Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery, Paro Bhutan, Paro Valley

Tiger's Nest Monastery is without question Bhutan's most photographed and well-known site. Legend describes Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, as having flown to the site upon a tigress to meditate in a nearby cave.

It’s quite something to marvel at this iconic site close up and take in the breathtaking views. No cameras/phones are allowed into the monastery so, in contrast to the exterior, the interior is something you will have never seen before. Once inside you can engross yourself in the design and atmosphere, perhaps lighting a traditional butter lamp or sitting with the monks as they meditate.

Making it to the monastery itself certainly requires some effort but the walk up can be taken at any pace and your guide will be on hand with drinks and snacks. After a short road transfer, the hike begins at Ramthankha. The ascent usually takes between two and four hours as the terrain is steep in parts and covers about 3 miles. It is a proper marked path, windy in part and often shaded in the pine forest. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the spectacular views – there is even a café at the halfway point. The journey back down is much easier and takes half the time, plus you have the option to stop back at the cafeteria for lunch if you would like to.

However, if you are unable to reach the top, you will still be handsomely rewarded by the view from the base at Ramthankha in the north of the Paro Valley. You could alternatively walk to the halfway point for even more terrific views.