TIGER S NEST MONASTERY

Located in the cliffside of the upper valley in Bhutan, Paro Taktsang is an eminent Buddhist sacred site and is also known as Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. This temple has become the folk icon of Bhutan which Hangs at an uncertain cliff at 10240 feet above the Paro valley, reaching the temple is only possible through a mountainous route. The remote location makes it difficult to reach but also makes it beautiful, unique and an unforgettable destination at the same time and it is one of the best places to visit in Paro.Explore this remarkable landmark with Bhutan tour packages from India for an enriching experience.

The glistering lights, golden dome and idols make its interior even more amazing. A large statue of a tiger is located in the hall of a thousand Buddhas, which is carved out of a rock. The buildings are interconnected and the stairs are carved out of the rocks, and there are windows in every building which gives a glorious view. To mark the beginning of a new day, the monks rotate the prayer wheel everyday at 4 AM which is located at the courtyard of the temple and is the main shrine of the temple.

The rock slopes are almost vertical on the right side of Paro Chu. 'Chu' here refers to rivers or water in Bhutanese. The temple is devoted to Padmasambhava which is also known as Gu-Ru mTshan-bragyad Lhakhang which translates as 'the temple of the guru with eight names'. During March or April, a festival called Tsechu is celebrated in the Paro valley in the honor or Padmasambhava. 

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Highlights

• Marvel at the architectural genius of the monastery, built right along the cliffside, at 3,120 metres above sea level.
• Hike through stunning Bhutanese landscapes to reach the Tiger's Nest Monastery, overlooking the Paro Valley from its cliffside location.
• Explore the cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated for months, and learn how he brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
• Experience the spiritual ambience here during the vibrant Tsechu festival, which is celebrated with masked dance performances, honouring Guru Padmasambhava.
• Feel at peace and tranquillity as you explore the monastery's sacred halls and see the intricate paintings, Thangkas, and statues of Budhha here. 

How To Reach

To reach Tiger's Nest Monastery, first travel to Paro, Bhutan. From there, embark on a hike that winds through lush forests and ascends steep cliffs. The journey takes about 2-3 hours, passing breathtaking vistas and prayer flag-adorned paths. Upon arrival, marvel at the monastery perched precariously on a cliffside, offering stunning views of the surrounding valley. Remember to respect the sacred site and its serene ambiance.

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Best Time To Visit

Tiger's Nest Monastery is enchanting throughout the year, offering unique experiences in every season. In spring, vibrant rhododendrons adorn the trail, while summer brings lush greenery and clear skies for a refreshing hike. Autumn paints the landscape with warm hues, enhancing the monastery's beauty. Even in winter, the snow-capped surroundings create a magical atmosphere, perfect for serene contemplation. Whether you visit amidst blooming flowers, verdant foliage, colorful leaves, or pristine snow, each season presents a captivating backdrop for exploring this iconic site. No matter when you go, Tiger's Nest Monastery promises an unforgettable journey.

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Other Essential Information

Location: It is located in the taktsang trail BT, Taktsang trail in Bhutan.

Height: 10400 feet

Difficulty to reach: Paro Taktsang is located in the lap of the mountains, it's difficulty level is moderate but even if it looks difficult, it is worth the effort. The spectacular view and the beautiful mountains would be worth the difficulty.

Average temperature: The average temperature is -9° to 9°in winters and 15° to 20° in summers.

Duration required: It takes almost 2-3 hours to reach there and you need to stay there for almost an hour, so 6-7 hours would be required for an amazing trip.

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Trek Route to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

The trek route to Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro, Bhutan is a picturesque journey through lush forests and rugged terrain. Starting from the base, near Paro Valley, hikers ascend a steep path, passing prayer flag-adorned trails and breathtaking viewpoints along the way. After about 2-3 hours of hiking, the trail leads to the iconic monastery perched precariously on a cliffside, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valley. The trek is both challenging and rewarding, providing an unforgettable experience for adventurers and spiritual seekers alike.

