making the trails muddy and slippery. Trekking during this time can be challenging due to the slippery paths and leeches, but the lush greenery and cascading waterfalls add a unique charm to the landscape.

Similarly, when visiting Tiger’s Nest in winter months ( December to February), the trails may be icy and snow-covered, posing additional challenges for hikers. However, the crisp air and snow-capped peaks create a magical aura of Tiger’s Nest in winter wonderland, offering a serene experience for those brave enough to tackle the cold.

Overall, each season offers its unique beauty and challenges at Tiger’s Nest Monastery, allowing visitors to experience the spiritual and natural wonders of Bhutan throughout the year.

How To Reach Tiger’s Nest Bhutan?

• By Airways: To reach Tiger’s Nest Monastery, travelers typically fly into Paro International Airport in Bhutan , which is the closest airport to the monastery. Paro Airport is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bagdogra. From Paro Airport, visitors can hire a taxi or arrange for transportation to the trailhead.
• By Railways: If traveling by train, the nearest railway station to Bhutan is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in Siliguri, West Bengal. From NJP, travelers can take a taxi or bus to Jaigaon/Phuentsholing, the border town between India and Bhutan. From there, they can cross the border and continue their journey to Paro.
• By Airways: For those traveling by road, the most common route is via Jaigaon/Phuentsholing. From Jaigaon, travelers can take a taxi or bus to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, and then continue to Paro, which is a short distance away.

Tips For Hiking To Tiger’s Nest Bhutan

• Begin your trek early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
• There are designated rest stops along the trail where you can catch your breath and enjoy the views. Take breaks and pace yourself during the hike, especially on the steep sections of the trail. Make sure you have the average fitness required for the trek.
• The best time for photography is mid-day.
• Carry plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the hike.
• Dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. Make sure to wear full pants and full full-sleeved shirt. 
• Make sure to carry necessary medicines, if you are not used to high-altitude hikes.
• Remove your shoes before entering the monastery.
• Pack some snacks to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
• Observe silence and avoid photography inside the monastery to respect the sanctity of the place.

Overall, a visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a transformative experience that combines breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion, and spiritual exploration. Whether exploring the temple interiors, soaking in the panoramic views, or participating in sacred rituals, visitors are sure to leave with a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage and a renewed sense of inner peace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q: how do i get to tiger’s nest monastery, q: is it necessary to book in advance to visit tiger’s nest monastery, q: are there any restrictions or guidelines for visiting tiger’s nest monastery, q: what should i expect during the hike to tiger’s nest monastery.

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The Exhilarating Tiger’s Nest Hike: All You Need to Know

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, Bhutan, is a fascinating place! A picture of the monastery is all it takes to have an intense desire to visit it. This desire is brought on by the picturesque façade of the monastery, set against a craggy cliffside—a seemingly impossible place to reach. It’s as if the scenery is a manifestation of an action or a superhero film (thinking of Batman’s trip to the Himalayas).

The Tiger’s Nest hike is bound to be the highlight of your Bhutan trip. The experience is aptly described by many as physically draining and spiritually overwhelming. Might I also add: supremely breathtaking?

Paro Taktsang History

Guru Rinpoche (or Padmasambhava), the man who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is said to have arrived at this very spot from Tibet on the back of a flying tigress. He then meditated and tamed evil spirits inside a cave here, back in the 8th century. This cave is called Taktsang, which means Tiger’s Lair in the Tibetan language. Now you know how the place acquired the two names ‘Tiger’s Nest’ and ‘Paro Taktsang’.

The site became a meditation spot for many important Buddhist figures in the subsequent centuries. The monastery was built only in 1692 by the then ruler, who was believed to be an incarnation of Padma Sambha himself. 

However, the buildings you see today are not the original, but the restored version after a fire broke out in 1998.

If you’re interested,  read more Paro Taktsang history here .

How to Reach Paro Taktsang?

Owing to the location of this monastery high up on a cliffside, Paro Taktsang can only be reached by foot. It is a good 4 km uphill, which will take about 5-7 hours round trip. It will make you weary, so I suggest keeping a whole day for the Tiger’s Nest trek.

The base of the Tiger’s Nest hike is located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) to the north of Paro town. From the town, it’ll take you about 20–30 minutes to reach here by cab. There is a parking lot at the base too!

Fortunately, Bhutan’s only international airport is located in Paro. So, it’s quite easy to get here. You can make Paro a base to travel to other Bhutan locations too, as the town is a charming one with plenty of good hotels (book here) and restaurants. 

Read about other  amazing to places to visit in Bhutan  here.

The Tiger’s Nest Hike

Distance: 4 km Elevation Gain: 900 metres Height from Sea Level: 3120 metres Difficulty: Moderate (gradual but continuous ascent) Time: 5-7 hours total, depending on fitness

Buy Your Ticket (Only applicable to Indian, Maldives and Bangladesh nationals)

Remember: Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum, abbreviated to Nu. Indian rupees are accepted all over Bhutan as well as 1 INR= Nu.

At the base, get out of your car and purchase your ticket (cost: Nu./Rs. 500) before heading up. This ticket includes a guided tour of the monastery. You will not be allowed inside without it. However, note that you do not need this if you’re paying the government-chargeable package, which includes accommodation, transport and guide. 

• If you’re a student, show your ID card, and you will get the ticket for half the price at Nu./Rs. 250.
• Buy the ticket only if you’re going to go all the way to the monastery, as it isn’t needed if you’re going halfway (which a lot of people do). I would suggest going all the way up because it is spectacular.
• In case you can’t walk so much, hire a horse (Nu./Rs. 600–1000) to the halfway point (the most strenuous part of the Paro Taktsang hike) and walk the rest of the way. Easy!
• Most hotels provide sticks (makeshift hiking poles) for the hike. If yours doesn’t, then rent one at the base for Nu./Rs. 50. Sticks provide much-needed support during the slippery parts of a hike!
• Carry your passport. You will be asked to produce it to prove your nationality.

Hike To The Midway Point

Now that you’ve reached and have your ticket in hand, start the hike! You’ll pass souvenir vendors seated on the ground, who’ll do their best to convince you to purchase items from them on the premise of Boni (first sale of the day). However, it goes without saying: skip this after your trek!

As you clear the trees surrounding the base and parking lot, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery Bhutan—a tiny speck high above on a cliff face. There is a little stream and waterfall here too!

You’ll walk on a wide dirt trail most of the way, which narrows at certain points. Don’t worry, it’s not dangerous or scary! It’s completely uphill but very doable.

I was attempting the Paro Taktsang trek on a recovering ankle injury and a food-poisoned tummy but nothing could stop me from making my way up! 🙂

You’ll find colourful prayer flags all along and benches in shaded areas for you to rest and recover. It’s quite serene and beautiful!

Don’t miss looking towards the splendid Paro Valley from time to time.

After about an hour or so, you’ll reach the halfway point. It is a flat, wide, and open area where you can relax for a bit, spin the prayer wheels, and admire the wonderful view of the monastery while you wait for your travel partners to catch up. You can also grab a bite at the Taktsang cafeteria, where you get a full meal buffet, tea, coffee, Maggi and the likes. However, I wouldn’t suggest doing so just yet. You have all the time on the way back!

