This is the complete guide to hiking the Tiger’s Nest. This guide will prepare you for your visit to the awesome Tiger’s Nest monastery.

When I think of Bhutan the first image that pops in my head is the majestic Tiger’s Nest monastery located high up in the mountains. This monastery had been on my bucket list for quite a while. I finally got to visit this monastery in 2019 during my road trip to Bhutan. The pictures on the internet don’t do justice to this beautiful monastery.

The Tigers Nest is one of the 13 caves where Guru Rinpoche practiced and taught Vajrayana. Therefore this monastery has a lot of significance and is one of the sacred places in Bhutan.

10,000 feet above sea level and 3000 feet above the Paro valley, this monastery creates the illusion of floating among the mountains. White walls with red and gold, roofs, this monastery should not be missed when in Bhutan.

The monastery is accessible only through the mountains. It is believed that to truly appreciate the beauty of this monastery, efforts must be taken. This beautiful monastery is worth hiking 10 km.

The trail is quite scenic, making you halt to capture hundreds of Instagrammable pictures of both the monastery and the Paro valley.

The Tiger’s Nest is worthy of being added to your bucket list. If it’s not already on your list its time to add it.

THE TIGER’S NEST

LEGEND OF TIGER’S NEST

I’m sure you’ve all heard of the legend about the monastery. If you haven’t, here’s how it goes:

The old legend of this monastery states that Guru Rinpoche was flown to this site on the back of a tigress to defeat the Singye Samdrup. Guru Rinpoche meditated for 3 months in a cave.

Legend states that when the monastery was first constructed, the hair of celestial beings, namely Khandroma, anchored it to the mountain.

Wow, that sounds mystical. A flying tigress, hair of celestial beings, doesn’t that make you want to visit this magical monastery. It sounds like something straight out of a storybook.

HISTORY OF THE TIGER’S NEST

In 1692, the monastery was built around the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, in honor of Guru Rinpoche. He has 8 manifestations that vary depending on his need. When Guru Rinpoche flew to this site he was in the manifestation of Dorje Drolo. The present day monastery was reconstructed. It resembles the temples of the 8th century.

ABOUT THE COMPLEX

The structure of the monastery has 4 complexes connected by wooden bridges and ladders that offer views of the pine forest covering the valley. There are 9 sacred caves in the monastery.

There is a cave known as the Tiger’s Lair in the complex. Legend states that Yeshi Tshogyal resided here as a tigress. This cave is narrow and dark. Sunlight illuminates a few feet inside the cave. As you crawl further it gets dark and narrow. I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face. Only the strong-hearted should enter the cave because even I who isn’t afraid of the dark and narrow spaces started feeling claustrophobic. 

*NOTE: If you are claustrophobic avoid entering the cave.

TICKET AND TIMING INFO

Opening time : The monastery is open from 8 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 5 pm.

Ticket : 500 Nu. for adults; 250 Nu. for children. If you have your valid student IDs you can get a discount.

The ticket counter next to the parking lot opens at 8:00 am. Tickets are checked at the monastery.

[Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter at the base near the parking lot. Except for citizens of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives require a guide to enter the monastery. You don’t need to purchase a ticket if its included in your tour package.] You need a ticket only if you want to visit inside the monastery. NO TICKET NO ENTRY. There is no ticket counter at the top. But tickets at the base.

When I visited this monastery back in 2019, a couple I met on the hike had not purchased their tickets. They were denied entry inside the monastery. It is heartbreaking when you reach the top but can’t enter the monastery. So tickets are very important.

The monastery gets huge crowds. So to allow everyone to explore the monastery in peace they allow a certain number of people inside the monastery at a time. You can enter after depositing your personal belongings in the lockers provided. The guide will lead you through the complex.

The monastery at my back and the green pine-covered valley in front of me, the wind blowing through my hair. It feels like a scene out of movie.This peaceful moment is worth making the 10 km hike up to the monastery.

THE HIKING TRAIL

THE BASE

The Tiger’s Nest or Paro Taktsang, is situated in the Paro valley.

Distance from Paro : 11.7 km and takes 25 minutes to reach the base by car.

Distance from Thimphu : 63.6 km and takes 1 hour 40 minutes to reach to the base by car.

