Paro Taktsang
Paro Taktsang
5
Historic SitesReligious Sites
12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Paro Taktsang
See what travellers are saying
  • ankur kandoi
    Siliguri, India804 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tiger's Nest - a must visit and must do trek
    Hiked the Tiger's Nest on 17th March 2023.. Hiking to the tiger nest was my greatest joy. I enjoyed everything - looking at the scenery, spotting birds on the way., trekking up the cliffs, and more more uncountable situations....... They collect entrance fee at the base itself which is Nu1000.. Trust me, it is totally worth it. I am attaching some photos for your reference.. The full route is of around 8.5km and we completed the trek (parking to monastery and back to parking) in 6 hours !!!
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 March 2023
  • ffrige
    456 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    amazing morning hike
    The hike and the views are really amazing, more than the temple itself, which is similar to many others on the inside. It takes less than an hour to walk up there if you're super fit; closer to two hours for regular people; probably three hours for small children and elderly, but I would recommend horses for them. The descent is much faster, obviously.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 29 March 2023
  • annminky
    United States1,602 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Steps To Peace
    Paro Taktsang or as it’s famously known as Tiger’s Nest is a sacred, Buddhist site located in the cliff side of the upper Paro valley. I imagined that the trek was easy to medium. What a surprise for me. It was medium-hard trek. It’s best to start early in the morning, as it gets warmer as you make every step. At the base, you’ll meet the locals renting walking sticks for 50 Bhutanese money. There are several donkeys to take you a little ways up. I say, don’t even ride the donkeys, as they appeared tired. The view going up is just breathtaking. Along the ways, you’ll see different species of birds. I’ve seen at least 4 of them. So beautiful. The trees, oh! The trees, were worth touching. I did my mindfulness while trekking. The steps going up was brutal. Remember to listen to your body, take small breaks to catch up your breath, and enjoy the pretty prayer flags along the way. Half way to the site, there is a cafe to take a pit stop to rest. Having tea is just the right time to rest your legs. You’ll have a chance to view the magnificent TN from the cafe. There is a large welcoming waterfalls, right before you make several more steps to the monastery. You will have to leave your backpack, no cameras or cellphones allowed inside. You will also have to remove your shoes when you’re inside the monastery. Your tour guide will share with you history of this monastery. Overall, it was worth to trek to see this monastery. I’m proud of myself I did this trek. If you’re in Bhutan, you will have to make the steps to get to TN. Good memories!
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 6 April 2023
  • Lokesh59
    Mumbai, India33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A visit to what I will call the Last Shrangri-la
    Paro is the air gateway to Bhutan. It also is home to the Tiger's Nest which makes for a moderate to difficult trek. We trekked and took many pictures. Its also a good place for shopping handicrafts, fancy tea cups and many other souvenirs. Woolen and silk stoles and scarfs are also very beautiful.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 May 2023
  • Albert L
    Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must do hike in Bhutan
    The climb to the monastery was extremely tiring and it left me completely worn out. However, it was absolutely worth it because the view of the monastery, especially from the hill across, was absolutely stunning. The inside of this 18th century monastery is captivating, and the monks there are incredibly friendly.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 12 June 2023
  • Ron S
    New York City, New York5,471 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Taktsang
    Tiger's Nest is the ultimate trade mark of Bhutan tourism. It takes about 2.5-3 hours from the parking lot to the monastery. So allocate the entire day for the round trip. You can rent a mule for the first half of the route to the cafe. But from there the remaining half must be on foot. The path is mildly strenuous. There are a few viewpoints along the way. Check the weather forecast as if it rains the view may be clouded by fog.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 October 2023
  • Peter R
    Dartford, United Kingdom1,239 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breathtaking
    So much has already been said about the Tigers nest. But to add my contribution. You are dropped off in the carpark and the initial climb is steady, up some steps but mainly earth, rocks and tree roots. You can rent a horse for the first part of the journey to the restaurant, but if you decide to walk, it takes, at a steady pace with frequent stops, about 90 mins. At the restaurant you get your first clear view of the Tigers Nest. From here it is a slightly steeper climb to a vantage point directly opposite the Tigers Nest a walk of about 45 mins, here is the best spot for photographs. From here it is approximately 250 steps down the mountain and then 250 steps back up to reach the Tigers Nest allow 30 minutes for this stretch. Once you reach the monastery you have to lock away your phone and cameras as these are not allowed inside. Once inside there are at least 8 separate temples all of which are colourful and full of Buddhas and other artifacts. Our guide told us that one particular temple was completely destroyed in the last fire the only thing to survive was the Buddha, which was untouched by the flames. We were lucky enough to arrive when a service was being undertaken by the Monks such a cacophony of chanting and music.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 30 October 2023
  • Peter R
    Dartford, United Kingdom1,239 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not to be missed
    This is what most people who come to Bhutan have come to see, the Tigers Nest. This is usually the last item on the tour itinerary, your guide will have been building you up to this final trek. If you make it all the way it takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. Take your time have plenty of stops. The effort is certainly worth it, enjoy.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 30 October 2023
  • Amanda F
    Sydney, Australia47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A highlight of beautiful Bhutan
    Bhutan is the most beautiful, peaceful and unspoilt country I have been to in more than 50 years of travelling. Tiger's Nest was a highlight, although it is quite a hike up there, but we made it reasonably easily as a fit couple in our late 60s. Be warned ... there are about 3,000 steps up the mountain (it is considered a path!), followed by a final 700 stone stairs down and 250 back up to cross the ravine to the temple. But it was well worth it and there was no hurry!!! When we got back to Paro, we had a hot stone bath with herbs to help with any aches and pains. The Bhutanese are lovely, gentle and kind people and 98% wear traditional dress. I would go back in a heartbeat!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 November 2023
  • Suresh Kumar
    Bengaluru, India2,127 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    “VOYAGE TO THE COPPER COLORED SPIRITUAL HEART OF BHUTAN”
     30 minutes by car from town.  Cluster of 4 temples, 8 caves, and monk’s quarters.  Like most of the prominent buildings in Bhutan, the monastery has white walls with red/gold colour roof.  Clinging to an impossible steep and rocky cliff some 800 meters above the valley and some 3000 plus meters above sea level.  Covered in lush and varied forests. Extraordinary ecological diversity. Plenty of pine trees.  The most sacred Buddhist site in Bhutan.  Cliffside hike of 3 km one way. Easy with a stick or trek pole.  Rocky and muddy terrain takes some 2-3 hours to scale. In case of rain then some 3-4 hours.  Midway cafeteria for tea or coffee or lunch. Washrooms facilities. View the monastery from the cafeteria, if not foggy or cloudy.  Once all photos are taken, easy to hike back.  Magical experience of a lifetime.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 7 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles3,354 reviews
Excellent
2,971
Very good
325
Average
45
Poor
7
Terrible
6

