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Bhutan Tiger Nest Tour 7 Days Trip Fact

6 nights and 7 days tour in Bhutan with epic hike to Tiger Nest with local guides
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    Trip Style : Guided Tour
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    Trip Difficulty : Leisure Holidays
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    Trip Guide : Local Guides
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    Destination : Paro, Bhutan
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    Max Altitude : 3050 Meters - 10,006 Ft
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    Daily Walking Hours : 5 to 6 Hours Sightseeing
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    Accomodation: Hotel and Resort
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    Food : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner(BLD)
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    Start-End : Paro - Paro
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    Transport : Flights, Private Car or Tourist Coach
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    Best Season : Jan - June and Sept - December

Bhutan Tiger Nest Tour 7 Days Overview

Bhutan Tiger Nest tour 7 days offers you an extremely rare insight into the entire kingdom of Bhutan including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and the awe-inspiring hike to the famous Tigers Nest Monastery, built into a sheer cliff face, high above the valley.

Tigers Nest Monastery is the most sacred monastery in the entire kingdom, believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan. One of the most glorious monasteries in the world, it is perched precariously on a cliff at a dizzying height of 10,000ft or 3,048m above sea level. The Tiger Nest Monastery truly is the bejeweled crown of Bhutan.

The name Tiger Nest came from the legend of Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, one of the holiest figures in Mahayana Buddhism. The legend goes that in the 8th Century, Guru Rinpoche flew to this exact spot from Tibet on the back of a tigress (which was a manifestation of his divine consort). He came to slay a demon and then took residence in the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave, where he would meditate for 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days. He then started the conversion of the Bhutanese to Buddhism. The monastery was built in 1692, around the cave in which Guru meditated. Today it is a global cultural icon of Bhutan and a trip to the kingdom is not complete without a visit to this sacred site.

Good News: Bhutan is opened with stress-free travel protocols from September 2022. Drukair and Royal Bhutan airlines have announced their flight schedules to/from the Paro International airport. We are eager to welcome you to the Land of Thunder Dragon – Royal Bhutan. Please free to contact us for more information on the Bhutan tour cost, itinerary and flight booking.

Best time to visit the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

October to December is the best time to visit Bhutan when the weather is clear and cool. The weather remains clear through the winter, although it can get quite cold during this time. The spring season can also be a nice time to visit Bhutan. Things begin to really heat up in May, and from June through September the monsoon arrives.

Photographing the Tiger’s Nest

The best lighting for photography is midday. Getting here early helps to avoid some of the crowds, but you will still need to wait until midday for the best photographs.

How fit do you need to be to do this hike?

Anyone of average fitness can complete this hike. Take your time, it is not a race. You may want to bring hiking poles to help out your knees on the descent.

What to bring for Tiger’s Nest hike

Hiking shoes, at least 3 liters of drinking water, a few snacks, and your camera. You can buy lunch or tea at the cafeteria.

Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong was the capital of Bhutan since ancient times until it was replaced by Thimphu as the Bhutanese Capital in 1961. The Punakha Dzong continues to remain as the winter residence of the Central Monk Body. The Dzong is typically a complex of courtyards and temples which are now mostly used as government buildings. It has a strategically important Dzong for Bhutan – hence it is frequently visited by the King and Royal family members.

The Punakha town is located at the confluence of two rivers: Pho chhu and Mo chhu. The river Pho is believed to be the male while the River Mo is the female. Walk along the river, the calm atmosphere of the bank keeps you smooth and refreshed. The town is a small one a stretch of slightly more than a kilometer covers the entire town. The regions of Thimphu, Gasa, and Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag border the Punakha District.

The Punakha valley is a low-lying but fertile valley of Bhutan at an altitude of about 1350 meters. It’s one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong is the capital of the Punakha district. The place is also important as the burial site of the founder Monarch Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Among the attraction in Punakha Valley are the treks to historic the Chimi Lhakhang built late in the 15th century and the ritual worship of auspicious phalluses, and the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten which dominates the upper Punakha Valley and with superb views towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa. Punakha Tshechu is a special religious and historical festival celebrated during the springtime every year which is famous for its colorful events. Entry to the Punakha Dzongkha is only allowed with proper permits and in the accompaniment of licensed tour guides.

Note: We can assist in arranging international flights to Bhutan, including flights from Bangkok or Nepal should you be traveling in the region.

