Paro Day Tour with Tiger’s Nest Hike
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The Paro Day Tour with Tiger's Nest Hike is a one-day excursion that lets you experience Paro's cultural treasures. A picturesque marvel, Paro is dotted with verdant pine forests, terraced rice fields, and fast-flowing rivers. As the city is home to the only international airport in the country, Paro is considered the entry point to Bhutan.
Your Paro Day Tour with Tiger’s Nest Hike will begin early in the morning with a drive to the Tiger’s Nest trailhead. Tiger's Nest, also known as Taktsang Monastery, sits on a steep cliff, and is one of the most visited attractions in Bhutan. The monastery is a holy place of pilgrimage, and the locals believe that every Buddhist should visit this site at least once in their lifetime.
As per a Buddhist legend, the monastery was built on the spot where Padmasambhava, also known as the Second Buddha, meditated after entering Bhutan from Tibet riding a flying tigress. This was the first spot in Bhutan where the revered guru stayed and meditated for three years straight.
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Morning Hike to Tigers Nest or Taktsang Monastery (3,120 m/10,236 ft) - 5 to 6 hours hike/ 8.5 km |
A short drive of about thirty minutes will bring you to the trailhead. Once you reach the trailhead, you will begin your hike and enter a lush forest covered with tall cedar, fir, and pine trees. Follow a steep route up the side of a hill adorned with Buddhist prayer flags. Enthralling views of the valley greet you as you climb to the top. Stop for a small break at the mid-way point for food and rest. This is a popular viewpoint and you can savor grandiose views of Taktsang Monastery and the valley floor from here.
The final few steps to the Taktsang Gompa will lead you to a narrow staircase built on the side of a cliff. Pause and savor stunning views of the Paro Valley and the surrounding mountains while stepping on the staircase. Once you have explored the gompa, you will make your way back to the parking area, get into the car, and head back to the city.
Your next stop is Paro Dzong, a traditional fortress dating back to the seventeenth century. A beautiful example of traditional Bhutanese architecture, this magnificent fort was constructed without the use of nails. With its elaborate wooden carvings, paintings, and murals, the Paro Dzong gives you a taste of Bhutan's rich cultural heritage.
Standing just above Paro Dzong, Ta Dzong is the next destination on your itinerary. This circular, old-fashioned watch tower served as a defensive fortress centuries ago. Now this ancient building is home to the National Museum showcasing a multitude of priceless and historic exhibits. Learn more about the ancient Bhutanese history and culture by visiting the museum. Thangka paintings, sculptures, weapons, textiles, and other sacred relics are on display at the museum's many galleries.
You will wrap up your Paro Day Tour with Tiger’s Nest Hike with a fascinating exploration of Drukgyel Dzong, an old fort with a glorious history.
Taktsang Monastery, the monastery also known as Tiger's Nest lies perched on a rocky cliff.
Your tour will start early in the morning. After picking you up from your accommodation, our driver and guide will take you to the trailhead. The drive to the trailhead takes roughly thirty minutes. Following your guide, you will begin your trek after obtaining your tickets. You enter a dense forest of towering cedar and pine trees as you follow the trail. The hike starts with you following a gentle incline. But as you walk deeper into the forest, the trail gets steeper. The track follows a zigzag path as it winds around the mountainside. Small wooden benches are placed along the way where you can pause and catch your breath.
As you ascend, you can observe some vibrant butterflies and birds. You will arrive at the halfway point after at least an hour or more of walking. Most hikers stop for a short break here for food and restroom breaks. And you will do the same.
From this vantage point, the Taktsang Monastery appears breathtaking. This is a well-liked location for photo ops and reel creation. Later you will soon come to yet another viewpoint with a close-up view of the monastery. Take more pictures and selfies before continuing your journey.
The final steps to the monastery involve stepping on a narrow staircase built on the cliff face. On reaching the monastery deposit your personal belonging. Cameras and phones are not allowed inside. Lockers are provided where you can deposit your personal items.
Together with the Padmasambhava meditation cave, the Taktsang Monastery comprises four main buildings. You can explore all the main buildings and interact with the monks, if you get the opportunity. You can see a large number of monks residing here as the Taktsang Gompa is an active monastery.
After spending some meditative moments at the monastery, you can return via the same path. You will find our vehicle waiting for you at the car park. Board the vehicle and drive to the next sightseeing spot.
(Paro Dzong, the National Museum, and Drukgyel Dzong)
You will next proceed to Paro Dzong, which is positioned atop a hill and offers breathtaking views of the Paro Valley. Constructed in the seventeenth century, Paro Dzong acted as a formidable defensive structure, shielding the valley from the incursions of the Tibetan army. The dzong, also called the Rinpung Dzong, is a fortress with administration buildings and a monastery. Beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, and murals adorn the fortress. Paro Tsechhu, an important Buddhist festival observed in the city, is held on the grounds of this very fortress.
Later visit the National Museum which is housed in an ancient watchtower known as Ta Dzong. The Da Dzong has a circular shape and is one of the most impressive structures preserved in Bhutan. The museum has several galleries where historical, cultural, and religious items are displayed. After the visit to the museum head to the final attraction, Drukgyel Dzong.
The Drukgyel Dzong is perched on a small hill with a commanding view of a traditional Bhutanese village (Penlop). This ancient and historic fort is on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Drukgyel Dzong is one of the rare forts in Bhutan that was used purely as a defense stronghold. Unlike other dzongs, there is no monastery or government office inside this dzong. Wander around the remains of this historic fort and take in the picturesque vistas of Penlop village.
Your tour will end at Drukgyel Dzong. Following your visit to the Drukgyel Dzong, our driver and guide will drop you off at your accommodation.