AKT
Mumbai, India190 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Friends
This is one of the best divine experience we had during our Bhutan trip.

It could be difficult for some and easy for most, but it is 100% doable for anyone with average and above physical capacity. The last 15% of the trek can be a little difficult.

A must do experience on your Bhutan trip!
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Biswa Mukherjee
Fort Mill, SC745 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Friends
This was my 4th trip to the sacred Tiger's Nest monastery. As it was late December, the weather was a little chilly but the sun came out and made it a nice day. Here I am summarizing the facts -
Trek distance: 4.6 mile (7.4 km) roundtrip
Elevation gain: 600 m
Duration: 6 to 7 hrs
Altitude: 10,240 ft
Perfect season: March to May, August to December
Difficulty level: Easy (for those with trekking experience) to Moderate (for novices)
DO’s
1. Start early - latest by 8am. Leave your hotel by 7.30am.
2. Walk at your own pace. Don't get pressured by others.
3. Ask your guide to carry atleast 2 litres water in a backpack
4. Take a hiking stick or pole if path is slippery
5. Go inside the monastery with your guide. It is a deeply moving experience.
Entrance fee for the hike is 1000 Nu / INR (it is 500 for 6-18 yrs, free for under 5 yrs).
There is a nice cafeteria on the trail located halfway up. Coffee, snacks and lunch available. You have to pre-order the lunch, it is a buffet and costs 600 INR per plate.
DON’Ts:
1. Don’t underestimate the hike
2. Don’t plan for any other sightseeing on the same day
3. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
Written 2 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Augustine F
Mumbai, India207 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Friends
Hike up to the Tiger's Nest, I would recommend this only if you are physically fit. Having said that along the path we came across people who looked healthy give up and also saw really old people (including one who had knee surgery about 6 months back) make it all the way to the top

