Bhutan Series # Land of the Thunder 🐉 : Tigers Nest Monastery

Paro Taktsang also known as the Tigers Nest is a Himalayan Buddhist site located on the Cliff of Paro Valley in Bhutan. It's a 13th Tigers Nest Caves in historical Tibet in which Padmasambhava practiced & taught Vajrayana.

Got a chance to visit this unique monastery this year. The monastery is located 10 km to the north of the Paro. The rock slope runs vertically and the monastery building is built in the rock face.

To visit the monastery, we needed to hike the trail. The guide suggested that I start early so that we can enjoy the surreal views while hiking the steep slope that reaches the monastery. We started in the morning @6 am . Near the beginning of the trail is a water powered prayer wheel, set in motion by a flowing stream. It's also said that the water that is touched by the wheel is purified & blessed.

The trek is extremely scenic, the route has blue pine trees, prayer flags, water falls breaking the silence. The route is also scattered with a lot of temples along the way.

On the approach to the monastery, there is the location wherein the monastery building is opposite to the ravine. This is also called visitor view point and there is a cafeteria where you can enjoy the viewing along with your coffee and snacks.

Once you reach the Takshang cafeteria , you realise that you are half way through.

Sitting precariously 3000 m above the Paro Valley, this trek is an endurance test for many. Though doable, it does require a basic level of the fitness for once to enjoy the journey throughout.

Once I was half way through, I decided to take a half hour break, so that I can make it through the rest of the pathway. I had a coffee, enjoyed the viewing and made a move for the next part of my journey. It was exhausting though, but the inner drive to see this unique monastery kept me going. Once the monastery became clear and visible, I realised that there were lots of stairs to finally reach the monastery. Once you reach the monastery, the phone is not carried inside, just the joy of reaching though 😉

It was an unforgettable enriching experience !!