Things to Carry while Visiting Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

-Carry a jacket or a layer to stay warm if you feel cold. 

-Water bottles are required to stay hydrated.

-Take some snacks to eat or stop at the cafeteria to get some energy for the trek. 

-You can also carry a hiking stick which would be helpful throughout the trek. 

-Carrying some energy bars would be good to get energy while trekking as it is a long route.

-Carrying a raincoat would help you to be on the safer side as the place receives frequent rains.

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Uniqueness of Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

Paro Taktsang is the heart of Bhutan, and is located 10,400 feet high at a very remote and wonderful location in the lap of mountains. The views of the surrounding mountains and the natural beauty makes it a splendid experience for the visitors. 

The interior design has a magnificent beauty with the glistering lights, golden dome and golden idols make its interior even more amazing. A large statue of a tiger is located in the hall of thousand Buddhas, which is carved into the rock, all the buildings are interconnected by stairs carved on the rocks. 

The remote location and the natural beauty around Paro Taktsang and the mountains and the interior of Paro Taktsang and the difficulty to reach the location which is worth the efforts, makes it a unique and amazing place.

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History of Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

In the 8th century, when the Indian Guru Padmasambhava, who believed to have introduced Buddhism in Bhutan, meditated around Senge Samdup Cave, Paro Taktsang. It got the popular name, Tiger’s nest because it was believed that he was transferred to the cave on the back of a tigress. Here the Guru meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours. From the 8th century onwards, the Buddhist monks visited here and it became the holy shrine. 

In the 17th century, Nagwand Namgyal, who belonged to the unifier of Bhutan as a Nation State, gave the idea of building the monastery near the holy caves. At the end of the 17th century,i n 1692, the monastery was built by Bhutan’s leader at that time, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye.

Places to Stay Near Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

There are numerous resorts and hotels to stay near Paro Taktsang, the closest and beautiful places are:

1. Tiger’s nest resort: A comfortable resort with 36 luxurious rooms and beautiful bhutanese carved design, stone pathway, slate rooms and oak floor and staircase with luxurious bathrooms, wifi, lounge and bar which facilitates all the luxury and ease to the visitors. 

2. Kichu resort: The comfortable resort which provides best rooms, restaurants serving amazing cuisines, bar and spa and a garden with natural beauty around and all the facilities to relax and enjoy the trip to the fullest.

3. Taj Tashi: It is a royal hotel with a blend of the traditional and modern facilities to relax and be comfortable in the hotel after a tiring trip. The hotel with 66 rooms provides all the facilities like wifi, swimming pool, bar, free parking a lot more.

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Places to Eat in or near Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

1. Taktsang cafeteria: The Taktsang cafeteria which is located at the trekking route to paro taktsang offers delicious food to the visitors to get energy while trekking to paro taktsang. The visitors enjoy a yummy meal and drinks along with getting relaxed and taking a break from the trek.

2. Champaca cafe: This cafe offers finger licking asian cuisine, pizza, contemporary food and coffee with vegetarian and vegan friendly food options.

3. Park 76 cafe and club: Offering a variety of asian cuisine, coffee and alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, the place has a good seating arrangement along with live music. 

4. Mountain cafe: Mountain cafe offers a huge variety of fast food, pizza, coffee and other beverages which are available in gluten free, vegan and vegetarian friendly delicious options.

Travellers Tips to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

1. Even if the weather is cold, trekking will make you feel hot, so wearing light clothes will make you feel comfortable.

2. Your bags would be kept in lockers and phones and cameras are not allowed at the monastery, but your safety is in your hands so keep them in a safe place.

3. Make sure you stay hydrated during the trip as you have to do a long trek for which you need energy and proper hydration.

4. Wear your comfortable shoes and clothes to be comfortable and enjoy the trip without any hustle.

5. If you are allergic to dust, make sure to keep a scarf as there might be dust in the air due to people or horses around.

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