The Tiger’s Nest Temple

Also renowned as Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest Temple is one of the most recognized tourist attraction in Paro. The beauty of the place holds an extraordinary significance and for this reason, people on quickest tours to Bhutan manage to make a visit to the popular Tiger’s Nest Temple. Taking a little step back in the history of the place, Tiger’s Nest was formerly built as a monastery in the year 1692 and then a meditation cave in the 8th century. The legend believes, Guru Rinpoche flew to the sites atop by sitting on the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours with the aim to subdue evil demons residing in it. Perched on a cliff approx 900 meters off of the ground, the Tiger’s Nest today has become a popular site in Bhutan comprising four monasteries with residential accommodation for the monks. The sacred Buddhist site stands imposing above a beautiful forest of rhododendrons and blue pine.

Tourists planning to visit the Tiger’s Nest have to indulge in a short hike. Due to its location, there are no vehicles that can drive one up to the monastery. For those, who cannot hike, can hire a horse that would take one right up to the monastery. Enroute there is a cafeteria where tourists can take a halt to enjoy some scrumptious refreshments or simply relax for sometime before continue hiking up to the Tiger’s Nest. Also, Bhutan Tourism doesn’t allow photography inside the monastery. So, carrying of the camera is strictly prohibited inside the Tiger’s Nest. A trip to the Tiger’s Nest will not only bring one close to the architectural grandeur of the monastery but will fill one’s heart with peace and sanctity. In a nutshell, no trip to Bhutan is complete without making a visit to this one of the most popular and commendable heritage sites.