The Majestic Tiger's Nest: A Himalayan Marvel

Getting There

• Car

  From Gasa, take the NH 5 highway heading south towards Wangdue Phodrang. The journey will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Upon reaching Wangdue Phodrang, continue on the same highway towards Thimphu. After about 30 minutes, you will reach Thimphu. From Thimphu, take the road towards Paro which will take about 1 hour. Once in Paro, follow the signs to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), which is approximately a 30-minute drive from the town center. You will need to park at the designated parking area near the entrance to the trail leading to the monastery.

• Public Transportation

  From Gasa, you can take a local bus or shared taxi to Wangdue Phodrang. The bus runs several times a day and takes about 2.5 hours. Once in Wangdue Phodrang, you will need to catch another bus or shared taxi to Thimphu. This leg of the journey should take around 30 minutes. From Thimphu, take a bus or shared taxi to Paro, which takes approximately 1 hour. In Paro, you can either walk or take a local taxi to the Taktsang Monastery trailhead. Note that the total cost for the bus rides can vary, but you should budget around 10-15 BTN for each leg of the trip.

• Hiking

  If you are in Paro and have the energy, you can hike from the parking area to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. The hike is approximately 2-3 hours one way, depending on your pace. The trail is well-marked and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. There is a small fee for entering the monastery area, which is typically around 500 BTN.