Tiger's Nest Monastery

Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang or Taktsang Palphug Monastery is one of the most famous and revered monasteries in Bhutan. 

Situated in Paro Valley: The monastery is located on a cliffside in the upper Paro Valley in Bhutan. It stands at an elevation of approximately 3,120 meters (10,240 feet) above sea level. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava flew to this location on the back of a tigress, which gave the monastery its name, “Tiger’s Nest.”

The monastery complex consists of several temples and residential shelters for monks. The buildings are beautifully constructed and blend into the rock face, with wooden balconies offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. 

Any journey to Bhutan remains incomplete without a visit to the iconic Paro Taktsang.

From Paro Town: The monastery is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Paro town.

The visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery takes a full day. On average, it takes between five and six hours to do the round trip hike. The hike typically takes 2-3 hours one way, depending on fitness levels. Plan on leaving your hotel early around 8 am and arriving back at your hotel around 3 pm.

The hike begins at the base of the mountain, near the parking area. The trail consists of well-maintained paths with steps and railings in steeper sections. It passes through lush forests and offers scenic viewpoints. It is uphill the entire way but not overly steep. It’s very doable for most people, just be prepared to take your time.

There’s a cafeteria about halfway up the trail where you can take a break, rest, and enjoy refreshments. It takes most people between one and two hours. Along the way, stop at various viewpoints along the way to admire panoramic vistas of the Paro Valley and the monastery. 

However, for those who cannot hike the entire way, you can hire a horse to carry you most of the way there.