Taktsang Monastery

Taktsang Monastery (also called Tiger's Nest) is situated on a nearly vertical cliff at 3000m altitude north of Paro in Bhutan. Situated on the edge of a 1,200m cliff, this monastery creates an impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. Taktsang was established as a sacred place for meditation by Guru Rinpoche who visited the site on his second visit to Bhutan in 747 CE. It is also known as "Tiger's Nest" because Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. He then meditated in a cave here for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. The first monastery was constructed 1694, but in 1998 a tragic fire destroyed most of the original buildings - which have since been painstakingly restored to their former glory.

Getting there

It is about 2-3 hour, totally up-hill hike from the parking lot to the monastery, though there is a cafe located on ridge across from the Taktsang (about 90 minutes into the walk) that provides a welcome opportunity to take a rest and purchase refreshments and snacks.