Tiger’s Nest Must-See. I have traveled to Bhutan three times, approximately spending a month in the country. I have also worked with a local travel operator as a consultant for three years. If you need advice or help, planning a trip to Bhutan, please email me at Ric @ GlobalGaz.com.
Paris has the Eifel Tower and NYC has the Statue of Liberty. Well, Bhutan has Paro Taktsang better known as Tiger’s Nest. Bhutan’s best known landmark is a Buddhist monastery carved onto the side of a mountain. This 17th century temple is located where a monk, Guru Rinpoche, mediated in the 8th century. Legend has it Guru Rinpoche arrived at this spot by flying on the back of a tigress, hence the name.
Tiger’s Nest is definitively a must-see global landmark. It is an awe-inspiring sight. And it is a bit of a hike to get there as well. Tiger’s Nest is perched at a height of 3,120 meters (10,240 feet). And your hike begins at approximately 2,200 meters (7,217 feet). In other words, a vertical asset of 900 meters (2,952 feet). Looking at my pedometer that day, I took 17,491 steps equating to 6 miles.
So give or take you should expect a three hour hike up and a two hour hike down. There is an option of renting a mule to bring you up half way (at a cost of approximately $10) as well. I would say the hike requires medium fitness. I passed and was passed by a number of elderly people so this trek is doable for most everyone if your pace yourself. Half-way on your hike is a cafeteria which overlooks Tiger’s Nest. This is a great place to take a rest, sip a tea, or grab lunch. Of course, you will be taking many photos as you trek up the hill from my vantage points.
Tiger’s Nest is the a place (besides a popular festival) in Bhutan where you will be bumping up against other tourists. There was a steady stream of tourists and locals making their way up to the monastery.
If fact, this was my second time visiting Tiger’s Nest. The first time was 12 years prior. And there was a tremendous difference in the experience. If memory serves me correct, I do not recall any other tourists during my first visit. My first visit was a very solitary experiences and I explored Tiger’s Nest in a leisurely fashion.
2005
2017
So, I advise you to start your hike early or later (but remember the monastery shuts down at 4:30pm) in the day to avoid some of the crowds you might encounter. (My recent visit was at the end of the day. The crowds had thinned out at the end of the day and was a much better experience.) If your schedule permits wait to do the trek at the end of your trip so that our body will be better acclimatized for the higher altitudes. Remember to bring a water for your hike and you will be able to get more during your half way break at the café. You will want to wear boots/sneakers which have a grip and dress in layers. And you can rent a homemade walking stick for less than a dollar which I would recommend.
As you near Tiger’s Nest, the trail will end, and you will encounter a series of stairs. You will descend 600 steps or so, cross a bridge, and then climb up the final 200 stairs to the monastery’s entrance. Remember when you depart, you will be doing the reverse walk.
When you arrive at Tiger’s Nest you are not allowed to enter the monastery with your camera. You must leave all equipment and bags in the locker area. This was a bit frustrating for me since they do not always provide security or locks for the lockers. I was carrying a lot of electronic gear and was frustrated that I was required to leave my gear unattended. In fact, my rented walking stick was stolen when I went into the monastery. Also, when entering the individual temples within the monastery you will have to remove your shoes and hat.
Visiting Bhutan without hiking to Tiger’s Nest would be like visiting Peru without seeing Machu Picchu or traveling to New York City without seeing the Statue of Liberty. Make sure you plan on seeing the magnificent and must-see Tiger’s Nest during your visit to Bhutan. Tiger’s Nest Must-See.
And also check out my Ultimate Guide to Bhutan.
Tiger’s Nest Must-See
Check out these other great posts on Bhutan.
Faces of Bhutan, and also, Faces of Bhutan Part II
Visiting The Remote, Eastern Part Of Bhutan
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