Here, you can choose to go back or forward! 

Hike from the Midway Point

As you get closer to the monastery after the halfway point, the trek gets exciting. Why? You’ll have your eye on the Tiger’s Nest most of the time. Sadly, that wasn’t the case for me because it started to snow unexpectedly. But it was an incredible experience nonetheless.

There is one particular point in this part where everyone gets THE picture clicked with the monastery epically clear in the background.

I have pictures here too but misty ones! However, catching glimpses of the monastery when the mist cleared momentarily was very rewarding.

You will then reach the easy part of the Paro Taktsang hike—a downhill walk on a stone staircase—before you eventually cross a bridge lined with prayer flags and make your way up. This climb will be a little demanding as there is just a stone staircase all the way to the monastery.

It typically takes 2–3 hours to reach the monastery gate. You’ll have to keep your bags, shoes, gadgets (including phones), sticks, caps, etc. in a locker room outside the monastery. Be warned that it is not entirely safe. A friend’s phone was stolen here! There is a guard positioned in the locker room, so the chances of such things happening are low. So just cross your fingers and go right ahead to the entrance of the monastery.

You’ll show your ticket and passport before being accompanied inside by a guide.

At the Monastery

The monastery has typical Buddhist architecture with white walls, built with stone and cement, and shining gold and red roofs. The buildings consist of four main temples, residential shelters, and eight caves, of which four are accessible.

You’ll be shown the temple interiors and the main cave where Padmasambhava meditated.

The temple is luxurious, with flickering candle lights, shiny domes, and idols. A large statue of a tiger, carved from a rock, is located in the hall of a thousand Buddhas. Quite mesmerising! At the cave, there are images of bodhisattvas and a holy scripture written with gold dust and the crushed bone powder of a divine Lama.

After your tour, you’ll head back the same way.

Now that you’ve seen all that you came to see, ensure you take plenty of pictures on the way down. It took us 2.5 hours to get to the top and 3 hours to go down because we were busy enjoying the view, observing nature, playing with cute mountain dogs, clicking pictures, and slipping on the dirt. Thank you for melting and making the ground slippery, snow!

The entire experience for me, was beyond what can be described in words. The snowy climb from the halfway point, the mist-shrouded mystical allure of the monastery, the colourful prayer flags dotting the way, and the immense greenery had me spellbound. The amazing people I met, spoke to and walked along with just added to the whole experience.

I don’t know what it is, but every time I visit a Buddhist temple, I start reflecting on life. I think about what I want, what makes me happy, and what I should do. This feeling was multiplied here by infinity. It’s probably all the calm and quiet that does it or the feeling of being in a spiritual location. I’m not sure.

But I can say this with a guarantee for anyone visiting: Your time here will be extraordinarily magical. Visiting the Taktsang Monastry and making it all the way to the top is an experience no one should miss.

When to Do the Tiger’s Nest Trek?

• Months:  The best months to visit the monastery are from March to April (official start of summer) and from September to November (just before winter). 
• Monastery timings:  The timing is from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Earlier, the monastery would be closed from 1 PM to 2 PM, but this rule was changed in 2017.
• Time to start the trek: Start the Paro Taktsang trek early, between 7 AM and 9 AM. We left at around 9 a.m. and reached 11:30 a.m., leaving some time for any delays. Half an hour is ample time to explore the monastery. Ensure you’re back at the base before it gets dark.

Fitness Level Needed

• Anyone with average fitness can complete the Tiger’s Nest trek. I saw people in their 60s and 70s do the hike all the way to the top. So you can too! If you have specific ailments that hinder you from doing the entire trek, hire a mule or horse to the halfway point. Then you can decide if you would like to go all the way or return.
• Don’t rush the hike. It can be a feat for those who don’t have a good fitness level. So take your time, rest, and enjoy your way to the top. Do hydrate all along!
• Refrain from taking shortcuts. If you’re an adventurous soul, you may be inclined to take shortcuts along the way. Remember, these can be really slippery, so do them with hiking shoes. Also, you’ll have no company when attempting this. The whole fun of the hike was talking to strangers along the way.

What to Wear and Carry?

• Summer Wear: In the summer, wear full pants and a t-shirt with full sleeves. If wearing a half-sleeve t-shirt in the summer months, do carry a cover-up like a sweatshirt or jacket. Monasteries have a strict dress code.
• Winter Wear : In the winter and spring months, be prepared for anything. We hadn’t expected snow, so we weren’t properly dressed. I started to freeze at the monastery (it was so cold that I even cried). Wear full pants, obviously, and wear layers on your upper body—a t-shirt, fleece, and down jacket. Remember, you’ll be asked to take off your cap and shoes inside the monastery, so ensure your hiking socks are nice and warm. Also, ensure that the clothes you’re wearing are light and comfortable—no heavy jeans and the like weighing you down.
• Raincoat – The area receives frequent rain (and, ahem, snow!), so a good raincoat is a must.
• Sport/Hiking Shoes : We did the hike in sport’s shoes and were fine. But you might like to carry hiking shoes for a better grip.
• Hat, cap, and/or shades: to help cover your face and eyes from the harsh sun.
• Sunscreen : For the face and body !
• Water Bottle: A filled reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trip.
• Snacks – energy bars, glucose tablets, chocolates, trail mixes, bananas and such to keep you snacking when hungry. You can also prepare sandwiches at the hotel and carry with you. We did this because we were students and didn’t want to spend money in the café.
• Backpack with Broad Straps: Carry all this in a backpack with broad straps. Ensure your backpack stays light.
• Hiking poles or walking sticks : do carry these for better grip and support. We got some at the hotel itself, but they are available for rent at the base as well. 
• Passport: Mentioning this again, carry your passport to prove your nationality. We were asked to show it!
• Purchase souvenirs : If you want to purchase souvenirs, do so from the stalls at the base of the trek. They are cheaper than in Paro City.
• Eat a light breakfast.  You don’t want to hike on a heavy stomach.
• Hike in a group. If you’re new to hiking, keep to your group. They’ll keep you motivated to go all the way up.
• Do not rest for long at the café while going up. If you do this, you might have the urge to not go at all. My suggestion would be to stop at the café only on the way down.

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What It’s Really Like to Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan has been on my bucket list for a long time. This beautiful monastery appears to sit impossibly on the side of a jagged cliff in Bhutan. I knew a visit here was a must-do when headed to Bhutan, but I had no idea what to expect.

I headed to google, of course and found a wide variation in reports about how difficult it was to visit Tiger’s Nest, how long it took, was hiking/trekking was the only way there and back, etc. So when I hiked to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, I took detailed notes to put together this post. I hope it helps you to plan your trip to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

What is Tiger’s Nest Monastery?

Tiger’s Nest Monastery or Paro Taktsang, is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan and a UNESCO-listed site. It is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru  Rinpoche or the second Buddha) flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tiger in the 8th century. He anointed the location as a site for a monastery. From the 11th century, Tibetan saints and other major figures visited Tiger’s Nest to meditate.

The first monastery was built at the location in 1692. In April 1998, it is believed that butter lamps in the monastery caused a major fire. The majority of the monastery was destroyed. Restorations took place between 1998 and 2005. Bhutanese people from all over the country traveled to help with the restoration. It reopened to the public in 2005.

