Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) Hike from Paro
Overview
Taktsang Palphug, the Tiger's Nest, is the picture everyone has of Bhutan: a cluster of white temples with golden roofs, built into a sheer cliff about 900 metres above the Paro valley, at around 3,120 metres. Legend says Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave. The monastery around it was built in 1692, badly damaged by fire in 1998 and carefully restored.
Your guide drives you from Paro to the trailhead in the pine forest. The path climbs steadily, past prayer wheels and fluttering flags, to a cafeteria about halfway up with a clear view across the gorge to the monastery. From there the trail continues to a viewpoint level with the temples, then drops down steps past a waterfall and climbs back up to the entrance. Inside, you visit the shrines with your guide; cameras stay in the lockers.
The hike is not technical, but the climb at altitude is hard work, so start early and take your time. Horses can be hired at the base for the first half of the ascent.
Highlights
- Bhutan's most sacred cliff-top monastery, at about 3,120 metres
- Pine-forest trail strung with prayer flags
- Cafeteria viewpoint facing the monastery across the gorge
- Steps past a waterfall to the temple entrance
- Visit the shrines with your guide
What's included
- English-speaking guide
- Transport from Paro to the trailhead and back
- Monastery entrance fee
- Horse hire
- Lunch or drinks at the cafeteria, unless stated
- Tips
Location
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Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
Reasonably fit. It's a steady climb of several hundred metres at altitude, with steps near the top. Most people take 5 to 7 hours in total, including the visit. Horses can carry you to the halfway cafeteria.
Walking shoes, layers and water. To enter the monastery you need long sleeves and long trousers or a long skirt, and your guide wears a ceremonial scarf. Photos are not allowed inside.
