Duration: 02
Districts: Paro
Entry: Paro
Exit: Paro20-30 minutes drive, 10 km, 3-4 hours to camp, (3800 mts)
The hike to Bumdra Monastery (3,800m) begins at Sangchoekor Shedra (Buddhist college) and takes approximately 3 – 4 hours. The drive to Sangchoekor Shedra is about 20-30 minutes away from the Paro town.
The trail is steep in the beginning, but the views and serenity make it worth every step. A brief stop at a small Tshamkhang (hermitage) allows you to rest and rejuvenate. From here, it’s just an hour to the campsite, leaving ample time to explore the area upon arrival.
After reaching the Bumdra campsite, enjoy a refreshing tea break. For those with energy to spare, there’s an optional visit to an ancient sky burial site (4000m) further up the mountain. This site holds historical significance as a place where corpses were laid to decompose naturally, embodying the Tibetan Buddhist practice of generosity even in death. While the practice is no longer in use, the site remains a poignant reminder of cultural traditions and reverence for the cycle of life.
2-3 hours hike to Tiger’s Nest
After a hearty breakfast amidst the breathtaking mountain landscape, it’s time to bid farewell to this serene haven. You may choose to linger a while, soaking in the view, reflecting on the journey, or even hanging your own prayer flags as a gesture of peace and blessings. Eventually, the descent begins, taking you through the ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the monks’ zigzagging trail.
The 1–2-hour descent offers glimpses of the golden roofs of temples nestled below, guiding your way back into the valley. Along the trail, you’ll pass a series of monasteries and temples, each steeped in history and spirituality. The path weaves across the mountainside, leading to the gardens of Zangtopelri (Heaven on Earth). From this vantage point, you can gaze in awe at the ornate roofs of Taktsang Monastery, perched dramatically on the cliffside far below.
The Final Leg to Taktsang
About an hour later, you’ll arrive at the gates of Taktsang. The trail descends steeply into the gorge, crossing a waterfall, followed by a climb up stone steps that lead you into the heart of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This iconic landmark, revered as one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites, is a fitting culmination to your journey.
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