This off the beaten path adventure starts from the suspension bridge over the Female River, and the breeze of the splashing glacier river and the swinging bridge will give a prior taste of the beautiful Jiligang Hike ahead. This full day hike is best enjoyed with a picnic basket of traditional cuisine and local brew. The moderately strenuous hike is through the cool shades of pine trees, paddy fields and serene environment with peeping views of the Punakha Dzong and valley below. As you hike up, the aesthetic view of the meandering river and the melodic chirping of the birds will keep you company all the way. You can also visit a traditional farmhouse replete with farm animals and interact with the villagers. During summer, numerous species of tropical birds can be spotted including the Himalayan water birds.

As you climb a higher, the view of Jiligang Monastery will wash away your weariness and a gush of newfound energy will greet you along with the warm smiles of the caretakers of the temple.

Legend has it that to challenge and to prove the power of his meditation to his brother Lama Drukpa Kuenley (the Divine Madman), the saint Ngawang Chogyal threw a cat from a hole in the hill from Sonagasa which lies at the bottom of the valley. Miraculously the cat came out flying through a hole in a tree just below where currently the Monastery stands today; hence the name Jiligang meaning Cat’s Peak.

Convinced of his brother’s powers the Divine Madman built the Jiligang Monastery in the mid 15^th Century. From the hilltop you can enjoy 360 degree views of the nearby mountains, nine villages to be precise and spectacular view of the snowcapped mountains in the distance. Jiligang Monastery is believed to have the same values and blessings as Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility located in Punakha as well. Interact and experience the hospitality of the caretaker and her family at the monastery, which is part and parcel of Bhutan travel and Bhutan holiday.