The Tiger’s Nest Hike
How long the hike takes, when to start and what to expect at Taktsang monastery.
- Height gain
- About 700 m
- Time
- 4–6 hours return
- Ponies
- Available to the halfway café
Taktsang Lhakhang clings to a cliff 900 metres above the Paro valley. Legend says Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave in the 8th century.
The trail
The path climbs steadily through pine forest strung with prayer flags. Halfway up, a cafeteria offers tea and the first full view of the monastery. From the viewpoint a stairway drops into a gorge beside a waterfall and climbs again to the temple gate.
Tips
- Start by 8 am to avoid the midday sun and crowds.
- Ponies can carry you to the cafeteria (not on the way down).
- Bags, cameras and phones are left in lockers at the temple entrance.
- Plan it for the end of your trip, once you are used to the altitude.