The hike up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Like most hikes or treks, the walk to Tiger’s Nest Monastery starts in a car park. It is possible to see Tiger’s Nest from the car park, plus you can see the car park many times during the trek and feel good about how far you have walked!

Large signs detailing the types of birds which may be seen on the hike through the pine forest are at the beginning of the trek. We had many winged companions as we walked, which added to the atmosphere, as well as many local dogs.

After ten minutes of walking, we reached the first prayer wheel, powered by water. The water that feeds into the prayer wheel is said to become blessed.

The path is very well-marked and quite smooth. It is made from dried sand, soil and rocks. It can be narrow. The weather was very dry when I did the hike. I have read that the path can be quite slippery when wet, so check the weather conditions.

Steps are built into many sections. I found the first hour of the hike to be the most difficult, and my lungs felt the altitude. This section was quite relentlessly steep.

There is an option to ride a horse up this section of the trek. Personally, I would have found this quite scary. The path is steep, and I can’t imagine being perched on a horse and climbing up. Apparently, it is quite easy to fall off the horse. Also, a horse can only be taken to the halfway point of the climb.

The views along the way are stunning. There are wonderful views of Tiger’s Nest, and it is very satisfying to see views of the car park that show how far you have progressed. There are many prayer flags along the way and more prayer wheels.

We reached the halfway point after a fairly relentless 50-minute walk. The halfway point has a traditional-style wooden Bhutanese building that is relatively new. It is home to the Tiger’s Nest cafeteria. There is plenty of space inside as well as wonderful big ceilings. However, the best place to head is the terrace, which has spectacular views of Tiger’s Nest.

We arrived at the cafeteria just after 8:30am and it was serving coffee, cakes, and beer. The cafeteria also serves lunch. Some visitors choose to end their Tiger’s Nest climb at this point.

I found the second half of the climb up to Tiger’s Nest easier than the first. The path had more flat sections as well as downhill sections. And, of course, the views got better and better.

The section of the path closest to the monastery is a stone staircase and safety balustrades were added during the covid lockdown. My guide told me of two visitors who had fallen to their deaths taking selfies in recent years!

This section also provides the first close views of the monastery. We decided to take our photos on the way back as we realised the sun would have climbed higher at that point and would be shining on the monastery.

Just before the monastery, a beautiful waterfall runs down the rocks and drops 60 meters into a sacred pool. A few more uphill steps and we arrived at Tiger’s Nest Monastery!

Visiting Tiger’s Nest Monastery

The entrance to the monastery is where tickets can be purchased or pre-bought tickets shown. Visitors cannot take anything with them into the monastery, including phones and cameras. All items are left in lockers at the entrance. Visitors must remove their shoes when entering the temples inside the monastery.

Four main temples can be visited in the monastery, as well as four caves (there are nine caves in total). The caves and temples are all connected with rock steps and stairways. It is possible to meditate in the temples. I did this and recommend it. How often can you meditate in perhaps the world’s most famous monastery?

It is a good idea to bring small bills of Bhutanese money with you to the monastery. It is customary to leave offerings in all of the temples. Also, one of the caves has butter lamps and for an offering, the monk will light a lamp for you.

The fire at the monastery in 1998 was catastrophic. Only two things survived. One was the largest Buddha statue. Guru Rinpoche. in the monastery. The second was the dirt cave, Pel Phug, which is said to be where Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) meditated in the 8th century. It is also believed that other famous visitors to the monastery, such as the Unifier mediated in this cave. The cave can be seen from above in one of the temples. It is only open to the public one day a year.

The only person who lives at the monastery is the Lama. He is responsible for the monastery. There is a small house next to the entrance to the monastery where security guards live. They come for one month at a time and protect the entrance to the monastery.

Hiking back to the carpark

The initial return journey to the carpark involves a decent amount of uphill steps. We passed the waterfall and 15 minutes later had returned to the viewpoint, where we took many photos. I would recommend taking your shots from the higher area at the viewpoint, as you will then have them without balustrades. There are many ledges made for posing.

Once finishing the paved stairs section, it is a much faster and easy walk down to the car park. I am not the bravest when it comes to walking downhill, but most of the steep sections have stairs of some type which helped.

Comfort Camp Lunch

I can’t imagine a better way to finish a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery than with a comfort camp lunch. When we arrived at the base of the climb, I saw a rug, a small table and cushions. The table was fully dressed with greenery, snacks, plates, cutlery, and a view of Tiger’s Nest. The lunch was organized by our wonderful tour company, MyBhutan. The chef MyBhutan use to prepare the comfort lunch cooks for Bhutan’s King at special events.

The food was wonderful. We trekked to Tiger’s Nest on our last day in Bhutan, so the chef chose to prepare Tibetan food to give us something new to eat. We began with a wonderful charcuterie-style plate of orange pieces, nuts and dried fruits and cheese.

Then came dish after dish of Tibetan delights. Potatoes with peas, a salad with cucumber, carrots, onions and sesame seeds, a beef dish with onions, massive dumplings, a chicken dish and rice. The dessert was fresh fruit with homemade strawberry yoghurt.

Tiger’s Nest Bhutan Monastery Hike timings

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I took detailed notes during my hike, including how long each section took. I am a 51 year old female who is relatively fit and has no health issues.

7:50 am Began walking from the car park (2,200 metres)

7:58 am Reached the first water-powered prayer wheel

8:39 am Reached the halfway point (just under 5,000 steps) (2,600 metres)

9:00 am Left the halfway point

9:40 am Reached the steps that go down to the monastery

9:48 am Waterfall

9:55 am Arrived at Tiger’s Nest (8,600 steps) (3,000 meters)

10:47 am Left Tiger’s Nest

11:18 am Left photo spot

11:49 am Reached the halfway point

12:26 pm Arrived back at the carpark (16,500 steps)

Tiger’s Nest Monastery Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is it to hike to tiger’s nest.

The answer to this depends on your fitness level. If you are relatively fit, it is not particularly difficult. No specialist equipment of any type is required. However, if you have lung or heart issues you may find the climb very difficult as it requires ascending 800 metres in a short amount of time.

What is the best time of year to hike to Tiger’s Nest?

The most popular time to hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is between March and May. However, the path can be quite busy, and the weather is warm. November through January can be a better time to climb to Tiger’s Nest as the sky tends to be clearer and there are fewer people. Please note it is possible to climb to Tiger’s Nest all year round. Do be careful if you are visiting when it is or has been raining, as the path can be quite slippery. And check out my post on the best times to visit Bhutan for more information.

Do you buy tickets to visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery?

No tickets are required for the hike to and from Tiger’s Nest. However, a ticket is necessary to gain entry to the monastery. Visitors can only head to Tiger’s Nest with a tour guide. Your guide will take care of the tickets for you.

Why is it called Tiger’s Nest Monastery?

It is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to the location of Tiger’s Nest from Tibet on the back of a tiger in the 8th century.

What is the closest city to Tiger’s Nest?

The city of Paro is only 10 miles south of the starting point to climb Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

How long does it take to climb to Tiger’s Nest Monastery?

