Taktsang Monastery on its cliff above the Paro valley.
Taktsang Palphug Monastery clings to a cliff about 900 m above the floor of the Paro valley. It was built in 1692 around a cave where Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava, is said to have meditated after flying here on the back of a tigress. The hike up is about 4 to 5 hours round trip, through pine forest with prayer flags, past a cafeteria viewpoint halfway, and down and up a long flight of steps to the monastery gate. Ponies can be hired for part of the way up. Phones and bags are left at the entrance, and photography inside is not allowed.
- Address: Taktsang, Paro valley, Bhutan
- Hours: Usually open from morning to late afternoon, with a midday break. Entry for visitors is ticketed and normally arranged with your guide.
- How to Reach: The trailhead is about 10 km north of Paro town, around 20 minutes by car. Start early to avoid the midday sun.
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