Travel tips · 5 min read
The story behind it
Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, is said to have flown to this cliff on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave here. The monastery was built around the cave in 1692. After a fire in 1998, it was carefully restored, and it remains one of the most sacred places in the country.
The hike at a glance
- Height: the monastery sits at about 3,100 m above sea level.
- Time: most people take 4–6 hours there and back, including time inside.
- Difficulty: moderate. A steady climb on a forest trail, then several hundred stone steps.
- Best start: early in the morning, before the day warms up.
What the trail is like
The trail starts in a pine forest at the foot of the cliff and climbs in steady zigzags, with prayer flags and views opening up as you go. About halfway up is a small cafeteria facing the monastery, a good place to rest with a cup of tea. Beyond the viewpoint above it, stone steps lead down into the gorge, past a waterfall, and back up to the monastery gate.
Getting ready
- Fitness: if you can walk uphill for an hour or two with short breaks, you can do this hike. A few longer walks in the weeks before your trip will help.
- Altitude: go slowly, rest when you need to and drink plenty of water. We place the hike near the end of our tours, once your body has had time to adjust.
- Ponies: if you would rather not walk the first half, a pony can carry you up as far as the cafeteria. The way down is on foot.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Layers: mornings are cool, the sun is strong, and the wind can be cold
- Water, a snack, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A walking stick, which you can pick up at the start of the trail
- Long sleeves and long trousers or a skirt, for entering the monastery
- A little cash if you would like to make an offering
Inside the monastery
- Phones, cameras and bags are left in lockers at the entrance, and photography is not allowed inside.
- Take off your shoes and hat before entering a shrine, walk clockwise and speak softly.
- Your guide will explain the shrines and the story of the meditation cave.
Is it worth it?
For most travellers, it is the highlight of their journey: the effort of the climb, the views across the valley, and the quiet of the shrines at the top. If the full hike isn’t for you, the cafeteria viewpoint still offers one of the finest views in Bhutan.