If you are reasonably fit, it should take approx two hours to climb up to the monastery (not including stops) and one hour to hike down. Plan on spending around 45 minutes at the actual monastery. Including stopping for a breath and coffee plus taking photos if you are relatively fit, the entire expedition should take around 5 hours.

Do I have to hike to visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery?

Tiger’s Nest Monastery cannot be accessed by car, plane, helicopter, bus or train. There are only two options: foot and horseback. However, it is only possible to travel via horse from the car park to the halfway point. Horses cannot take visitors past the halfway point and they cannot take visitors down. Having seen the horses and how steep the climb can be, personally I would rather be on my own two feet.

What is the best time of day to hike to Tiger’s Nest?

In the morning. I began walking at 7:50am. We saw only a few people on the way up to the monastery, and the weather was lovely. There was no queue to get into the monastery, and very few people were there. In my opinion, having so few people in the monastery very much added to its special feel. I saw many more people hiking on the way down.

Does anyone live at Tiger’s Nest Monastery?

The only person who lives at the Monastery is the Lama.

Is there a dress code for visiting the Tiger’s Nest Monastery?

Yes, there is a dress code for visiting the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and cover their shoulders and knees. It is also recommended to remove shoes and hats before entering the temples.

What can I see at the Tiger’s Nest Monastery?

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is home to several temples, shrines, and meditation caves. Visitors can explore the main temple, which contains a large statue of Guru Rinpoche, as well as the “Tiger’s Lair” cave. The monastery also offers panoramic views of the Paro Valley and the Himalayan mountain range.

What is the history of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery?

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is believed to have been founded in the 8th century by the Tibetan Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche, who is also known as Padmasambhava. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to the site on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave for three months, during which time he hid many sacred texts and relics. The cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated is now known as the “Tiger’s Lair.” The present-day monastery was built in the 17th century by the Bhutanese saint Tenzin Rabgye.

Where to Stay

I can’t think of anywhere better to stay before and after visiting Tiger’s Nest than the beautiful Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Hotel. It is the first and only 5-star traditional spa resort in Bhutan. The hotel is laid out in a traditional Bhutanese style. Entering the hotel feels as much like arriving at a high-end monastery as it does a boutique hotel.

Get ready to drop your jaw when you enter the main building and see the two-story floor-to-ceiling windows of the Neyphu Valley. We were also invited to light butter lamps and choose our own locally-made soap for our stay.

My terrace room was huge at 54 square meters plus an 8 square meter terrace. The rooms are simply designed with wooden floors, white walls, and wooden beams on the white ceilings. My massive bed was homed in a traditional Bhutanese structure, and I had a living area with a coach, coffee table, armchair, and table with two chairs. A small wardrobe to the side of the room took care of my case.

The bathroom had two sinks, a deep tub, a walk-in shower and a walk-in toilet. The floors were heated, and bathrobes were provided. In addition to the usual toiletries, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary provides a toothbrush and toothpaste pills (just add water) for guests.

All rooms have coffee and tea facilities, including a large range of herbal teas. We also received some wonderful chocolates and a copy of the book, which was part of the inspiration for Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, The Restful Mind by Gyalwa Dokhampa.

Dinner was a six-course farm-to-table in the lovely restaurant. We began with a quirky nachos amuse bouche followed by pumpkin soup. Grilled vegetables were next, and then a single ravioli. The dessert was a creamy custard tart. We washed all of this down with some Bhutanese wine, a cabernet sauvignon from Raven.

Breakfast the next morning was just as good. We received homemade pastries, bread, local cheeses and fruit. A selection of “main” breakfast dishes are then available, from yogurt and granola to pancakes to porridge. I enjoyed a cheese and vegetable omelet.

All hotel guests can make use of the spa. The heated indoor swimming pool is huge and has floor-to-ceiling windows. There are two saunas, one steam room, and two jacuzzis. Free yoga and meditation classes are available and there is a fitness center.

The spa has six treatment rooms. A consultation with an in-house traditional medicine doctor is included in the room rate for all guests. The doctor can then advise you on the best treatments to suit whatever is ailing you. I had two fantastic massages at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary that worked miracles on my tight neck and shoulders.

After visiting Tiger’s Nest, I returned to Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary for a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath. These baths are regularly taken by Bhutanese people throughout the year but particularly in the winter. The stones are heated and then placed in a bath to heat them. It is believed that the stones contain valuable minerals that are transferred into the water and then into the guest!

I needed to add some cold water to my hot stone bath before I was brave enough to immerse myself. But wow once I did, it felt amazing!!! I managed to stay in the hot stone bath for only 10 minutes (one hour is recommended). However, the combination of my post-trek hot stone bath and massage meant that my muscles were virtually pain-free the day after the trek to Tiger’s Nest.

How to Travel around Bhutan

There is quite a bit of conflicting information online regarding the “rules” around visiting Bhutan. The key reason is that major changes have happened to Bhutan’s tourism policy since Covid. I will try to break down the key points visitors need to know.

In the past, most visitors to Bhutan paid a $USD65 “tourism tax” for each day of their stay in Bhutan. This also covered basic services such as a 3-star hotel. To stay in, say a 5-star hotel, visitors would have to pay to upgrade. Neighboring countries tended to pay a lower tax or none at all. Independent travel was not allowed.

Since covid 19, the Bhutanese Government has introduced a new SDF or sustainable development fee of USD$200 a day. This must be paid by all visitors to Bhutan and does not cover any services eg visitors pay the SDF in addition to all of their other costs, such as accommodation, guides, food etc. The purpose of the new SDF is to fund local programs and prevent over-tourism.

Independent travel to Bhutan is now allowed. However, if you want to visit tourist attractions, go trekking, or explore outside Paro and Thimpu, a guide will be required. Also, the roads in Bhutan are of varying quality and can be very tricky due to the country’s mountainous terrain. I would absolutely recommend having a driver rather than doing your own driving.

A visa and travel insurance are required to visit Bhutan.

I traveled to Bhutan with the wonderful MyBhutan . MyBhutan is run by an American, Matt, who spends a good deal of time in Bhutan and locals staff the company. We had a guide and a driver for our entire stay. As I have already mentioned, I would not want to drive in Bhutan.

MyBhutan put together our itinerary and booked everything. We were able to review the itinerary ahead of the trip and provide feedback for changes as well as ask questions on everything from the quality of the accommodation to the difficult of the hikes. I have an allergy to spicy food. MyBhutan ensured that everywhere we ate was aware of my allergy and nothing spicy appeared on my plate.

MyBhutan did cover part of the cost of my trip to Bhutan. However, I only recommend organisations with whom I have worked that offer excellent services at fair prices and I highly recommend using MyBhutan for your trip to Bhutan.

When you book your trip with MyBhutan use the code BOUTIQUE and you’ll receive a free hot stone bath with your booking.

Our guide accompanied me on the hike to Tiger’s Nest. Although the path is quite straightforward I preferred having someone with me and he was able to explain the various prayer wheels and points of interest on the way. He also took care of the entrance to the Monastery and was my guide in the monastery.

How to Travel to Bhutan

Fewer than ten pilots worldwide are licensed to fly in and out of Paro Airport. There are only two airlines that fly to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines . These airlines operate from Bangkok, Kathmandu and five cities in India (New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Gaya, and Bagdogra). However, if you fly in and out of India you will need a visa, even if you are only in transit.

