There was a calm spirituality in the Himalayan air. This was to be the highlight of our trip, and it exceeded all our expectations.
We awoke early and peeped through the sheer curtains, looking up at the sky. We were elated to see clear blue skies and a glistening sun. It was going to be an eye-opening day for us. After a short drive, we reached the bottom of the mountain. This was our starting point for the hike up to the breathtaking Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, in Paro, Bhutan.
We tied up our laces, slathered on sunscreen, put on our backpacks and started hiking up the valley. It took us about two hours to reach the viewpoint, providing Chimi, our knowledgeable guide, ample time to explain the history and legends that surround this fascinating and spiritual monastery.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a sacred Himalayan Buddhist temple complex perched 900 metres up on a cliffside in the upper Paro Valley. Steeped in history and legend, as is much of Bhutan, some say that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew on the back of a tigress from Tibet, landing at this very location and giving the cave the name ‘Tiger’s Lair’. Another legend tells that the wife of a Tibetan emperor transformed herself into a tigress, carrying the Guru to the site of Tiger’s Nest.
The most popular legend tells that the temple was built here in 1692. In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava is said to have flown to the site of the monastery and meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours, leaving an imprint of his body in the stone before emerging in eight incarnated forms.
Whichever legend you believe, there was a tingling spirituality in the air and a spark of imagination that made each story seem possible.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery was built around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave and consists of multiple temples. Unfortunately, in 1998 a fire broke out and destroyed the entire complex. It was later restored and reopened in 2005.
Prayer Flags, Paro, Bhutan
The view of the monastery was spectacular. We looked across the narrow valley, awe-struck by the magnificent structure we had been waiting to see. There was a calm spirituality in the Himalayan air. This was to be the highlight of our trip, and it exceeded all our expectations.
After Chimi had explained the various legends, and we had taken a few hundred photos of the view, we shimmied across the gully, past thousands of rustling prayer flags and a steep, gushing waterfall, proceeding up the well-trodden steps to our final destination, Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
We spent some time exploring the individual temples, each with its own charm and intrigue. While our guide recounted every intricate detail of each sacred temple, we were in awe of the number of stories and traditions connected to the monastery.
All too soon, much as we wanted to remain, we made our way back down the cliffside. With the gentle rumble of the waterfall, the rustling of the prayer flags in the breeze, and the stunning views over the Paro Valley, it’s no wonder this is the perfect place to spend time relaxing and meditating.
Finally, once down the mountain, a local farmer invited us into their home. They heated stones until they were piping hot and placed them into a bath full of water, creating the most therapeutic hot stone bath one could wish for at the end of a day’s hike. The water was the perfect temperature and infused with local herbs, ideal for reducing muscle aches.
They must have worked, because the next day we awoke refreshed and relaxed, reflecting on our time in Bhutan with happiness, fitting for a country that considers itself, quite rightly, the happiest country on earth.
Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Sikkim and Bhutan, explore vibrant Himalayan towns, and hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched high above the Paro Valley.
Himalayan Kingdoms | 24 Days | Go Beyond Tour
Discover Darjeeling’s tea hills, explore Bhutan’s spiritual capital Thimphu, visit the serene Phobjikha Valley and experience the unforgettable hike to Tiger’s Nest.
✈️ Includes international flights, accommodation, touring with guides, entrance fees and most meals.
Discover the full itinerary here