Wills and Kate go hand-in-hand on romantic hike to 17th Century Bhutan monastery on the side of a cliff
The loved up couple beamed as they posed for photos on the trip as they walked hand in hand to the famous Tiger's Nest monastery during three hour long trek
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continued their Royal tour with a romantic trek to a Bhutan monastery this morning.
The loved up couple beamed as they posed for photos on the hike as the walked hand in hand to the famous Tiger's Nest monastery.
The pair enjoyed the stunning scenery on their three hour trek to the 17th century Paro Taktsang, nestling on the side of a cliff.
Kate, 34, barely even broke out into a sweat – despite wearing heavy knee high boots, a leather waistcoat and full make-up.
The Duke - wearing chinos, a blue shirt and walking boots - looked slightly more flushed than his wife and wiped the sweat from his brow.
He laughed and said "so far so good", and, looking around at the view, added: "This is absolutely stunning."
The couple looked relaxed as they posed for a picture in front of the waiting media and William joked with the press, telling them so far the walk had been "easy".
The Duke, 33, then joked with one of the older photographers among the media, saying he was glad he had not ventured to the top.
He and Kate also stopped to talk to three trekkers from San Francisco who were returning from the monastery - Lauren McKennan, 29, Chris Steele, 27, and Alex Willmore, 28.
Ms McKennan said: "They were pretty altogether. There wasn't a single trail of sweat. They stopped to talk to us for three to five minutes and were absolutely charming."
Mr Willmore added: "They asked us how long we had been here and talked about how lovely the weather was. They said how rainy it had been when they were doing the archery and how glad they were doing the trek today.
"We asked for a photograph. They just laughed and wouldn't do it. But they were absolutely charming, very cool, very nice. They kept on saying how beautiful it was."
Before moving on, William and Kate, guided by the director of the national museum, Phuntesho Tashi, spun a series of Buddhist prayer wheels in the picturesque spot, which followers believe absolves sins.
They wore sunglasses against the bright spring sunshine and when they spotted a trio of small ornate buildings housing large Buddhist prayer wheels beside a babbling brook, William pointed at them and commented to Kate.
Kate described the view as "very special". Asked if it was one of the sites the couple was most looking forward to seeing, she replied: "It's amazing, so beautiful."
The monastery is near the cave where Guru Padmasambhava - who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan - is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks and three days in the 8th century.
The outdoor adventure allowed the royal couple to get a sense of the natural beauty of Bhutan, famed for its landscape.
Visiting the religious centre is usually among the top activities recommended to tourists who visit the mountainous country.
Back in Thimphu in the evening, the Duke and Duchess will attend a reception for British nationals in Bhutan, and Bhutanese people with strong links to the UK.
The couple wanted a "private tour" of the monastery. They also wanted "private moments" to enjoy the views alone.
Although the couple are both very fit, William admitted the hike up tricky paths and steep inclines had been challenging - particularly with the high altitude.
He said."It was quite tough on the way up."
But Kate added: "It's a great way to burn off the curry."
The couple have already enjoyed an Indian safari where they fed orphaned baby elephants and rhinos.
The Duchess has admitted she is missing kids George, two, and 11-month-old Charlotte.
But revealed the reason they didn't bring Prince George to India is because he is too "naughty".