MyBhutan can book flights to and from Bhutan for you as part of their service.

You might also enjoy the articles written by my travel buddy Laura on this trip. She has written about how to travel to Bhutan and the 21 top things to do in Bhutan.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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All you need to know to hike to Tiger's Nest

Tiger's Nest is the beautiful, precariously perched Buddhist monastery that is on every traveller's wish list! We have all the details you need to plan a visit, including how to get there, how long the hike is, and what visitor etiquette to follow.

What is Tiger's Nest?

Tiger's Nest is a working Buddhist monastery that's perched on the side of a cliff in western Bhutan. More specifically, the monastic complex sits on narrow ledges and within caves 900 m above the Paro valley floor.

There isn't a road leading up to Tiger's Nest; you can only reach it by climbing a steep trail. While this requires some effort, it's a beautiful hike and the reward – both in terms of exploring the monastery and the view over Paro valley – is one hundred percent worth it!

A Follow Alice group tackling the climb to Tiger's Nest

Different names of Tiger's Nest

What we as foreigners refer to as Tiger's Nest – or Tiger's Nest Monastery – is also known by the following names:

• Taktshang Goemba
• Paro Taktsang
• Taktsang Palphug Monastery

Tiger's Nest is actually one of 13 so-called "tiger lair" caves in which Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the early ninth century in what was then Tibet. (Bhutan used to be a part of Tibet).

Tiger's Nest clings to the cliffside in Paro valley

Where is Tiger's Nest?

Tiger's Nest can be found in western Bhutan. It's situated just 10 km northwest of the town of Paro. This makes Paro the perfect base from which to make a day trip to Tiger's Nest. And since everyone flying into Bhutan enters through Paro International Airport, you don't even need to travel far to visit this world-class site!

When is it open to visitors?

You can visit Tiger's Nest year round. From October to March it's open to visitors from 9 am to 4 pm. And from April to September it stays open till 5 pm.

How much does entry cost?

Foreigners don’t need to pay a special entry fee, as this is included in the daily visa fee. Only nationals of SAARC countries need to pay entrance fees.

An aerial view of the pretty town of Paro

How do I get to the trailhead?

Every visitor to Bhutan is accompanied at all times by a Bhutanese tour guide-cum-driver (as discussed in 6 things to know before visiting Bhutan ). Your guide will drive you the short distance to the end of the access road and the start of the trailhead. He'll likely accompany you on the hike as well.

How long and hard is the hike?

The trail is about 3 km (2 miles) one way, meaning you have a 6 km (4 miles) round trip, as there’s just the one path to the monastery. The upwards hike should take you about two to three hours. But of course everything depends on your pace and how many rest stops you take. 

The hike is steep in places, and the route can be slippery in places most of the year round. Always take things at your own pace, and perhaps bring along a walking stick or trekking poles if you’re not feeling gazelle-footed.

Part of the beautiful route up to Tiger's Nest

Do I need a guide?

No, you don't need a guide to hike to Tiger's Nest – it's a well-defined and busy trail. That said, your Bhutanese tour guide for your trip will accompany you anyway, but at no extra cost. (As we discuss in How much does it cost to travel to Bhutan? , every tourist to Bhutan is given a non-optional tour guide for the duration of their stay.)

Hikers en route to Tiger's Nest

What is the trail like?

The hike to Tiger's Nest is a very beautiful one, and there are many rewarding moments along the way ...

The trail starts at the access road parking at 2,600 m above sea level. It’s a wide, well-marked and busy path, so getting lost would take commitment. Some visitors choose to ride horses halfway up the trail, but fortunately walkers can avoid the dust kicked up by following some smaller side trails. 

Much of the path leads through pretty blue pine forest. But breaks in the trees offer lovely viewpoints. If you want to avoid direct sunshine, hike in the morning. The afternoon, on the other hand, usually offers better photography conditions. So you decide. Either way, bring a hat and carry water.

Blue pine forest as seen on the hike to Tiger's Nest

En route you also pass clusters of votive offerings. As well as three water-powered prayer wheels. Prayer wheels are a tradition in Tibetan Buddhism. Each wheel contains or is inscribed with a prayer, and as you run your hand over it you’re meant to send up a prayer. 

At around 3,140 m you get a break in the trees that offers the classic, straight-on view of Tiger’s Nest that you see in so many photos. The monastery is, however, on the opposite side of a valley, and you must still walk past the waterfall by Snow Lion Save to reach it.

The classic view of Tiger's Nest high up along the trail

Tiger’s Nest itself sits at around 3,120 m, though there are different levels to it and so you must climb or descend a bit between each. Anyone who tackles the climb the day after flying into Bhutan might find the altitude quite taxing. It would be better to plan this hike a little later in your stay when you’ve properly adjusted to the higher altitude.

Parts of the monastery

Tiger's Nest, as you can see from the pictures, isn't one building. Rather, it's a complex containing various buildings and spaces on different levels which are connected by walkways, steps, ladders and bridges.

While the cave became famous in the 800s after Guru Padmasambhava meditated there, and was used as a pilgrimage site in the centuries after, the monastery was only built in 1692.

A close up view

The complex includes arches, chapels, caves, chortens, prayer halls, and more. You can look forward to seeing wall paintings, statues, a spring and, of course, spectacular views. You can also light a candle within the butter-lamp chapel if you wish.

Visitor etiquette

When you reach the monastery, you should cover up your arms and legs if they aren’t already. You should also remove hats and shoes when entering any of the chapels. And please be sensitive when it comes to photography within the sacred spaces.

If you wear classic hiking gear like long pants and a long-sleeved top, you'll have the perfect attire to respectfully enter Tiger's Nest

When is the best time to visit?

As mentioned already, Tiger’s Nest is open to visitors all year round. And the view will be spectacular no matter the season!

That said, if you want to avoid very cold conditions, as well as the possibility of snow and ice, don’t plan for winter (December to February). Summer (July to September) also isn’t ideal as this is monsoon season. The path can be slippery in places at the best of times, so you could be dealing with quite a bit of mud.

The ideal seasons for visiting Tiger’s Nest (as well as the rest of Bhutan are, as discussed in Best time to visit Bhutan ), are spring (March to mid May) and autumn (late September to November). The conditions tend to be dry and the weather not too cold.

Tiger's Nest can be visited even in winter

So are you amped to hike to Tiger's Nest? Want to do it with us?? Check out our epic Discover Bhutan itinerary ! And just a heads up: we can tailor a trip to suit you and your personal Bhutan wish list. 🤓

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A Guide To The Bhutan Tiger’s Nest Trek

One of the highlights of a visit to the delightful Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is a hike to the Tiger’s Nest, a monastery that clings dramatically to a cliff some 900m above the Paro Valley. Here is our guide for what to expect on the Bhutan Tiger’s Nest trek, a hike which is, quite literally, breathtaking.

Travelling in Bhutan is a very different experience to most other journeys. It is standard practice to visit Bhutan with a driver and guide accompanying you, as independent travel is not encouraged in this country. Our lovely guide Dawa accompanied us to the Tiger’s Nest.

