10/05/2023
The Tiger's Nest hike, also known as the Paro Taktsang hike, is a popular and challenging trek in Bhutan. The highlight of the hike is the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, which is perched on a cliffside at an elevation of 3,120 meters (10,240 feet). Here's some information about the Tiger's Nest hike:
Location: The hike is located in the Paro Valley, Bhutan. Paro is a town in western Bhutan, and the Tiger's Nest Monastery is situated on the edge of a cliff in the upper part of the valley.
Difficulty: The hike is considered moderately difficult to challenging, depending on your fitness level. The trail is approximately 4.7 kilometers (2.9 miles) long and involves a steep ascent with a total elevation gain of around 900 meters (2,950 feet).
Time Required: The hike usually takes about 4-6 hours to complete, depending on your pace and fitness level. It can be a bit strenuous due to the steep uphill sections, but there are resting points along the way.
Trail Description: The trail starts from the base of the mountain, where there is a parking lot and a cafeteria. From there, you'll begin the uphill climb through a pine forest. The path is well-maintained and marked, with occasional viewpoints where you can rest and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding valley.
After hiking for a while, you'll reach a viewpoint called "Taktsang Cafeteria," which offers a panoramic view of the Tiger's Nest Monastery across the gorge. From there, you'll descend a bit and then climb up again to reach the monastery. The final section involves climbing a flight of stairs carved into the cliffside.
Tiger's Nest Monastery: The Tiger's Nest Monastery is a sacred Buddhist site and one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, flew to this location.
