Posted 22 May 2024 in To the wild

Hiking tips for Tiger's Monastery in Paro

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is one of the most beautiful and nature centric countries you can visit in the world. What makes this country even more interesting is the hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. This stunning marvel also known as Paro Taktsang, literally seems like it is hooked on the edge of a cliff, 900 metres above the lush Paro Valley.

Perched like a heavenly nest, this sacred site is one of the most revered and breathtaking destinations. The awe-inspiring beauty and spiritual significance calls in thousands of visitors each year, eager to witness its splendour and feel its mystical aura. And the only way to get there is by hiking. The hike is moderate to hard, so it is essential to be prepared.

Scroll down to know more about hiking tips for Tiger's Nest Monastery:

Hiking hacks for Tiger's Nest Monastery

Top hiking hacks to keep in mind before visiting Tiger’s Monastery in Paro:

Wear proper hiking shoes with a comfortable grip to navigate the uneven and sometimes steep terrain.
Start your trekking as early as possible, especially if you are not experienced.
When hiking, carry light items with you. Make sure to bring water and some light snacks.
Avoid carrying any tripods or heavy cameras unless you are an experienced trekker.
Take as many breaks as you may need, especially while going up.
If you need help balancing your climbing steps, rent a hiking stick from the base.
If you want to trek but are unsure if you have the energy to go all the way, you can hire a horse for most of the way.
The cafe at the horse stop is the only restroom and food spot on the Tiger's Nest trail.
Once you go up, make sure to visit every seven temples that are open to the public. The guide will give you details of each temple's history.
The last part of your hiking will involve steep steps, so ensure you're ready for them.
You can camp on top, stay for the night, and return the next day. However, you need to do some research before you experience this.

Places to visit in Paro

Besides visiting Tiger’s Nest Monastery, there are more popular places that you should explore in Paro:

Chele La: Passes like Chele La, the highest road pass at 3810 m, connect Bhutan's steep mountains and charming towns in lush green valleys. Hike, ride, or drive through thick woods to reach Chele La, which offers incredible views of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jitchu Drake, and Paro and Haa valleys, making it one of Paro's most stunning places.
Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang Temple: The Buddhist temple is surrounded by numerous folk tales. According to one local legend, it was built to defeat a serpent. Another story suggests it was constructed on a demoness's head. Built in 1421 by the revered saint Thangtong Gyalpo, this stupa-temple is a unique type of Chorten in Bhutan.
Rinpung Dzong: Rinpung Dzong, or Paro Dzong, is a stunning example of spiritual architecture, illuminated beautifully at night. The dzong is adorned with illustrations depicting Buddha's life, and a hike to the top offers a spectacular view of the valleys.
Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge: The Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, or Iron Chain Bridge, crosses the Paro Chhu River to the Dzong. Combining wood and iron, it offers a stunning view and is a historic landmark.
Drukgyel Dzong: Drukgyel Dzong lies in ruins but offers a fascinating glimpse of past Dzong architecture. Located in Paro, climbing to the top offers stunning valley views. A UNESCO site, it still attracts visitors worldwide.
National Museum of Bhutan: The National Museum of Bhutan stands tall as a symbol of the country's pride. It showcases Bhutan's art and traditions across six floors, each telling a different story from the past. Visitors can admire paintings, sculptures, animal masks, and other aspects of the rich culture

Things to do in Paro

Discover many cultural experiences in Paro, Bhutan, turning your holiday into a cultural immersion. We've curated the top activities to help you plan your trip effortlessly.

Trekking to the snowman trek: Trekking in Paro offers a unique opportunity to explore the region's pristine landscapes, ancient monasteries, and traditional villages. The Paro Valley has several scenic trekking routes.
Riding through the Paro ta Dzong biking trail: Experience the thrill of mountain biking from Ta Dzong to Khasadrapchu via Jemina. Cycle through picturesque terrain with winding roads along the foothills, offering panoramic views of quaint villages, ridges, and valleys.
Water sports activities on the Paro Chhu River: Paro offers several water sports options. The river Chhu, with its different levels of rapids, allows travellers to choose between a kayaking trip and an adventurous whitewater rafting.

Hotels to stay in Paro

If you want to explore the best places in Paro by staying in comfortable and famous hotels, consider picking the best hotels on the list and plan for the best travelling experience.

COMO Uma Paro: COMO Uma Paro, the flagship Uma Lodge in Bhutan, offers a comfortable, adventure-focused experience. Set atop a hill covered in blue pine trees, it provides a picturesque view of Paro town.
Le Meridien Paro Riverfront: Le Meridien Paro Riverfront offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This upscale hotel provides an immersive cultural experience with luxury.
Tiger Nest Resort: Tiger's Nest Resort offers a serene escape nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes. The hotel has traditional Bhutanese architecture and offers stunning views of the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery.
Paro Grand: Locatedin the picturesque Paro Valley, the Paro Grand provides a serene retreat with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making it an unforgettable destination for travellers.

