Paro Taktsang monastery clinging to a sheer cliff above the Paro valley

Paro · Bhutan

Tiger’s Nest: suspended between earth and sky

above sea level: 3,120 m
monastery founded: 1692
hike, one way: ~4 km
to ascend: 2–3 hrs

The sacred cliff

Bhutan’s most revered monastery

Clinging to a sheer cliff 900 metres above the Paro valley, Paro Taktsang— also called Taktsang Monastery, and known the world over as the “Tiger’s Nest”—is the spiritual heart of Bhutan. Tradition holds that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated in the cave around which the monastery was later built. Reaching it is a pilgrimage in itself: a forested climb to one of the most breathtaking sights in the Himalaya.

Start your journey

The Tiger’s Nest monastery above the green Paro valley

History & Legend

Guru Rinpoche, the tigress, the 1692 founding and the 1998 fire.

Explore →

The monastery seen across the gorge from the approach trail

The Hike

~4 km, ~520 m of climb, 2–3 hours. What it’s really like.

Explore →

The monastery framed by pines on the cliffside

Plan Your Visit

Fees, visa, the mandatory guide, best season and on-site rules.

Explore →

Temple buildings tucked beneath the cliff overhang

Inside the Monastery

Four temples, eight caves, and the sacred contents within.

Explore →

The monastery with prayer flags along the cliff path

Gallery

The monastery, the trail and the valley across the seasons.

Explore →

Ready to stand at the Tiger’s Nest?

Little Bhutan is a locally owned operator whose Tiger’s Nest Expedition includes your guide, permits, government fees and hotels — so you just turn up and climb.

Plan Your Trip See all Bhutan tours

Trips arranged by Little Bhutan · locally owned & operated