Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan

Bhutan, a small landlocked country between Tibet and India, is one of the last frontiers of an age-old Himalayan Buddhist culture. The stunning Tiger's Nest, one of Bhutan's most sacred and religious sites, is its postcard landmark.

Bhutanese believe that guru Rinpoche (AKA Padmasambhava) flew from Tibet to the mountainside on the back of a tigress to subdue a local demon. His body imprint, according to legend, can be found in the wall of a cave in a nearby monastery.

Depending on your fitness level, the hike to Tiger's Nest takes about 3-4 hours. Bhutan, it should be noted, can only be visited on a pre-arranged tour. However, be aware that visiting Bhutan is not cheap; the government charges a $250 USD per day tourist tax.

Getting there: The only two ways to get to the Tiger Nest Monastery are on foot or by horseback. From Paro, it takes just 25 minutes by car to get to the parking area from which you can begin the ascent to The Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Entry fee: 2000 BTN (~USD25)