Upon arriving in Bhutan, you will need to declare the following personal items to customs officials: personal cameras and video recorders, laptops, mobiles, or any other electronic device. Upon departing the country, a check will be made to ascertain that these items have indeed been left with you.

If bringing in tobacco products to the country you will need to pay a tobacco tax upon arrival. Ensure that you have taken enough with you to last the duration of your visit as the sale of tobacco products in Bhutan is prohibited.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Paro valley, Taktsang Monastery aka Tigers Nest and Thimphu, the capital city of Royal Bhutan and Punakha, an old winter capital of Royal Bhutan
  • Journey to Taktsang, commonly known as the Tiger's Nest, the small monastery clinging to a rocky cliff 900 metres above the valley floor, and soak in its magnificence
  • Hike to the top of Excursion to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monastery built to bring peace to the world, and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding rice terraces

Welcome to Bhutan: the mysterious Thunder Dragon Kingdom. Upon your arrival at the Paro Airport, one of our tour guides greets you and transfer from Paro airport to Thimphu, the modern capital city of Bhutan. You can enjoy the surrounding scenery while driving. The one and a half-hour drive give you time to acclimatize to the altitude. On your arrival at hotel, our guide will help you check-in the rooms, rest for a while and explore the city of Thimphu. First, visit Memorial Chorten, the main sight in Bhutan. You will surely marvel at the architecture and design of the building. You will visit Thimphu Tashi Cho Dzong which is the current headquarters. You can visit the local Markets, where you can shop for local products. Overnight at the hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Thipmu
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,320m

Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu Valley includes the National Library, which has a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and printing blocks for prayer flags. See the Thimpu Painting School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. You'll continue to Kuensel Phodrang, known locally as Buddha Point - the largest Buddha statue in the country. There are marvelous views of the city from this vantage point. Your tour continues to Memorial Chorten, a beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King. Visit the sprawling monastery of Trashichhodzong and opt to see beautiful hand-woven and crafted products at the Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Thimpu
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2320m

After breakfast, transfer to Punakha, an old winter capital of Bhutan. En route stop at the lofty Dochu La Pass (3,048m) to view the rugged eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum (7,550m). The road then drops down into the lush Punakha Valley. Continue your day with a hike to Chimi lhakhang - the temple of the Divine Madman which was built by Lama Drukpa Kunley in 1499. Legend has it that he subdued the demoness of the Dochu la with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom.’ A wooden effigy of the Lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the Lhakhang and childless women go to the temple to receive a wang (blessing) from the saint. Continue across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana. There are very few monks at the temple, which is surrounded by a row of prayer wheels and beautiful slate carvings. This afternoon visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, the 'Palace of Great Happiness', which is located on the confluence of two rivers (Phochu and Mochu). It was built in 1637 and serves as the winter residence for the Chief Abbot - the religious head in Bhutan. The building was damaged and rebuilt several times due to flooding, fire and earthquakes. It is an exemplary masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Overnight at hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Punakha
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:1242m

Today we hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument and temple located on top of a hill, with breathtaking views of the valley, paddy fields and the Mo Chu River. After lunch, drive to the picturesque villages of Talo or Nobgang to explore the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan. The villages are scattered along a ridge above the Punakha Valley at an altitude of around 2,800m. Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery is your next stop - perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue Valleys. The temple houses a complex for higher studies and is a meditation centre for nuns. It is also home to a 14 foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, one of the biggest in the country. The statue was handcrafted exclusively by local artisans. The final stop of the day is Nalanda Monastery, where monks pursue higher Buddhist studies. They will be delighted to speak with you to further their English studies. Overnight at hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Punakha
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:1,242m

After breakfast, drive back to Paro via the scenic Doch La Pass, enjoying spectacular views of the towering Bhutan Himalayas. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Paro Valley and visit the National Museum, which is housed in an old Ta Dzong (watchtower) and holds an intriguing collection of artifacts. Discover Dungtse Lhakang, an incredible three story Chorten-style building which was constructed in 1433 and the beautiful 7th century Kichu Lhakang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. Overnight at hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Paro
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:2,200m

