Guide to Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan (Paro Taktsang)

Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest, is a stunning cliffside monastery nestled in lush mountains and a must-see attraction on your Bhutan tour, always worth a leisurely hike to capture both its beauty and mystery. Follow this ultimate guide to discover the best time to visit, the ideal hiking route with top photo spots, useful tips, and more to perfect your visit to the Tiger's Nest.

Why Is Tiger's Nest Worth Visiting

When visiting tranquil Bhutan, it is not uncommon to see delicate monasteries with their golden spires and crimson roofs, perched along rivers or scattered on mountain peaks.

The cliffside Tiger's Nest, meanwhile, which is about 3000 meters above the mountain, offers stunning views against the verdant forest, morning mist, and gentle sun. It is one of the top attractions in Bhutan. Whether you capture the monastery from a distance or enjoy a panoramic view from the cliff, the charming Paro Taktsang has it all. Most importantly, hiking along the scenic forest trail to get an up-close view of Tiger's Nest provides a sense of excitement and satisfaction that only a real experience can convey.

Tiger Nest, Paro

What Is the Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang)

Built on the sacred Buddhist site where Guru Rinpoche, the tutelary deity of Bhutan, completed his long meditation, Tiger's Nest is an ancient monastery dating back to the 17th century. It is famous for its magnificent cliffside location, resembling a flying tiger poised to leap across the Paro Valley.

Interestingly, "Taktsang" in Bhutanese actually means "Tigress's Lair," named after the legendary tigress who carried Master Guru on her back from Tibet to this mountain cave.

In 1692, Tenzin Rabgye built the temple on this holy site. Today, Tiger's Nest is one of the most popular monasteries where Master Guru's disciples meditate.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tiger's Nest

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are usually the best times to visit Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan. Characterized by dry and mild, the pleasant weather in spring and autumn with gentle breezes and moderate temperatures is suitable for outdoor activities. A leisurely hike during these times allows you to enjoy colorful blossoms in spring or golden foliage in autumn, providing a beautiful backdrop for the splendid Tiger's Nest.

Since these months are also peak seasons for visiting Bhutan, it's a good idea to avoid weekends if you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere for sightseeing or photography.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Classic Bhutan with Tiger's Nest 4 DAYS Explore This Tour

How to Get to Tiger's Nest Monastery

As a sacred monastery is still in use, there is no cable car or slide to get there, making a hike the only way to reach Tiger's Nest. The good news is that the Tiger's Nest hike is doable for most people of average fitness, including family visitors with kids who can complete this hike.

Located in northern Paro, you can use Paro town as your gateway to the Tiger's Nest. It's about a half-hour drive from the lovely town to the base of the mountain, followed by a 2 to 3-hour hike you will arrive at the renowned cliffside monastery. For an easier hike, mules and horses can also be hired at the foot of the mountain, making a comfortable way to travel halfway up the zig-zag path through forests and mountains.

Basic Facts About the Tiger's Nest Hike

How to Hike to the Tiger's Nest

The trail to Tiger's Nest is a round-trip mountain hike, about 7 kilometers long. Although a bit steep, it is well-maintained, with clear markers along the way, and usually takes 4 to 6 hours to complete the whole round.

It is an up-and-down trail starting from the mountain base, lined with vendors selling food, souvenirs, hiking gear, and horse rentals. Here, you can catch your first glimpse of the tinkling Paro Taktsang hanging between the rocky peaks.

The wide dirt track winds around cliff-woods and zig-zags up the slope for about 1 or 2 hours to the halfway point, where there are restrooms and indoor cafe areas to sip a cup of tea and enjoy some local snacks for the next hour's hike.

Continue ascending the cliff for a closer view of the monastery. Around the mountain corner, you will reach a viewing platform offering a stunning view of the fragile Taktsang and the verdant valley below. Descend a few hundred steps to a bottom rope bridge adorned with colorful prayer flags, where you can rest and enjoy the refreshing splashes of a nearby waterfall.

After crossing the bridge is the stairway up to the hill, the final part to the cliffside Tiger's Nest, which might be a bit steeper and a challenge to your stamina. Take your time and make your own pace. The monastery is only a short walk away.

Hiking to Tiger Nest

Can I Go Inside the Tiger's Nest Monastery

Of course, you can go inside the Tiger's Nest Monastery. It is usually open to the public from 8 am to 1 pm, with an hour's break, and then open again from 2 pm to 6 pm. You can spend about an hour exploring the monastery, listening to the stories told by the monks, capturing the light filtering through the roofs, and enjoying the breathtaking view of the entire valley from the Tiger's Nest.

However, to respect the local culture, remember to leave your backpacks, cameras, and shoes at the entrance. Local security staff will take care of them for you.

Tiger's Nest Monastery Travel Tips

Mind Your Dress When Entry the Paro Taktsang

If you plan to visit the inner monastery, don't forget to cover yourself with long-sleeved shirts and trousers when entering this sacred Buddhist site. Carrying a coat or blanket in your bag is a good idea. It is also advisable to remove your hat or headgear to show respect.

Prepare A Walking Stick

Since the hiking trail to Tiger's Nest is a bit steeper and requires more time and energy to finish the whole trip, it is a good idea to take a walking stick to help you negotiate the slopes and stairs, which can also be found at the mountain base.

Get up Early, But Not That Early

An early departure is always recommended for a Bhutan hiking tour, not only to enjoy the fresh morning air but also to avoid the crowds. However, the trail to Tiger's Nest does not open until 8 am. While it's unfortunate to miss the sunrise over the cliffside monastery, arriving early still helps to avoid the crowd.

Plan Your Tiger's Nest Journey With Odynovo

Capturing the magnificent Tiger's Nest on a leisurely hike is always enjoyable, no wonder it is one of the top things to do in Bhutan. If you also want to add the Paro Taktsang to your Bhutan traveling, contact us at [email protected] to make the most of your journey.