Taktsang or the Tiger's Nest Monastery

Made famous by the myth associated to it, the tiger's den is certainly a must see site when you are in Bhutan.

In the 8th century, the Indian saint, Guru Padmasambava, was believed to have transformed himself into a ferocious creature riding on the back of a tigress to the cave, where the present complex of temples have been built, and subdued the demons dwelling there. That was how the place derived its name Taktsang meaning the Tiger's Nest. . The monastery is built on a cliff face with a sheer drop measuring some hundreds of meters is often seen amidst the clouds as though it were floating in the sky. It is about two and half hours hike to the temple if you start your walk from Zhiwa Ling or about two hours hike if you drive to a point that gets you closer to the temple.

For Pete’s Sake Hike

During the construction of Zhiwa Ling the architect, Peter Kamp hiked every morning to this community owned temple at the top of the ridge providing breathtaking views of the valley and the sacred mountain Jumolhari. One and half hours rigorous hiking through a forest of pine and rhododendron takes you up to the peaceful temple known as Tse-tho Monastery.

Dzongdrakha: an unusual village

This unusual village is precariously built on a rock face, stretching horizontally. It has a beautiful view of the Bondey village that lies in the valley below. The village has numerous temples and is known for most of their men being either fully ordained monks or gomchens (lay monks who don't take vows of celibacy). Ironically it is the women who work in the fields and are the bread earners unlike in any other part of the country. Twenty minutes drive from Zhiwaling will get you to start of this hour long hike.

Kili Gompa Nunnery

From Zhiwa ling, take a stunning thirty minute drive on the road to Chele la ( pass). A two hour hike through pine and rhododendron forest will take you up to this peaceful nunnery set high in the mountains with stunning views all around.

Heidi Gompa Monastery

This full day hike takes you up valley past several charming villages. The hiking route follows the course of Paro River until you reach a point where the trail climbs up to this isolated and well revered temple. A twenty minute drive from Zhiwaling will take you to the start of this hike.

Dra Karpo temple

Set high above the village of Shaba is a special temple built on a rock face. The temple is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava who spent time meditating in this location in the 8th century. The temple has a maize of underground caves through which pilgrims navigate to receive the blessing of the guru. The temple has a breathtaking view of the Paro valley. A twenty minute down valley drive from Zhiwa Ling will get you to the start of this two hour hike.