Food to try in Paro

Paro, Bhutan, offers a variety of delicious dishes that showcase the country's unique flavours and culinary traditions. Here are some of the top food items to try in Paro:

Ema Datshi: A popular Bhutanese dish with chilli peppers and cheese, ema datshi is typically served with rice. It's a spicy and flavorful staple in Bhutanese cuisine.
Jasha Maroo: Jasha Maroo is flavoured and often served with rice or traditional Bhutanese flatbread.
Momos: These dumplings are a favourite snack in Bhutan. They are filled with either meat or vegetables and served with a spicy dipping sauce.
Red Rice: A staple in Bhutanese cuisine, red rice is nutty and flavorful, often served alongside other dishes.
Suja: A traditional butter tea, Suja is made with butter, salt, and tea leaves. It provides warmth and energy in the cold Bhutanese climate.
Hoentay: A dumpling filled with turnip greens, cheese, and other ingredients, Hoentay is a delicious and unique dish to try in Paro.
Khur-Le: Khur-Le, a traditional Bhutanese pancake made from wheat or barley flour, pairs perfectly with ema datshi, chilli sauce, and eggs. These spongy pancakes are ideal for the cold weather and make a satisfying meal.
Puta: Puta is a popular Bhutanese dish made from buckwheat noodles, often cooked with chilli, onion, salt, and pepper. It's a favourite for lunch or dinner during special occasions, prepared by boiling or stir-frying with oil.

Shopping in Paro

Bhutan is renowned for its shopping markets, offering a wide array of traditional handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, and other unique items that showcase the country's rich culture. Here are the famous shopping destinations in Paro:

Paro Market: You'll find a range of local handicrafts and fresh products. Each product showcases exceptional craftsmanship, which is evident as you explore the market. Don't miss the chance to shop for souvenirs like jewellery, bags, and scarves, all beautifully crafted.
Paro Weekend Market: Locals flock here for fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-quality handicrafts and textiles. Bhutanese farmers offer organic produce bursting with flavour. Don't miss the attire section, featuring beautiful garments like the traditional Bhutanese gho and kira, perfect as souvenirs or unique additions to your wardrobe.
Norzin Lam Market: Norzin Lam is a lively market in Bhutan, great for shopping for Bhutanese clothes and crafts. You'll find charming eateries with tasty local food. The street hosts festivals, and its clean, flowery ambience makes for a pleasant stroll. The friendly locals make your visit even more likeable.

How to reach Paro?

Despite its remote location in Bhutan, reaching Paro is surprisingly easy, owing to its good air and road connectivity.

By air: Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only international airport, 6 km from Paro in a deep valley by the Paro Chhu River. Surrounded by peaks reaching 5,500 metres, it's considered one of the world's most challenging airports, with very few certified pilots able to land there.
By road: To reach Paro from the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing Border, drive and submit your documents for entry into Bhutan. The border is 160.1 km from Paro. Indians can drive vehicles or take buses and shared taxis for the 4.5-hour journey. Enjoy the scenic drive with snow-clad peaks, fluttering prayer flags, and local merchants selling fruits.

Best time to visit Paro

The best time to visit Paro largely depends on your preferences and what you'd like to experience. Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season has its own unique charm:

Paro during Spring: This is a popular time to visit Paro and Bhutan as the weather is generally mild, and the valleys come alive with vibrant blooms of rhododendrons and other wildflowers. The temperatures are pleasant, making it ideal for trekking and exploring the lush landscapes.
Top months to visit Paro during spring: March to May
Paro during Summer: Bhutan's summer coincides with the monsoon season, bringing heavy rainfall, especially in July and August. While the landscapes are lush and green during this time, trekking routes can be muddy and slippery. However, if you don't mind the rain and want to experience Bhutan with fewer tourists, this could be a good time to visit.
Top months to visit Paro during summer: June to August
Paro during Autumn: Considered by many as the best time to visit Bhutan, autumn brings clear skies, mild temperatures, and stunning landscapes painted in shades of gold and crimson as the trees change colour. This season is perfect for trekking, photography, and experiencing Bhutan's festivals, including the famous Thimphu Tshechu.
Top months to visit Paro during autumn: September to November
Paro during Winter: Winter in Bhutan is cold, especially in higher elevations, but it offers clear skies and panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. While trekking options may be limited due to snow, this is a great time to experience Bhutan's cultural attractions, visit monasteries, and enjoy activities like hot stone baths.
Top months to visit Paro during winter: December to February

Takeaway

The scenic valley and rich cultural heritage await you. Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle by staying at rustic farmhouses and exploring the region's history through its dzongs and temples. Book India to Paro to create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your flight to Paro early to secure the lowest fares, allowing you to spend more on memorable experiences in this captivating destination.