Here are tips if you are planning to do it.
- Listen to your guide, they will be the most experienced having gone up and quite down a few times
- Travel as lightly as you can, a bottle of water and a tiny snack (like some nuts, an energy bar or a fruit) Avoid heavy cameras, tripod's unless you are super fit.
- Wear proper trekking/walking shoes with good grip, and carry an extra pair or socks as when inside the temples on the top you will have to take off you shoes and on the way down you might want to change your pair of socks.
- Make sure the socks you are wearing are meant for the cold weather
- Start as early as you can, especially if you are not an experienced trecker.
- The climb for most people is what is difficult, some parts the incline is quite tough in some parts its easy to walk
- You can rent a hiking stick from the base if you need something to balance your self
- Take as few breaks as you can, especially on the way up.
- I recommend clicking pictures on the way up, you are going to be quite tried on the way back to do it
- If you think you want to do it but want to save some energy, you can rent horses to take you up to a mid-way point. Then hike from there, is about 1 - 2 hrs depending on your speed
- At the point where the horses drop you off is the only cafe along the whole path for a toilet break along with something to eat. Both when going up and down.
- The last part of the trek is all steps, some quite steep.
- Make sure to visit all the 7 temples open to people, once you have gone up, the guide will give you the history of each of the temples, this will also depend on the level of your interest.
- Some also camp on the top and come back the next day, you will have to search for details about how that is done.
- Coming down was easier for most people, except for me in the group as heavy body weight plus a heavy bag did not help.

All in all you feel very good about yourself if you manage to do the whole thing.
It does take a day or 2 to recover from this so might want to do this last on your trip or have a couple of lesser walking plans over the next few days
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

thequeenej
Philippines88 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Solo
To start: I'm asthmatic, don't really go to gym, definitely not athletic, and a bit overweight. All of those have stopped me from visiting Bhutan to see Tiger's Nest Monastery for the longest time. This place is the last item in my top 10 bucket list so this year, before I age more, I decided to finally try. I must admit, I was not convinced I can do this throughout my trip in Bhutan - the hike was Day 4 of the tour. My main preparation was 30 mins - 1 hr walking 2x a week a month before the hike, and altitude pills from Day 1 of tour. I was told I can take half-way by horse and even though I know that choice was not ethical at all, I knew I needed some help. The miracle of me getting to the monastery is 50% because of the horse's help. From the cafe (mid-way) hiking up took me 2 hours. I needed to stop almost every 10 steps to breathe properly (or take my asthma inhaler). When we reached the top (where photo area is), we have to go down 700 steps and up again (by around 250 steps) to get to the temple. The whole experience was tear jerking for me, especially when I made it to the temple. Very surreal beauty of the temple, of the view, and memorable experience going up. A lot to learn inside the temple as well - religious traditions, rich culture, interesting stories, etc. Going back was another horror - have to go up 700 steps first before going down - and without proper balance you can actually just roll down (which is dangerous) so even though going down was easier than hiking up, it was still a challenge. Note that you can't take the horse going down. I still highly recommend visiting the Tiger's Nest!

HIKING TIPS - per my tour guide's advice, we started around 530-6am and I was one of the first ones to get to the temple - quiet and not crowded. Weather in November is quite good as well - at 6am, it was about 2C and when we were about to descend at around noon, it was already 15-17C. Also, there are quite a lot of photo areas - I recommend doing it when you are on your way back so that you can reach the temple fast.
Written 5 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Charles_and_Susan
Nottingham, UK5,871 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
This was always going to be a highlight of our Bhutan tour. Although I do regular hiking I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make it to the monastery itself. The initial part of the walk to the cafe went well. It was though the woods and obviously very much uphill. There are several paths and we were led by our guide to the slightly longer but less steep path, it's slightly wider too than some of the others.
Arriving at the cafe I was surprised not to feel too tired or achy. After a toilet stop and a drink of water I set off again with the look-out point my target. More of an unmade path now through the woods/hills and perhaps a bit steeper - or was I just feeling the climb now. Chocolate was needed now and then.
Arriving at the look-out point was a big achievement. Another pause here to take stock whilst admiring the monastery from the look-out balcony. Talking to those coming back we were told that the path is stepped now, firstly down to the bridge over the stream and then up to the monastery. We were told we could see the bridge and the waterfall if we just peeped around the corner. Well, not quite correct - we did go round the corner but quite way before we could see the steps and down to the bridge.
At this point the decision was whether or not to go down the steps - quite long way - before climbing up the steps the other side to the monastery. In my mind was going down now meant coming up on the way back and I was feeling tired now. Anyway, seeing the monastery so close was the decider to going on.
It was good to see the waterfall and cross the bridge. The ascent of the steps on the other side was slow but determined. I made it. Our guide who had been flitting backwards and forwards all morning ensuring everyone was OK had just returned from taking a group around the monastery. He offered to take those that had just arrived but we declined, we reached the monastery and now needed a sit down and a drink.
After a rest we started back, firstly steps down and then the steps up which proved to be a challenge - seemingly never-ending zigzags upwards. We arrived back at the look-out point thinking that the worst was now over and it was all downhill (easy?) from here. We continued downhill. We stopped at the cafe on the way back and was provided with lunch and a drink although I didn't have much.
Easier, well, it should have been. We seem to have taken a wrong/different turn going back and were on quite a steeper more uneven path than we'd come up. Whether it was that, the altitude, lack of drink or just exhaustion but in the last quarter of the downhill I was quite light headed and had to take several rests on convenient large stones. Before I arrived at the base camp our guide had caught up with me again and stayed with me until I arrived at the bus.
So - all in all a good walk and adventure. Before I arrived I hadn't thought I'd have the stamina to do it but I did manage it in stages as did my wife and a friend. It took around five and a half hours overall. I'm very pleased with the result.
We visited as part of our group tour, some of our group didn't walk far, others got to the cafe and just over half of us reached the monastery.
If you are wondering whether to try the hike, give it a go. The path is uneven in places and obviously uphill. Be prepared to rest along the way, to have drinks and snacks and to take it in stages. However far you get will be good - far better than not trying.
Written 31 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Soulful Traveller
Chennai (Madras), India6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
This was the last day in the trip, I didnt know if I would able to make it as I had just recovered from gout, but decided to go and my wife had knee problem. We hired a horse upto the cafe and planned to return back, after reaching there we decided to climb further, we finally achieved the summit at 2pm... we came back slowly and reached at 5:30pm.

