4 days/ 3 nights · Private tour
Tour highlights
About this tour
The Tiger’s Nest hike is the moment most people dream of when they think of Bhutan. Taktsang Monastery clings to a cliff 900 metres above the Paro Valley, and the trail climbs through blue pine and prayer flags to reach it. This short trip gives you the hike, the best of Paro and a day in the capital, Thimphu.
It is ideal if you have only a few days, or if you want to add Bhutan to a trip around Asia.
It is moderate. You climb about 500 metres from the car park, which takes two to three hours up and a little less down. Therefore, most people with average fitness manage it at their own pace. Ponies can carry you part of the way up, and a café halfway offers tea and a great view.
Start early, before the day warms up and the crowds arrive. Wear good walking shoes, carry water and dress modestly for the temple, with long sleeves and long trousers or a skirt. Phones and cameras must be left at the entrance. For more planning tips, read our Bhutan travel information guide.
Have more time? Our 7-day Bhutan itinerary adds Punakha, and our Bhutan hiking tour adds more great walks.
Your trip starts from US$1,200 per person, and group discounts are available. The price covers the Sustainable Development Fee, hotels, all meals, a private vehicle and driver, a licensed guide, taxes and entry fees.
The Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per night right now. That is half the standard rate set by Bhutan’s official tourism site. However, this lower rate is confirmed only until 31 August 2027. We have been licensed since 2012 and have welcomed more than 2,000 travellers.
Yes. Children who enjoy walking usually manage well, and ponies help on the way up.
Yes. A licensed guide is required inside the monastery, and yours will share its stories.
March to May and September to November bring the clearest views, but the trail is open all year.
Day by day
This itinerary shows one way to enjoy this trip. We can change any day, add or remove places, change the pace or the hotels, and add a festival. Every journey we run is curated around you.
Paro · 2,200 m Your flight drops into the Paro Valley, and your guide greets you with a white scarf. In the afternoon, you visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and walk through Paro town. Your guide checks your trekking gear for the days ahead. Overnight: Paro
Tiger's Nest hike · about 500 m climb · 4 to 6 hours return · 3,100 m You set off early through pine forest hung with prayer flags, climbing about 500 metres to the viewpoint opposite the monastery. From there, steps lead past a waterfall to Taktsang itself, clinging to the cliff above the valley. Your guide tells the story of Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have flown here on a tigress. In the afternoon, your legs can rest with an optional hot stone bath in a farmhouse. Overnight: Paro
Paro to Thimphu and back · 110 km · about 3 hours of driving · 2,300 m You drive to Thimphu and visit Buddha Dordenma above the valley, the Memorial Chorten and the Takin Preserve, home of Bhutan’s national animal. Before returning to Paro, you browse the craft bazaar. Overnight: Paro
Paro airport · short transfer After breakfast, your guide and driver take you to Paro airport and see you off with a farewell scarf. We hope to welcome you back for another trek soon.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country or any insurance company of your choice.
Tell us your dates, and we will shape this trip around you.
