Paro Taktsang Monastery

Taktsang translates to The Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is situated 900 meters above the Paro valley precariously perched on a cliff. It has an equally fascinating history. According to the legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to the current site of the monastery riding atop a tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 years 3 months and 3 days to subdue an evil force and bless the land. The monastery was subsequently constructed at the site in 1692. Guru Rinpoche is a Buddhist saint who according to history introduced Buddhism in Bhutan.

About 20 minutes’ drive from the town, tourists will arrive at the base of the monastery and continue an uphill climb on foot. The Tiger’s Nest is the most visited tourist attraction in Bhutan and owing to its history; it is also one of the most sacred religious site in the country. The wide dirt trail takes hikers through the pine forest.  As the hike reach its summit, tourists can take in the spectacular panoramic view of the valley below and a close up view of the monastery above seemingly floating in the sky.