Now we would say that this is one of the best trek ever, as Lord Buddha "Mind is Everything", we just focused on reaching the Tiger's Nest. Once we reached there it was mesmerizing to the see beauty of nature and tranquility... WOW..
Written 18 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Suresh Kumar
Bengaluru, India2,127 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
 30 minutes by car from town.
 Cluster of 4 temples, 8 caves, and monk’s quarters.
 Like most of the prominent buildings in Bhutan, the monastery has white walls with red/gold colour roof.
 Clinging to an impossible steep and rocky cliff some 800 meters above the valley and some 3000 plus meters above sea level.
 Covered in lush and varied forests. Extraordinary ecological diversity. Plenty of pine trees.
 The most sacred Buddhist site in Bhutan.
 Cliffside hike of 3 km one way. Easy with a stick or trek pole.
 Rocky and muddy terrain takes some 2-3 hours to scale. In case of rain then some 3-4 hours.
 Midway cafeteria for tea or coffee or lunch. Washrooms facilities. View the monastery from the cafeteria, if not foggy or cloudy.
 Once all photos are taken, easy to hike back.
 Magical experience of a lifetime.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amanda F
Sydney, Australia47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Bhutan is the most beautiful, peaceful and unspoilt country I have been to in more than 50 years of travelling. Tiger's Nest was a highlight, although it is quite a hike up there, but we made it reasonably easily as a fit couple in our late 60s. Be warned ... there are about 3,000 steps up the mountain (it is considered a path!), followed by a final 700 stone stairs down and 250 back up to cross the ravine to the temple. But it was well worth it and there was no hurry!!! When we got back to Paro, we had a hot stone bath with herbs to help with any aches and pains. The Bhutanese are lovely, gentle and kind people and 98% wear traditional dress. I would go back in a heartbeat!
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peter R
Dartford, UK1,239 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
This is what most people who come to Bhutan have come to see, the Tigers Nest. This is usually the last item on the tour itinerary, your guide will have been building you up to this final trek. If you make it all the way it takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. Take your time have plenty of stops. The effort is certainly worth it, enjoy.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peter R
Dartford, UK1,239 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
So much has already been said about the Tigers nest. But to add my contribution. You are dropped off in the carpark and the initial climb is steady, up some steps but mainly earth, rocks and tree roots. You can rent a horse for the first part of the journey to the restaurant, but if you decide to walk, it takes, at a steady pace with frequent stops, about 90 mins. At the restaurant you get your first clear view of the Tigers Nest. From here it is a slightly steeper climb to a vantage point directly opposite the Tigers Nest a walk of about 45 mins, here is the best spot for photographs. From here it is approximately 250 steps down the mountain and then 250 steps back up to reach the Tigers Nest allow 30 minutes for this stretch. Once you reach the monastery you have to lock away your phone and cameras as these are not allowed inside. Once inside there are at least 8 separate temples all of which are colourful and full of Buddhas and other artifacts. Our guide told us that one particular temple was completely destroyed in the last fire the only thing to survive was the Buddha, which was untouched by the flames. We were lucky enough to arrive when a service was being undertaken by the Monks such a cacophony of chanting and music.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 2,917
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Paro Taktsang - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Paro Taktsang

According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Paro Taktsang: