A Hike Never To Be Forgotten: Tiger's Nest, Bhutan

A Hike Never To Be Forgotten: Tiger's Nest, Bhutan
Bessie
Bessie 
Published
| 5 min read

Bhutan, nestled in the Himalayan region, is bordered by two big countries, India and China. Bhutan is also known as the “Land of The Thunder Dragon”, which is translated from its Bhutanese name, Druk Yul. As a remote kingdom, Bhutan started opening up to tourism only in the 1970s, but continues to preserve its traditions and cultures today. It is currently served by the Paro International Airport with flights from destinations such as Nepal, India, Bangkok and Singapore.

Tiger’s Nest temple or Paro Taktsang is one of the most iconic attractions located in the upper Paro Valley in Western Bhutan. It has always been mentioned that a visit to Bhutan is not complete without a hike up to this sacred monastery. If you wish to be convinced, gear up and take the challenge to hike up to this unique monastery that clings to a cliff at around 3,120 meters (10,236 feet) above sea level.

The temple was built in 1692 on the location where it is believed that Guru Rimpoche landed on the back of a tigress to fight against demons inside of the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours.

Specifics for visiting Bhutan

a hike never to be forgotten: tiger's nest, bhutan | specifics for visiting bhutan

In order to preserve the traditional culture in Bhutan, all travellers are required to be accompanied by a local guide. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose to go with a private tour or group tour. Most tourists will need a visa and must book their travel through a local tour operator or their international partners. Mandated by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, a daily tariff of 200 USD to 250 USD, depending on the months, applies to all travellers. This fixed daily fee will cover your visa, guide, driver, entry fees and standard 2–3 star accommodations except for any personal expenses. If you wish to stay in 4–5 star hotel, you may opt for alternative accommodations by paying more. This mandatory fixed tariff will sound unfamiliar to most of us, but it is a requirement of the local tourism board. You may check with your tour operators for details.

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Head off early to avoid the crowds and heat

a hike never to be forgotten: tiger's nest, bhutan | head off early to avoid the crowds and heat

Though it may be slightly chilly in the early morning, you should set off as early as 7.30 am to avoid the crowds and heat as the sun rises. You would be amazed to see some locals, or even travellers, descending the hill by 8 am!

The monastery is closed for lunch between 12 and 1 pm so it is advisable to reach the monastery by 11 am so that you have time to explore the various rooms within the monastery.

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A manageable, but not easy hike

a hike never to be forgotten: tiger's nest, bhutan | a manageable, but not easy hike

The paths, carved into the steep cliff, are not paved and are covered with rocks and pebbles. A good pair of hiking shoes is needed to avoid injuries to your ankle. For a steadier hike, you may wish to bring along your trekking poles or you could purchase one of the wooden sticks sold by locals for USD 1 or BTN 50 before you start your hike.

For elderly travelers or those who have difficulties walking, you can opt to ride a horse, which will take you halfway up to the cafeteria within an hour. You need to enquire about the cost of the horses though since the prices will vary from USD 15–20.

The horses usually walk on the cliff side of the trail, so hikers ought to keep a lookout when they are coming through. The track is not narrow and there will be sufficient space for you to keep away from the horses or avoid their manure along the track.

I would strongly discourage those who are physically fit to ride the horses. Not only do the horses look exhausted and overworked, but the hike to the monastery shows sincerity to one of Bhutan’s sacred and holy places. Since the horses take you only mid-way, you would still have to continue the hike for another 1.5–2 hours if you wish to reach the monastery.

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Take a break, you are halfway through!

a hike never to be forgotten: tiger's nest, bhutan | take a break, you are halfway through!

Avid hikers and locals may take around 1 hour to ascend the cliff, but most visitors need at least 2.5 hours to do so. There is really no rush to get to the top unless you are rushing to avoid the lunch break, so you should take your time while enjoying the scenery around you.

At the halfway mark, you will be delighted to know that there is a cafeteria where you can use the restroom and help yourself to some complimentary biscuits, tea and coffee. To avoid further dehydration from the caffeine content, water may be a better choice. This break also offers a good lookout point to the temple up the cliff and also an excellent form of motivation that you are now halfway up that steep cliff!

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You are almost there

you are almost there

Sorry, but the second part of the hike is not any easier! If it provides any form of comfort, you get to admire the magnificent view of the surrounding hills as well as the beautiful sound of the waterfall along this track. On a positive note, the temple seems to get more visible along the way! This track also allows better photo opportunities, much better than the cafeteria, which might look pretty small by now.

When you believe that you have almost reached your destination, you will be surprised with a set of about 700 steps down the cliff! After that, brace yourself to climb up another 500+ steps and you will be there! Good news is that there are handrails along these stairs to aid your final steps.

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Belongings are prohibited

belongings are prohibited

Bags, cameras and phones are prohibited in the monastery. If you are with a guide, the guide or their colleagues can help look after your belongings. Otherwise, you can place them in the provided locker, but make sure to bring your own lock. Shoes are also not allowed, so having a pair of socks is extremely helpful as the floor can be cold. Upon stepping in, you will see the divine statues in the monastery, which are extremely grand. Go with a guide so you can hear about each of them and extend your prayers accordingly. Feel free to make a voluntary donation if you would like to. Holy water is available to give blessings so do accept it if it is being offered.

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Descending the cliff with satisfaction

descending the cliff with satisfaction

Hiking down the cliff is exactly along the same path, except that you will be beaming with pride for your achievement.

You can opt to have lunch at the same cafeteria. They offer a light vegetarian buffet spread, which is covered under the cost of your tour, and is sufficient to keep your energy for the descent. Going down is probably faster at around 2 hours though you should be more careful, especially with the slippery pebbles down the slope.

There are street vendors selling souvenirs or trinkets, so do purchase something if anything catches your eye. Once you complete the hike, give yourself a pat on the back because you have done it and it was worth the effort.

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A perfect memory to end your trip

If you think you are blown away by the enchanting mountainous scenery of Bhutan, the hike up to the Tiger’s Nest will not only take your breath away, but leave you with the most beautiful memories of Bhutan.

Though tough and challenging, the hike to the Tiger’s Nest requires strength, courage and determination, which can also be applied to our life philosophy.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Bessie is an avid traveler who loves touring the world in her free time. She had covered most key cities in Asia but coming from the garden city of Singapore, exotic destinations have been her key...Read more

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