It is accessible by road from both Paro and Thimphu. However, the road distance from Paro is shorter in comparison to Thimphu. Visiting this monastery from Paro is a better option and less time consuming.

Tour buses fill up the parking lot. Hiring a taxi for an entire day is a better option so you don’t have to worry about finding your way back to the hotel as there is no public transport available near the base.

If you are traveling in your car, you don’t have to worry about parking space. There is a free parking area at the base.

ABOUT THE HIKING TRAIL

Distance – The hike is 10 km.

Time – It takes 5-7 hours to hike up, explore the monastery and walk back down.

Difficulty level – The trail is moderate. Requires an average level of fitness.

WAYS TO THE MONASTERY

1. Hike 10 kms from the base to the monastery.
2. On horseback. If you don’t want to walk the entire way you can hire horses, mules for half the trek. There is a restaurant at the halfway mark, where the horses will drop you off. But on the way back you have to walk down on your own.

There is only one trail. There are shortcuts along the way but don’t use them. The shortcuts are quite steep and will tire you out pronto.

I tried one of the shortcuts and almost hurt myself. You will see many locals using these shortcuts. Don’t try to follow in their steps. They climb the mountains regularly.

The trail begins at the base of the mountain [parking area]. The stalls selling souvenirs, renting sticks ( for 50 Nu ) marks the start of the trail.

TERRAIN

The trail is relatively flat in the beginning and gradually starts to incline. The trail then zigzags through the lush green alpine trees.

The terrain keeps changing from flat to steep, smooth to rocky. The last section of the hike has more than 800 steps leading to the monastery. When you cross a wooden bridge with a waterfall on the left, you are a few steps from the entrance of the monastery. There is a big wooden door. From there you have to climb a few steep steps to reach your destination.

Various spots along the way offer beautiful views of the Paro valley and the monastery.
On the trail is the famous viewpoint, to click Instagrammable pictures with the monastery. The view of the monastery from the viewing point is a sight to behold.

WHY YOU SHOULD START HIKING EARLY

1. To avoid crowds. ( there will be crowds at all times of the day, but there are fewer crowds in the morning in comparison.)
2. The cooler temperature in the morning. In the afternoon with the scorching sun, it is difficult to climb.
3. No need to rush. Can climb leisurely.
4. It gets dark early in the mountains. It is difficult to walk down.

I would also recommend that you allow an entire day for visiting the Tiger’s Nest because the hike is long and tiring.

WHAT ITEMS TO CARRY ON THE HIKE?

1. PASSPORT

Passports are a necessary document that you must carry with you at all times. tickets Passports are required for purchasing tickets. If you are travelling without a guide you need a photo ID for renting lockers at the monastery. Free locker rental service.

2. WATER

There are a few taps along the way, where you can refill your bottles. If you don’t want to refill your water at the taps, then carry plenty of water. You can buy water bottles at the restaurant (the midpoint). Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated during the long climb.

3. SNACKS

Carry snacks with you, especially those who are travelling with kids. There is only one restaurant, at the midpoint of the hiking trail. It takes at least 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the restaurant. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal, a steaming cup of tea/coffee with a side of sugary biscuits while enjoying the view of the monastery.

4. LIGHT JACKETS

The monastery is at a high altitude therefore it gets cold there. Early morning the temperatures are cooler. Light jackets are preferable because after hiking for a while you start to sweat. Light jackets are easier to carry. Carry umbrellas. You never know when it might start to rain.

5. SHOES

The trail is a muddy and rugged path. The trail zigzags at the inclines, making the climb a little easier. Any shoes having friction would suffice. Having good friction makes the downhill climb easier. NO SLIPPERS, SANDALS, HEELS.

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT TIGER’S NEST

1. Avoid wearing short dresses, sleeveless t-shirts, sheer clothing, shorts. Men and women must cover their shoulders and knees before entering the monastery. 
2. Do not talk loudly inside the monastery. 
3. Cameras, phones, bags, and other personal belongings must be stored in the lockers provided.
4. Remove your shoes before entering the monastery. 
5. Do not litter. Cleanliness is very important to the people of Bhutan. 

The monastery, is one of the jewels of the Kingdom of Bhutan, making it on most people’s bucket list. The beauty of the monastery imprints on the people’s hearts. For an unforgettable experience visit the Tiger’s Nest monastery.