Taktshang Pelphung Monastery or Tiger's Nest Monastery is the most famous site in Bhutan. It's located on the face of a sheer 900m cliff above the floor of Paro Valley. Today you'll take a scenic hike to view this spectacular and breathtaking sight. The monastery is only accessible on foot or you can ride a pony part of the way (this must be arranged in advance by your guide). Take a steep one hour walk up to a cafeteria where you can enjoy refreshments and wonderful views of Taktshang. Those who wish to proceed further must travel on foot. The trail continues uphill for another 45 minutes to a high observation point (3140m) where there is a stupa with incredible views of the monastery. Continuing down a flight of cliff-hanging steps on the narrow trail you'll reach a beautiful waterfall that plunges down the deep chasm. Then climb up the flight of steep steps to the monastery. At any point on this walk, you can always return if you find it too difficult. Once inside the monastery, there are several shrines to see with few monks in residence. After exploring the monastery walk back to the cafeteria for lunch, before retracing your steps and returning to Paro. Overnight at hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Tiger's Nest Monastery - Paro
  • itinery-iconMaximum Altitude:3120m

Your journey in Bhutan concludes after breakfast and an onward departure transfer to Paro Airport for your international flight. Have a safe journey and see you again.

Want to Tailor this itinerary?

  • PRICES & DATES

Request a Private Date
Note: If the above departure dates couldn’t meet your needs, we can design a private date for you, so please feel free to request a private date.
It is also possible to combine with some other activities such as trekking in Nepal and cultural tour in Nepal, overland tour in Tibet, etc...
The trip cost will vary depending on the number of people in your group. Please contact us or send us a quick inquiry with your details to obtain a special quote.

Have a question ?

Please call us on +977 98510 36844 to talk about your adventure or chat with Ram Kumar on WhatsApp (Available 24hrs) for best quote and detailed information.    
  • small-thumbnails 6/7 day's full board package in Tourist standard Hotel in Bhutan
  • small-thumbnails Arrival Pick up and Departure drop from Paro Airport.
  • small-thumbnails All land transportation by luxury vehicle, depending upon group size
  • small-thumbnails 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners with tea or coffee) during the tour.
  • small-thumbnails Accommodation of Hotel during the tour
  • small-thumbnails All kind of Permit, National Park entry fee, and movement charge
  • small-thumbnails Guide and Private Vehicles will be available for sightseeing as per above Itinerary
  • small-thumbnails Escorted English speaking tour guide during the tour period as per Itinerary.
  • small-thumbnails Entrance Fees to museum and monuments.
  • small-thumbnails Bottle of mineral water during long road drive.
  • small-thumbnails Evening tea with snacks
  • small-thumbnails All hotel taxes/ service charges
  • small-thumbnails Farewell Dinner before departure
  • small-thumbnails Alpine Eco Trek’s service charges
  • small-thumbnails All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes
  • small-thumbnails International and domestic Flight Ticket
  • small-thumbnails Alcoholic beverages, Bhutan visa fee & Personal nature expenses
  • small-thumbnails Emergency rescue evacuation if required.
  • small-thumbnails Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue.
  • small-thumbnails Nepal entry visa fee, Visa issuance is easy at the arrival
  • small-thumbnails Mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internets.
  • small-thumbnails Tips, gifts, souvenirs.

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Trip Reviews

We take great pride in taking care of our guests

  • December 27, 2022

Bhutan Tour

I just got back from 7 days in Bhutan and loved it. I flew into Paro, went to Thimpu, then Bumthang and back to Paro for a beautiful hike to Tigers Nest. The trip and the country were great, and I would recommend it to everyone. I went alone, and as such paid a bit more per day USD250 but it was worth having both a car driver and guide for that price. Of course, the guide spoke good English. Each day I decided exactly what I wanted to do and where to go and did just that. I cannot recommend enough this method and Alpine Eco Trek. They were outstanding. They also love to work with small groups. I want to go back.

  • Switzerland
    Dylan Lewis
  • December 27, 2022

Epic Tiger’s Nest

Thanks for getting in touch. I had been meaning to write and update you on our trip, though I have been incredibly busy processing photos and updating my website. We had an absolutely fantastic time in Bhutan, probably the best travel experience I have ever had. The country was every bit as amazing as I dreamed and everything went very smoothly. We ended up only visiting Tiger’s Nest one time as the weather was great and I got all the photos I needed. I am going to write up a recommendation for you on Lonely Planets Thorn Tree and I can post a link to your Bhutan trips website on my blog when you have it up and running. Thanks again for an amazing experience and I wish you all the best.

  • Kyle Hammons
    United States
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