Paro Taktsang or the Tiger's Nest Monastery

Trekking or Hiking to Taktsang Monastery

Due to the unique location, the only way to reach this breathtaking monastery is by trekking or hiking. From the base of the cliff, it is usually a 2 hours trekking route leading to Taktsang monastery. Visitors can either hike their way to Taktsang Monastery or can opt for a pony ride to reach.

There are three routes leading to Taktsang Monastery. The first path is a trail. Here you have to pass through the lush pine forest and will be accompanied by the decorated vibrant prayer flags fluttering midst alpine forest.

The colorful flags symbolize positive energy, vitality, and good luck to protect you from the evil forces. However, the other two paths are passing through the plateau. You have to cover a trek distance of more than 6 km to reach Taktsang Monastery.

Things to See in Paro Taktsang Monastery

Tiger's Nest Monastery is quite beautiful from inside and also from outside. There are plenty of things you can see and explore in Paro Taktsang Monastery.

• You can see a huge statue of Guru Padmasamvaba in the Prayer Hall. It is one of the best things to see in the Paro Taktsang Monastery.
• See a fascinating cave in Taktsang Monastery where Guru Padmasamvaba meditated for more than 3 years.
• Witness a magnificent panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains looming above the Paro Valley.
• Experience the breathtaking beauty of the route towards Taktsang. Feel the spiritual existence of Buddha while trekking to the Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Places to see around the Tiger's Nest

Taktsang monastery is not the only attraction you can visit in and around Paro. There are many scenic places you can see near the Tiger's Nest Monastery.

• Kichu Lakhang: Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the must-visit places to see near Paro Taktsang Monastery. One of the oldest temples in the entire Himalayan region, the temple is full of religious significance. A big garden, replete with various colorful flowers and apple trees, is what you will find attractive here. Moreover, there is also an orange tree that bears fruit all through the year.
• Rinpung Dzong: Listed under the tentative site of Unesco, Paro Dzong is another place to see around Tiger's Nest Monastery. Opens only during the auspicious Tshechu Festival, the courtyard of the Dzong stays widely open for the mass daily. The three tall statues of Guru Rinpoche, Buddha, Zhabdrang and the fascinating ancient architecture of the monastery bewitch every traveler visiting here.
• National Museum of Bhutan: Established in 1968, Bhutan's National Museum is also one of the sightseeing places to visit near Taktsang Monastery. Here you will get to know the ancient artifacts, books related to Bhutan's history.
• Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang: Built-in the form of a Chorten, Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang is a must-visit place near Paro Taktsang Monastery. Established between the Paro valley and the Dopchari valley, it is a three floors building that portrays Hell, Earth, and Heaven respectively.
• Paro Weekend Market: Another place to see near the Tiger's Nest Monastery is the Paro Weekend Market. You can shop Bhutanese artifacts and woolen dresses from the Weekend Market. Try traditional Bhutanese dresses such as Gho and Kira and many more.
• Chele La Pass: Visiting The Tiger's Nest Monastery stays unsatisfactory if you don't have a drive to Chele La Pass. Feel the serenity of nature while enjoying a magnificent view of the Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jitchu Drake.

Best or Ideal Time to Visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery

October to December is the best time to visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery. During this period of time, the weather stays clear, cool and quite charming. Winter is quite cold but the weather is clear. Spring is also an ideal time to visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery. But Monsoon is not an ideal time to visit Taktsang Monastery as the routes towards it become muddy.

Things To Remember While Visiting Taktsang Monastery

• Visitors need to deposit their camera in the main gate of monastery since photography is prohibited within the premises of Taktsang Monastery
• Visitors should not make loud noises as it is considered disrespectful
• Visitors should be prepared to take the uphill trek to reach Taktsang Monastery with low air pressure

Things To See In Paro Taktsang Monastery

• Pray hall with the figurine of Guru Padmasambava
• cave of Taktsang Monastery where Guru Padmasambava meditated for 3 years
• Panoramic view of snow capped mountains looming above the Paro Valley

Interesting Fact About The Sacred Cave Of Taktsang Monastery

Did you know? According to the ancient legend, Guru Rinpoche came to Bhutan by riding a flying tigress. And the Tigress landed in the cave within Taktsang Monastery where Guru Rinpoche meditated for 3 years to subdue a demoness plaguing the existence of Buddhism in Bhutan. The tigress is said to have been his Tibetan concubine hence the name Taktsang or the Tiger Nest Monastery

Tips and Information to Climb and Explore Taktsang Monastery

Due to the high elevation of the Tiger's Nest Monastery, one may find it tiresome and exhausting while hiking. To make your trekking smooth, let's have a look at some of the tips and information.

• Timings of Taktsang monasteries are- Friday to Saturday opens at 8 am and closes at 1 pm. Then again stays open from 2 pm to 6 pm.
• Start your hiking as early as possible in the morning.
• By noon, the weather becomes hot due to the rays of the sun. As a result, you can feel tired and get exhausted during your trek to Taktsang Monastery.
• Eat a healthy and light breakfast before starting your hiking towards the Tiger's Nest monastery.
• Take snacks, chocolates, energy bites and drinks along with you.
• Don't take plenty of loads along with you.
• Carry a Trekking Stick to make your trekking a little less strenuous.
• Wear an anti-dusk mask if you have asthma.
• Wear a hat in order to escape the intense heat of the sun.

How to reach

Situated just 12 km away from the main town of Paro, it usually takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Taktsang Monastery. There are many taxis available but as you are traveling with our customized Bhutan Tour Packages, you don't have to bear the trouble of hiring a car.

Packages We Offer to Visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery

Being one of the most visited tourist destinations, Taktsang Monastery is included with most of our Bhutan Tour & Holiday Packages. Some of the exclusive Taktsang Monastery Packages are

• Best Bhutan Tour Packages for 6 Days including the fascinating TaktsangMonastery.
• Affordable Bhutan Tour Plan for 5 Days.
• Bhutan Holiday Trip for 6 Days including Thimpu, Paro, and Punakha.
• Best Bhutan Package to explore the Tiger's Nest Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, Haa Valley & Chele La Pass and many more.
• Exclusive Bhutan Tour to witness the attraction of the Tiger's Nest.