Paro is probably the flattest region that we visited within mountainous Bhutan and is the city where the country’s international airport is located. The flight in, as the plane weaves its way through the spectacular Himalayas, is an experience in itself. We flew from Nepal, passing Mount Everest on the way. (Top tip – ask for seats on the left side of the plane when checking in at Kathmandu airport.) But the landscape changes dramatically just outside the city as the mountains tower above the river, Paro Chu. Tiger’s Nest is located around 10km north of Paro.

The Legend of the Tiger’s Nest

Tiger’s Nest, known as Paro Taktsang, became a holy place in the 9 th century. There is a legend that Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Singye Dzong on the back of a tigress and meditated inside the cave on the mountainside for several years. Guru Rinpoche brought Buddhism to Bhutan and is considered to be the most important saint in the country. There is a different legend that the wife of an emperor transformed into a tigress and carried Rinpoche on her back from Tibet. It is thought that the place became holy following the Guru’s meditation when he emerged in eight incarnated forms. A monastery was constructed around the caves in 1692.

Bhutan Tiger’s Nest Trek – The Overall Route

Visiting the Tiger’s Nest is one of the most popular activities in the region. We arrived early in order to get ahead of the crowds. When you arrive you will see that there are a number of mules available for hire. They can take you halfway up the route to the cafeteria, you cannot complete the whole route riding a mule. We don’t like using animals to transport us and we love walking, so chose not to ride. Also we wanted the satisfaction of hiking the whole way!

The photo – taken for posterity from the car park – shows the Tiger’s Nest. Can you see it?

Here’s a photo with an arrow to show that it is waaaaaaay in the distance, clinging to the cliff face. It looked like a long way up. It was. But don’t worry, the route isn’t as direct as it looks – no actual climbing required!

Walk To The Halfway Point

The majority of the Tiger’s Nest trek takes place along the adjacent hillside. The walk up to the halfway point isn’t particularly steep – just a consistent upward incline through the woodland on a sandy, occasionally rocky path.

There is a cafeteria at the halfway point where you can get refreshments and use the bathroom if needed. This is as far as the mules will carry anyone. It will also be the last opportunity to use the toilet until you return to this area. The photo below shows the cafeteria from the top viewpoint.

There is a good view of the Tiger’s Nest from the halfway point.

Continue To The Viewpoint

Continuing the trek you climb higher and higher until you reach the splendid viewpoint, an essential photo stop which offers your first close-up glimpse of the monastery buildings. It’s at approximately the same elevation as the Tiger’s Nest but it is located across the valley which needs to be traversed.

The Final Stretch (aka the Tricky Bit)

When you reach the viewpoint you think you are almost there but the most difficult part of the trek is yet to come. You need to cross the valley to reach the monastery on the other side. You descend slightly along the cliff path, which is easy enough.

But then need to cross a narrow section with a waterfall on the cliff-side in order to reach the next mountainside. It’s not hugely difficult but can be a little slippery and isn’t ideal if you’re not keen on heights as there’s a fair old drop to the valley below.

Then it’s a walk up the other side, largely on steps, to the monastery itself.

Entering the Monastery

Once you have reached the monastery entrance you might think you have reached the top. But there are a lot of stairs inside the monastery itself. We trekked up alongside a random fellow traveller who made it to the entrance but was just too tired to explore it! So save a bit of stamina. Shoes must be removed in order to visit the various rooms within the temple.

This is a working monastery so photography is not allowed. The temple is comprised of four main buildings. Padmasmabhava’s cave – the first one he entered riding the tiger, is called Tholu Phuk and the cave where he meditated is Pel Phuk.  Steps have been cut into the rock and there are bridges to cross in order to reach particular rooms.

Bhutan Tiger’s Nest Trek – The Route Down

You return via the exact same route. While the upward journey is hard on your lungs, the downward journey is hard on the knees. Again, although the descent will be quicker, take it easy and don’t rush.

Information About The Hike

When is the best time to attempt the hike.

We visited Bhutan in March which was the low season. As it was early spring the weather was a little chilly at times but that was absolutely perfect for walking in. It also meant that the route was less crowded than in the high season (April, May and September to November). It is possible to visit Tiger’s Nest all year round but beware that the monsoon arrives in Bhutan during the summer so trekking wouldn’t be much fun. And we wouldn’t want to attempt the waterfall crossing section on a slippery path in the rain.

Do You Need to Be Fit?

The walk should be fine for anyone of average fitness. The total distance covered is around 6km.  The most challenging element is that you are trekking at altitude – the hike will take you to over 3000m above sea level – and this could well knock the breath out of you. There is a lot less oxygen available at these dizzying heights. The elevation gained is around 500m from the car park to the monastery. Some people do struggle with the altitude and acute mountain sickness is a serious condition. Follow your guide’s instructions and do let them know if you are feeling unwell.

We actually did our trek at the end of our trip to Bhutan. The country has the world’s highest average elevation, although for most of our trip we had been exploring the country at around 2000m above sea level. Waiting until the end of the visit meant that we had a week or so to acclimatise to being at altitude.

What Clothing Should You Wear?

As with all temples in Bhutan modest dress is required to enter the monastery and this includes long-sleeved tops to cover your entire arms. You might want to hike in a t-shirt if the weather is warm but remember to take a light jacket if you want to visit the monastery itself. Long trousers should be worn.

What Should I Bring?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and good walking boots or shoes for the hike. Consider wearing footwear with ankle support as you will be walking on an incline for pretty much the entire trek. It’s also worth minimising the equipment you take with you so that you aren’t carrying too much. We did the hike simply taking a day-pack containing water bottles and camera.

How Long Does the Hike Take?

The time varies depending on how fit you are and how you get on walking at altitude. There is no pressure to rush and it isn’t a race, so we advise taking the walk easy. If you need to catch your breath, stop and catch your breath. Some people take three hours, others take eight. We took five hours for the total trip which included the visit to the monastery and a buffet lunch at the resting place while chatting with some very nice visitors from Japan.

Other Places to Visit in Paro

Located in Paro valley, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries. Legend tells that it was one of 108 temples constructed on the same day by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, to subdue Sin Mo, a feared demoness.

It has two orange trees in the courtyard and they are purported to bear fruit at all times of the year. There were certainly plenty of oranges on the trees when we visited.

We also enjoyed trying our hands at archery, Bhutan’s national sport. There are practice ranges all over the country and it’s fine to show up and have a go. We had watched a remarkable archery tournament a few days previously – where local archers would compete to hit a tiny target from an incredible distance.

Well, it was great fun but we were fairly useless. Mitch’s first arrow flew over the fence and into the car park – fortunately, there was no one there!

Colin did, however, eventually manage to hit the target!

As with all things in Bhutan, if you want to try a particular activity or visit a particular site, ask your guide and they should be able to arrange it.

We stayed at the Metta Resort on the outskirts of Paro. It was a nice enough place but we found that the food was largely aimed at tourists – both Eastern and Western. We asked our guide whether we could eat at a local restaurant instead of at the hotel, so he took us to a fabulous farmhouse in the evening and we enjoyed traditional Bhutanese fare washed down with ara, an alcoholic drink made from fermented grains.

