The only way to visit Tiger’s Nest monastery up close is to either: hike for 1-4 hours uphill depending on your speed and fitness; or ride a rented horse or mule.

An easy hike, but if you are not sure if you are fit enough for an uphill trek along a steep trail, and whether you have acclimatised to Bhutan’s altitude, you can rent a horse.

The trail to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) can be broken down into 3 stages. The 1st Stage trail ends at the rest stop at Taktsang Cafeteria where most tourists take a breather before continuing to the 2nd Stage trail, where horses stop.

At the 3rd Stage, you will have a great view of the Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger’s Nest) and the final stretch to get inside the monastery, you will have to tackle a descending and another ascending flight of stairs.