World by City

Temples & religious sites

Paro Taktsang

Open in Maps
Paro Taktsang

Overview

Paro Taktsang is a Himalayan Buddhist monastery complex built in 1692 on a cliffside in the Paro valley. According to tradition, Guru Padmasambhava meditated here for three years and attained enlightenment, making it a central pilgrimage site in Bhutan. Travellers visit to view the historic shrines and complete the mountain trek to the site.

Getting There

The trailhead is located north of Paro city centre and takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes to reach by car or taxi. From the parking lot, visitors proceed on foot along an uphill dirt trail, which takes about two to three hours to climb.

Time to Allow

Set aside five to seven hours in total for the visit. This accounts for the ascent (2–3 hours), time spent exploring the interior shrines (1–2 hours), and the walk back down (1.5–2 hours).

When to Visit

Start early in the morning to avoid heat and trail traffic, as the path and inner rooms get crowded by midday. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the clearest weather and dry ground, whereas the summer monsoon brings rain and slick paths.

Nearby Attractions

Combine the excursion with these cultural sites in the Paro valley:

  • Kyichu Lhakhang (5.7km)
  • Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang (8km)
  • National Museum of Bhutan (9.3km)
  • Rinpung Dzong (9.3km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

GetYourGuide GetYourGuide 클룩 Klook Tiqets Tiqets KKday KKday WeGoTrip WeGoTrip

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Paro Taktsang

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Paro Taktsang Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Paro hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

View on Compare sites 부킹닷컴 View on Booking.com 호텔스닷컴 View on Hotels.com

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

Day trip

Paro 1-Day Itinerary (0 Nights)

A 1-day route through Paro grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

1 nights, 2 days

Paro 2-Day Itinerary (1 Nights)

A 2-day route through Paro grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Kyichu Lhakhang

Temples & religious sites

Kyichu Lhakhang

An important Himalayan Buddhist temple located in the Paro district of Bhutan. Nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, it offers a serene, contemplative atmosphere.

5.7 km away
Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang

Temples & religious sites

Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang

A Buddhist temple on a hill between the Paro and Dop Shari valleys, built in the form of a chorten, a rare style even in Bhutan. Inside are distinctive Buddhist iconography of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition.

8.0 km away
National Museum of Bhutan

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Bhutan

A cultural museum located in Paro, western Bhutan. Visitors come here to explore Bhutan's history and traditional culture.

9.3 km away
Rinpung Dzong

Temples & religious sites

Rinpung Dzong

This large dzong (fortress-monastery) is Paro's most iconic landmark, carrying on the tradition of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism. It still serves as a monastic retreat and administrative office today, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Bhutan.

9.3 km away
Chele La

Nature

Chele La

Located between the Paro and Haa valleys at 3,988 meters above sea level, this is the highest pass in Bhutan accessible by road. Winding mountain roads lead up to sweeping views of the Himalayas.

13.7 km away