Will & Kate hike in the mountains to 17th century monastery #RoyalVisitBhutan

William and Kate undertook a five-hour hike in the Himlayas today, as they concluded their visit to the tiny Asian Kingdom of Bhutan.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were taken up the pine-filled slopes by a guide to visit the ancient Tiger’s Nest monastery, a 17th century building high up in the mountains. It took the Royal couple three hours to reach.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their trek to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan. Picture POOL / i-Images

Paro Taktsang, as Tiger’s Nest is formally called, was built in 1692, and is considered to be one of the holiest for the Bhuddist Bhutanese people.

The summit prompted gasps of awe from the duo.  “Wow, that’s amazing”, Catherine commented, while Prince William was impressed with the architecture and the view.

Prince Charles actually visited the area in 1998, and was due to hike to the same point, however a polo injury meant he only made it half-way and decided to sketch the scenery, as he does (privately) on most tours abroad.

William and Kate were followed by Royal correspondents and members of the press up the mountains, and were spotted walking affectionately hand in hand for part of the hike.

Some of the Cambridges’ entourage joined the couple on their hike, albeit a few paces back. Catherine’s hairdresser, Amanda Cook-Tucker, and personal assistant and suspected stylist, Natasha Archer, were spotted taking in the scenery.

“It was quite tough on the way up,” Prince William said after completing the challenge, while the Duchess commented that the journey was a “great way to burn off the curry”, of which they have eaten a lot this tour.

Kate, 34, also told the press pack that she was missing  her children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte ‘massively’, adding that she and William were looking forward to seeing them on their return. The Duchess said the couple had been able to speak with them ‘many times’ over the week.

Later that evening, the couple – unphased by the long trek – attended a reception that evening to celebrate the UK’s connection to Bhutan.

The Duke and Duchess spoke with Brits who had been living in the country for a number of years, and William was even invited to come back for some air ambulance piloting, similar to what he does in Norfolk.