Tibetan building with red pagoda roof, overhanging the edges, and bright white walls, built on a cliff edge.

Tiger's Nest

Paro, Bhutan

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, or Paro Takstang, is a special place for Buddhists in Bhutan. It was built in 1692 around a cave where Guru Rinpoche first meditated, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan.

A monastery built on the side of a mountain, surrounded by steep cliffs and forestry.

Legend says Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress from Tibet, which is why it’s called “Tiger’s Nest.” Today, the monastery has four temples where monks live and pray. Even though many tourists visit every day, it is still a working monastery. You can only reach it by hiking because there are no cars that can drive up to the monastery due to its remote location.