Essential Information About Visiting Bhutan

The Bhutanese government sets a daily tariff for visitors. When we visited this was $200 per day (low season) which included the costs for our delightful guide and driver, as well as all accommodation, food and entrance to the dzongs and museums. This cost included $65 for a sustainable development fee which went directly to supporting local people. So entrance to the Tiger’s Nest, and all other monasteries/dzongs, was included.

In 2022 Bhutan significantly increased the daily tariff from very expensive to even more expensive by increasing the sustainable development fee to an eye-watering $200 per day (on top of other costs). This resulted in a significant drop in visitor numbers, so the system changed again in 2023. The sustainable development fee has been halved to $100 per day (which is still expensive and doesn’t include accommodation and transportation etc) for the next four years (as at September 2023). So, if you’re planning to visit, it’s worth considering making the journey sooner rather than later. Bhutan is expensive to visit but we feel very much that our time spent in this remarkable kingdom was absolutely worth it.

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Tags: Bhutan , Tiger's Nest , trekking

18 Comments

Great guide to a fantastic looking place. Sounds a great hike up.

I have heard about the travelers fees that the government require in visiting Bhutan. While it limits the number of unwanted tourists, it does however feel a little bit frustrating when the fees keep on changing. Regardless, Bhutan is a place that needs visiting – albeit for spirituality, culture or be somewhere otherwordly. Who knows, an encounter with a tiger might just reveal a new sense of wonder #flyingbaguette

Jan – https://flyingbaguette.com/

We totally understand and appreciate the reason for having a sustainable tourism fee but the changes are frustrating.Bhutan is undoubtedly very expensive to visit but it is indeed otherworldly and a very special place. We would love to have encountered a tiger along the way!

can’t believe those images from that viewpoint. Looks magical.

Aren’t they stunning? The Tiger’s Nest is an amazing construction as well as a very spiritual place.

Breathtaking views! I knew that Bhutan had an expensive fee but hadn’t realized it was so changeable. I am fascinated by the culture and would really enjoy this trip. It’s reassuring to know that even though the hike looks intimidating it isn’t too difficult (except for the final bit).

Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com

We would definitely recommend a visit to Bhutan, it is a remarkable country with such an interesting history and culture. The hike is easier than it looks initially but is still something of a challenge. It’s absolutely worth it though!

Wow, wow, wow, the Tiger’s Nest looks like my kind of hike. I would also want to hike the whole thing, rather than rely on a mule but that’s a great option for those who can’t walk as far. It certainly looks breathtaking – in more ways than one. How long would you say the hike took you overall? Absolutely adding this to my travel list

It is a fantastic hike and visiting the monastery at the end is just wonderful. The trip took us around 5 hours, including the monastery visit and a stop for lunch on the way down – most people take between 3 and 8 hours. Hope you get to do this hike one day, we are sure you will love it.

This is great as I have wanted to see the Tiger’s Nest but didn’t know any of the practicalities. What do you do once you get to the monastary? I love your tip about doing it at the end of the trip so that way you’re more acclimated. I had to deal with some altitude struggles in Uganda, so that’s a great tip for me!

Thank you. Yes, it’s definitely worth acclimatising before attempting the height because you really do feel short of breath as you climb higher. When we reached the monastery we took our shoes off and our guide showed us around. You’re not allowed to take photos but it was lovely to see the construction of the monastery and learn about its history.

I had heard about the daily fees charged by the Government of Bhutan, and in some ways this is why it had put me off going there. The sights to see however must be some of the most unique in the world. Your guide here is excellent in showing what to expect. I had often wondered how I would do this hike, how difficult it is and how it is completed safely. You explain it all and have put me at ease about attempting this whenever I get to Bhutan.

Thank you! I don’t often use the word ‘unique’ but you’re right, Bhutan is unique. We delayed our visit for several years due to the high cost – we had to save up for a few years – but it was absolutely worth making the journey. We loved this beautiful country. The hike isn’t as dramatic as it initially appears but it is eminently doable – the key is pacing the walk. And it is definitely worth it!

Absolutely spectacular! The cliffside & waterfall sections are impressive. I love your adventures and I always see something unique.

Thank you so much for your kind words! We absolutely loved doing this trek.

Loved reading about the Tiger’s Nest, and that it has nothing to do with actual tigers 😀 Absolutely spectacular and well done for tackling the hike and the altitude. Hard to imagine how they built it up there in the mountain, just gobbsmacked! Lovely to finally have a picture of you two! Not so lovely is hearing about the high costs for tourists, ouch 🙁

Carolin | Solo Travel Story

Thank you! Yes, it must have been quite the undertaking to build the monastery. Shame there were no actual tigers – that would have added another dimension to the trek! Hee – we’re quite camera-shy, there are very few photos of us on the blog. We thought it would be better to show the “before” shot! And yes, the tourism costs are really high. It is a sustainable development fund and is used to benefit the local people but it does make it a very expensive destination for visitors.

Here is a destination that is on my (huge) list of places/countries I want to visit. All the secrecy implicit in Bhutan makes it a country that I really want to explore. The only thing that has deterred me from going is the amount of fees charged to visitors. I believe that the walk to get to the monastery is not difficult and that although it does not require any physical preparation, or at least, it must be necessary that the person does not have mobility limitations. Either way, all the effort is worth it for the wonderful views and the unique feeling of being in such an epic place.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan

• by Neethu & Athul
• February 1, 2020 January 2, 2022

Perched precariously on a cliff at an elevation of 10,240 feet above the sea level is the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Also known as the Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest is one of the most recognized spots in Bhutan. This makes it one of the must visit spots in your Bhutan travel itinerary .

Table of Contents

What is the Tiger’s Nest Monastery?

The Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan is a group of small temples built in 1692 around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew to the cave on a flying tigress, who was his wife, ultimately giving the place its name (‘Takt’ meaning tiger, and ‘sang’ meaning nest – Tiger’s Nest).

How to reach here ?

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is located 11.7 km from the Paro city. Visitors from India and Bangladesh can reach Paro by road, whereas visitors from any other foreign country will require to fly to Paro. Since the tourism policy of Bhutan requires foreign tourists to have a per-arranged tour,  your transportation will be arranged for you.

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Entry tickets to the temple should be purchased at the ticket stall at the base camp. Each ticket costs Nu.500 without which you cannot enter the temple. This is applicable only for visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives. For other Nationals, it is included in the daily fee. The trek starts right from the parking lot. You can rent hiking poles at Nu.50 from the base. Small souvenir shops line the way as you walk in through the gates.

It is best to start the trek as early as possible, so that you can get back by the time the crowd doubles. The Tiger’s Nest timings 8 am to 5 pm. Mornings can be quite chilly at Paro, so do carry light jackets (since after a bit of climbing it may start to feel too hot!). Wear good quality shoes and breathable socks to have a comfortable hike without ending up with sore feet.

Carry plenty of water and snacks like chocolates and energy bars. The hike can get tiring at some point of time, so a snack in between can boost your energy! Take regular short breaks and give yourself time to reach the top. For most beginners it takes around 3-4 hours to reach the temple, and another 2-3 hours to get down.

