Hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan
Closed to outsiders until the 1970s, Bhutan is a land of Himalayan peaks, Buddhist monasteries, free education, countless stray dogs, negative carbon footprint, and gross national happiness (yup GNH is actually a thing).
Bhutan isn't exactly the most accessible country to get to. The ONLY way to visit Bhutan is by booking a tour package through a certified Bhutanese travel agency. We were required to spend $200 per day/per person but the price includes a private Bhutanese guide & driver, transportation, accommodations, entrance fees, and all meals. We were fortunately referred to our amazing guide, KC, who was part of the small percentage of female/ Bhutanese guides in the country (girl power!).
All the landscapes in Bhutan were breathtaking. But the highlight of our trip was the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. You could feel the energy of the Buddhist spirit starting from the bottom of the mountain all the way to the top of the monastery.
History of Tiger's Nest Monastery
Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, is a sacred Buddhist site perched on top of a Himalayan cliff in Paro, Bhutan. Tiger’s Nest is Bhutan’s most notable attraction and the cultural icon of the country. It was built in the 16th century and consists of 4 temples, 8 caves, and housing for resident monks.
According to legend, Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava (the second Buddha), arrived at Paro Taktsang on the back of a flying tigress. After finding shelter in a series of caves, he meditated for 3 months to subdue evil demons. Guru Rinpoche then began to introduce Buddhism to the Bhutanese, making Paro Taktsang one of the most important monuments in the Himalayan Buddhist world.
Hiking to the Tiger's Nest
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Time : Approx. 5-7 hours for entire visit
Highest Elevation: 10,240 ft
We stayed the night in Paro to wake up bright and early for the hike. Bhutanese travel agencies purposely organize the Tiger's Nest hike on everyone's last day to acclimate travelers to the high elevations but also to build up excitement. Make sure you have a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast because the hike is an all day affair!
For those of us without a flying tigress, the only options to reach Tiger’s Nest are by foot or by horse. For the first quarter of the hike, there’s an option to take a horse to the 1st point of interest. Since I was with my mom we chose the horse ride to save some time.
Don't be fooled by the beauty of the horses, the ride was SCARY. A small, yet feisty, Bhutanese woman guided the horses while they carried us up the narrow mountain pathways. Whenever the horses became frantic, it felt like we were going to fall off the edge of the cliff. It was a nerve-racking 30 minute ride, but at least the views were already incredible. Once we made it safe to the 1st point of interest we happily spun the prayer wheels for more good karma.
We left the horses behind and it was all by foot from that point on. We walked for about 45 minutes to the 2nd point of interest which was the trail's cafeteria. It was a nice place to take a break and there was an all-you can eat Bhutanese lunch buffet for all the hikers. Most people were satisfied with the view from the picnic tables and stayed while the more adventerous ones completed the hike.
It was another 30-45 min walk to the 3rd point of interest. The closer you were to the top, the less people were on the trail. Even though Tiger’s Nest is the most popular attraction in Bhutan the trail was pretty empty making it easier to bond with fellow hikers. We cheered each other on, shared our snacks, and took breaks whenever anyone needed a breather.
The views were getting better and better each step of the way. The 3rd point of interest had a gorgeous lookout point of Tiger’s Nest and the surrounding landscapes. But we still had another 45 mins left till we reached the final point of interest which was the monastery.
The home stretch was pretty much stairs so if you kill it at stair master at the gym you’ll be solid. But whether you’re a stair master or not, the home stretch will feel easy and seamless. Bhutan's Buddhist ancestors left behind infectiously good energy that makes us all feel invincible.
Arriving at Tiger's Nest Monastery
A good view is never easy, but always worth it. The spiritual vibrations and the fresh breeze felt like nirvana on earth.
No bags, shoes, phones, or cameras were allowed once you enter the monastery. You can leave your belongings at a locker for a small price but KC stayed behind and watched our stuff while we joined another guide’s group.
The monastery is just so special - it makes you want to give up all material attachments and just meditate in the Himalayas. The famed bronze Padmasambhava sits in the middle of the altar surrounded by smaller statues of the his eight manifestations. You’ll see religious locals and monks performing their rituals - rubbing prayer beads clockwise which is a sign of respect and a way to move good energy in and bad energy out.
Prayer Flags for Good Karma
Although we weren’t allowed to bring anything inside the monastery, we were able to bring small items for the monks to bless. The Buddhist monk on site blessed our prayer flags and astrological bracelets. He chanted a Buddhist prayer and blessed our items with holy water and rice. We didn’t have a clue what any of his words meant but his good energy spoke volumes.
According to numerology, it was a perfect day to hang up our prayer flag at Tiger’s Nest. Prayer flags are the colorful flags that you see hung up all over Buddhist nations such as Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet. Prayer flags promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The prayers and mantras on the flags are said to be blown by the wind to spread good will to the world.
Ending the Day with a Hot Stone Bath
The amount of good energy you receive from the hike will make the walk down a piece of cake. We worked up an appetite so we stopped at the cafeteria for late lunch and tea.
Our bodies were aching once we reached the bottom of the mountain. So we went straight to a traditional hot stone bath which was so necessary after the hike. The bath isn’t exactly a luxury spa - it’s a simple wooden bath filled with water and scattered herbs heated by roasted stones. The heated water releases minerals into the bath easing all our body’s aches and pains. Be sure to tell the attendant to stop heating your bath before it feels like boiling water. The hot stone bath is a unique experience and the best way to unwind from an active day in Bhutan.
When you're one with nature, you really do feel connected to your inner nature. The hike to Tiger’s Nest was one of our favorite travel moments of all time and should be yours too!
Planning a trip to Bhutan? Comment below with any questions - we'll be glad to answer. For those who have been to the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', how was your experience hiking to Tiger's Nest?
