The Tiger's Nest walk to Paro Taktsang
The trail starts at a car park about 10 km north of Paro town. The first hour climbs steadily through pine forest hung with prayer flags to a row of prayer wheels and then the cafeteria, the halfway point, with the first clear view of the monastery across the gorge. Horses can be hired for this uphill stretch only.
From the cafeteria the path climbs to a viewpoint level with the temples, then drops down about 700 stone steps to a waterfall and climbs again to the entrance. Bags, cameras and phones are left at a counter. Inside, a guide can show you the cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. Allow about two hours up, an hour inside and 1.5–2 hours down.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How long does the Tiger's Nest hike take?
Most people take 5–6 hours for the round trip, including an hour at the temples. Fit walkers manage it in 4 hours; slower walkers and families with older children may need 7. The cafeteria halfway up serves tea and a buffet lunch, and is a good place to rest before the steeper final section.
Can older people or children do the Taktsang hike?
Many do, at their own pace. Horses can carry riders as far as the cafeteria, which removes about half of the climb. The final section to the temples involves about 700 steps down and up again. Children under about eight may find the full climb hard; turning back at the cafeteria viewpoint is a good option.
What should I carry for the Tiger's Nest hike?
Water, a light snack, a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket and good walking shoes with grip. Wear long sleeves and long trousers so you can enter the temples. A walking stick helps on the descent; they are rented at the trailhead for a small fee. Bags and phones are left at the temple entrance.
Also in Paro
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