Tigers nest a.k.a Paro Taktsang

Arguably the most famous tourist destination in Bhutan, the Paro Taktsang, more famously called the Tiger’s Nest is an architectural wonder that literally hangs at the edge of a cliff, 3120 m ASL in the Paro valley. The only way to reach here is by foot. One has to trek up the hill, for at least a good three hours. Horses are available, as some respite, although for about one third of the distance only.

The base office is a short 15-20 minutes drive  from  Paro town

• Timings: 0800hrs to 1300hrs
• Entry fee: 400 Nu/ head ( = 400 Rs)

This trek is quite a tough one, which takes you along a steep route covered with loose mud and rugged rocky terrain. I suggest you wear good hiking shoes to avoid ankle injuries. A hiking stick ( which is available for hiring at the base) might be selectively useful, especially if you are not a frequent trekker.

As advised by the locals I started the trek early, at about 8.00 AM, as soon as the base office had opened. I had packed water and snacks as I was also told that there will be no eateries on the way up, except for a relatively expensive cafeteria somewhere midway along the trek. Water, however can be filled at various points.

A short distance into the trek, I was welcomed was the soft chimes of ‘ Mani Kuchi ', a splendidly painted prayer wheel which is rotated by the water of a flowing stream

Prayer wheel spun by the flowing stream

 
The ascent became steeper from this point. The sun had risen and the path was getting dusty, though the persistent cool breeze was a calming respite.

Occasional glimpses of the monastery on the opposite hill was a gorgeous view

About an hour into the trek, I reached a small flat land on which where hoisted the signature prayer flags of Bhutan, fluttering in thier multitude of bright hues.

Tiger's nest in the backdrop

Several prayer wheels have been installed in a row. The monks and the tourists spun them as they passed by. 

The trail started getting steeper and the forests got thicker. Being the 'off-season', tourists were sparse. I was alone in some stretches of the trek, blissfully one with bhutan's natural delight and it somehow seemed that the monastery had tightly merged with the mountains like a huge jigsaw puzzle.

View of the monastery across the valley

By around 2.5 hours, I reached what seemed to be the top of the hill where the trail gave way to a stony path with well built side rails. The monastery appeared through the thick foliage, and seemed quite close. I was elated as i thought the destination to be quite near and paused for a short rest

Little did I realize that the descending trail lead me all the way down the mountain to climb up  the adjacent one.

A hands reach away

A short pause to marvel at the beauty also made me think about the effort and determination of the architects and builders of this magnificent piece of art in a place which even horses can find it hard to reach! To top it off, the fact that the monastery was rebuilt several times, the most recent being in 1998, due to fire made my mouth agape. 

The trail goes down steeply and passes over a bridge connecting the opposite mountain. A waterfall between them greets all the tourists. The ascent up led me through the gates of the monastery.

The Royal Bhutan Police and the authorities were strict in not allowing any of the belongings inside. They diligently frisked every single visitor to ensure the rules are obeyed. Local guides were available who could help us with the history and cultural significance of the place. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the monastery to maintain its sanctity.

The monastery was quite big with nine shrines built within itself, each dedicated to the various Gods of Buddhism. It is believed to have been constructed by Guru Padmasambhava, who arrived at this place on a tiger, and thence, the name. Inside the monastery, the monks draped in red robes ensure the spotless maintanence of this place. I spend a peaceful 30-40 minutes, enjoying the silence and serenity.
The construction, the trek and my brief interactions with the many monks made me realise the clear conscienceness of the locals who preserve and respect their nature