Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest, is the most famous and a must visit place in Bhutan. It is hanging on a 3000 metres cliff above the Paro valley in western Bhutan. Lots of tourist restrictions are imposed by the government of Bhutan, so, only few tourists are actually able to visit this beautiful monastery, hence making it the world's least accessible tourist destinations.
The Buddhist guru, Guru Rinpoche, who is known to have started Buddhism in Bhutan, is believed to have meditated in around 13 caves near Taktsang and took 8 incarnations. As he landed here on the back of a tigress, this place started to be known as the Tiger's Nest. Since it was a sacred pilgrimage place for Buddhists, a monastery was built here, which has 7 temples and tourists can visit them.
There are innumerable steps to reach the monastery and as you ascend towards this monastery, you feel as if you you are climbing a stairway to heaven. Walking trails are very steep so be cautious and carry a hiking stick while climbing the trail. From the parking lot at the valley, it takes around 2 to 3 hours to actually get to the monastery. Once you reach the monastery, you feel feel an absolute peace and tranquility. On your way, you will get to see impressive and breath taking sceneries. If you do not intend to climb on foot, you can hire horses also but be cautious as they can be risky during rains. Also, horses are allowed only uptil a specific point, the rest trail will have to be climbed on foot. Horses are also not allowed to carry passengers downhill.
During the climb, you can stop at the Taktsang Cafeteria/Teahouse to have some rest, hot beverages and some snacks. You can also enjoy here, the traditional Bhutanese lunch which is served in buffet style. You will also get incredible views of Taktsang monastery from this point. This is also the best point to take pictures. Once you reach the monastery, you will have to deposit the cameras and mobile phones.
If you are not a regular hiker and have breathing troubles, consult a doctor before planning a trip to this place as it is at very high altitude and altitude sickness is a major concern.
The Buddhist guru, Guru Rinpoche, who is known to have started Buddhism in Bhutan, is believed to have meditated in around 13 caves near Taktsang and took 8 incarnations. As he landed here on the back of a tigress, this place started to be known as the Tiger's Nest. Since it was a sacred pilgrimage place for Buddhists, a monastery was built here, which has 7 temples and tourists can visit them.
There are innumerable steps to reach the monastery and as you ascend towards this monastery, you feel as if you you are climbing a stairway to heaven. Walking trails are very steep so be cautious and carry a hiking stick while climbing the trail. From the parking lot at the valley, it takes around 2 to 3 hours to actually get to the monastery. Once you reach the monastery, you feel feel an absolute peace and tranquility. On your way, you will get to see impressive and breath taking sceneries. If you do not intend to climb on foot, you can hire horses also but be cautious as they can be risky during rains. Also, horses are allowed only uptil a specific point, the rest trail will have to be climbed on foot. Horses are also not allowed to carry passengers downhill.
During the climb, you can stop at the Taktsang Cafeteria/Teahouse to have some rest, hot beverages and some snacks. You can also enjoy here, the traditional Bhutanese lunch which is served in buffet style. You will also get incredible views of Taktsang monastery from this point. This is also the best point to take pictures. Once you reach the monastery, you will have to deposit the cameras and mobile phones.
If you are not a regular hiker and have breathing troubles, consult a doctor before planning a trip to this place as it is at very high altitude and altitude sickness is a major concern.
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