Doing the entire hike on your own is a great achievement, but those who feel they cannot can also take mules. A mule will take you only till the cafeteria and you will have to continue the remaining trek on your own. Many people choose to stop here and make the descent.

The elevated muddy trail is quite walkable, but it is much safer with a hiking pole. It will do your knees a great deal of help! The trail is surrounded with tall pine trees on both sides, and you get a beautiful foggy view of the Paro valley every now and then. At one point, the trail split into two – a longer less steep one, and a short steep one. The longer trail gives a more beautiful view, so that’s the one we chose.

Half way point

The half way point has several prayer wheels and the land is not elevated. You can rest here, or at the Cafeteria just nearby. Most of the snacks and beverages are quite pricey here, but the cafeteria has well maintained restrooms.

In another 10 minutes, you will reach a red arrow with ‘Taktsang’ written on it pointing towards the direction. A short walk will lead to the spot where most of those iconic photos of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery are taken.

The final trek

From this point, it is a walk down a stone stairway. You can get some really good pictures of the Taktsang on the way down. The stairs end at a small bridge. This is one of the most amazing points in the entire trek. The bridge has a beautiful waterfall on side and a view of the Paro valley on the other. From here, a few steps to climb, and you’re finally there!

Locker service

All belongings like bags, mobile phones and cameras should be places in a locker. The number of lockers are very less compared to crowd of tourists, so you will have to wait till a locker is empty before placing your things in. Some lockers are found outside the locker room as well, but we are not entirely sure how safe they are. Photography is strictly prohibited within the Temple.

Once our things are safety locked in, our tickets were collected by a guide. Previously, Indian tourists did not need a guide to visit the Takstsang, but rules have also changed along the years, so now everyone must be accompanied by a guide to enter the temple. You get free tea and snacks at the entrance to the temple, so we waited for a group, sipping on some tea. Once we had a group, the guide took us inside.

Inside the Tiger’s Nest

After removing our shoes, our guide lead us to a room and had us all sitting down. She explained that the Taktsang is a collection of four temples and the course of the tour. The temple is well maintained and is fully functional. We were taken to each of the four temples, and the guide explained the story behind each of them. Everyone visiting are advised to wear modest clothes, covering the shoulders and legs (both men and women).

It took us about 1 hour in the Taktsang before we began our climb down. It takes relatively lesser time, and its not as difficult as the climb up.

Best time to visit Tiger’s nest Bhutan

The best time for Tiger’s Nest hike is during the spring season (March to May) & during Autumn (October). Tiger’s Nest winter is quite harsh with regular snowing. The winter season starts from December to February. The trails tend to be muddy and slippery making it dangerous if not careful. The Tiger’s Nest will remain hidden in fog during the winter making it hard to get any good photos.

Where to stay?

You can book various hotels and resorts near the Tiger’s Nest online and through AirBnB. The Tiger’s Nest Resort in Paro is 3.9 km from the Monastery, and is a good option for a luxurious stay. We stayed at the Deki’s Taktsang Bungalow which is only around 1 km from the base camp.

Tiger’s Nest Hike Facts

• Tiger’s nest trek distance – 12 km
• Elevation – Around 2000 feet
• Time needed – 5-7 hours
• Level of difficulty – Moderate
• Fitness – Anyone with basic level of fitness can do this.

Being Bhutan’s most popular landmark, The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a must visit spot for anyone visiting Bhutan! The temple was full of people, but it was so calm and peaceful at the same time. The remote location of Taktsang makes it all the more interesting. 

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• 06 December, 2016

Trek to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan

Perched in the hills to the north of Paro in Bhutan is a complex of white, fortress-like walls topped by wide, flat roofs that look like fans spread out to hold everything steady. Through the morning mist it seems as if it can only be magic preventing the whole structure from falling from the cliff it is clinging to.

The Tiger’s Nest temple complex is the superlative of tourist brochure Bhutan – mystic, awe inspiring, devout. And as far as Buddhist religious sites in the Himalaya go, it is remarkably accessible, a short drive from the city of Paro followed by a moderate two hour walk.

The mountains of India, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan are dotted with sites connected with the life of the eighth century Buddhist saint Padmasambhava, who battled demons and subdued local spirits as he taught and spread Buddhism across the Himalaya. Padmasambhava arrived at Tiger’s Nest from Tibet, on the back of a flying tiger. Here, he meditated in a cave in the cliff before setting out to convert the country; around eight centuries later, in the late 1600s, a temple was built at the site.

The starting point of the walk is not more than six miles by road from Paro, although it will seem a long six miles; in accordance with its aspirations to live more slowly and thoughtfully, Bhutan’s national speed limit of 50km per hour is rigorously adhered to.

We started the walk up at around eight in the morning, as sellers of tourist bric-a-brac were setting up their stalls at the edge of the car park. The path was well maintained, and for the most part zigzagged up the hill in an easy traverse. The air was cool and pleasant in the shade, the valley shone below and a sense of expectation grew. The final approach to the Tiger’s Nest was garlanded with prayer flags strung from tree to cliff. A waterfall thundered by, soaking the path and the vegetation.

Like many of Bhutan’s religious sites, the inside of the complex is a colourfully solemn sequence of shrines and statues, silks, butter lamps and wall paintings. It is the structure of the complex itself that will strike the layperson who has already spent some time in Bhutan on monastery tours, however: passages and short, sharp stairways twisting in precarious harmony with the sheer face of the cliff, the valley more than a thousand feet below.

The caves where Padmasambhava meditated are dotted around the complex. Two were open to look into when I visited – cold and dry and with spectacular views out onto the Paro valley and thickly forested hills. We made the easy walk downhill before the sun had reached its zenith. I noticed a cafeteria about halfway down and had tea there with a rotund Indian tour guide, whose group of Italians were making the ascent to Tiger’s Nest under the full August sun. He said he knew better than to be walking in this heat; and anyway, he had been up so many times before.

On the way back to Paro we stopped off at Kyichu Lhakang, another smaller (but much older, dating from the 7th century) complex, rather less impressively set among the fields in the flat of the valley. The hodgepodge of buildings, chortens and roughly laid flagstones had a quiet, bucolic atmosphere, in contrast to the drama and thunder of Tiger’s Nest. Poultry scratched around in the earth outside the complex. The walls separating the pastoral from the consecrated were wide and low, made of flat, whitewashed stones stacked untidily upon each other.

Before the shrine room was a small inner courtyard with some trees growing in the corners. Inside was a statue of the thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara. Of the many statues and paintings I saw in Bhutan, this one will stay with me the longest.

Article by Ross Adkin.

Inspired to visit Bhutan? Have a look at similar trips  Royal Mountain Travel  can offer in this tiny Himalayan kingdom:

Journey to the Dragon Kingdom

Gantey Trek

Druk Path Trek

Bhutan Adventure

Interested to learn more about Bhutan? Have a look at  Inside Himalayas :   Mountain Biking in Bhutan ;  Places in Central Bhutan You Can’t Miss

Tags: bhutan Gross National Happiness Paro Tiger's Nest trek Bhutan

• Ranjan Khadka
• 30 June 2018 | 10:06

I wish that I could trek around this paradise. Hope that you have enjoyed a lot during trekking around wonderful place.

Thanks a lot for sharing your trekking experience.

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