The Tiger’s Nest monastery hike is one of the best things to do in BHUTAN and probably one of the most beautiful day hikes in the world.
This photogenic Buddhist monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, clings to the side of a cliff 900 meters high, or almost 3,000 feet! It hardly seems real.
The migration from the tiger’s nest is not too difficult for most people with average body condition and is quite close to the main airport of Bhutan. However, due to the unusual tourist tax in Bhutan, this great little country is still not on the Radar of most international tourists.
In this guide, you will learn how to do the Tiger’s Nest hike in Bhutan, what to expect in terms of difficulty, and everything you need to know before you go!
How to get to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan
The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is located about 15 kilometers from the city of Paro and the international airport of Paro in western Bhutan, which makes it 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 harmful road at all. Your guide in Bhutan can arrange transportation for you to the start of the trail.
The monastery itself is located on a cliff above the Paro Valley, so the only way to get there is by hiking. There is no cable car and you cannot go upstairs either. No matter who you are, a hike is necessary!
Hiking in the Tiger’s Nest Monastery: what to expect
Start of the hike
The hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery begins in a thick pine forest. You get your first glimpse of the monastery almost immediately, although it is far away and seems very small at the top of the mountain.
Early on, you will pass by some small Bhutanese Stupas with prayer mills inside and a small stream and a waterfall. The trail can be a bit rocky and muddy in places, and sometimes there are tree roots to walk on. Even if the trail starts in the shade, much of it will be in the sun after.
This is a very famous hike, so the main trail can be occupied by people and also horses that hikers can rent to partially transport them up the mountain. This means that you should avoid horse droppings along the way.
You should give the horses a lot of space when they pass because you don’t want to be trampled on. Fortunately, the horses have bells, so you can always hear them coming.
A good local guide can also show you secondary routes with more shade and fewer people. Due to the long history of the monastery as a Buddhist meditation place, there are many side trails that are less used during this hike.
Views of the Taktsang Cafeteria
After hiking halfway to the Tiger’s Nest monastery, you will arrive at a nice little mountain cafe called Taktsang Cafeteria.
It’s a great place to stop and rest, and the cafe has a good view of the monastery from below. The monastery still seems far away at this point and there is still a lot to climb, but your goal is getting noticeably closer.
The monastery is already at hand for good photos if you have a cell phone or camera lens with a little Zoom. In the meantime, you can buy food, drinks or souvenirs at the cafe, and there are also free bathrooms.
