Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest, on the cliff above the Paro valley

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Tiger's Nest in One Day — How to Hike Taktshang Without Suffering

A practical guide to hiking Bhutan's most famous monastery — pacing, packing, altitude, and the photographs that matter.

By Pema Choden · Apr 22, 2024 · Guides

Taktshang — Tiger's Nest — is the photograph everyone has seen of Bhutan, but the hike up to it surprises most travellers.

The basics

Trailhead at 2,600m. Monastery at 3,120m. Round-trip 4–6 hours including the visit. Steep but not technical.

Pacing

Start at 7am. Reach the cafeteria viewpoint by 9am for coffee and the photograph everyone wants. Continue to the monastery for the 10am hour. Descend before the midday crowds arrive.

Packing

Water (2L), layers, sunscreen, light hiking shoes, a small daypack. Long pants and covered shoulders are required inside the monastery.

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