The first time I recall reading something about Bhutan it was in reference to a monastery that was built into the side of a cliff. I remember seeing the photograph online and couldn’t begin to imagine the work that went into building such a magnificent place of worship in such a precarious place. What kind of visionary would think that this would be a good place to build (it sits at an elevation of 3120m or 10240 ft).
I was in awe. In part, I think it was the image of the Taktshang Monastery that planted the seed that Bhutan was a place of mystery, beauty, and worthy of a place to add to our Bucket List.
Well, today is the day! We are off to hike up the mountain side to finally see it in person. We had arrived in Paro early this morning and were on the trail by 9:30am. Nima had pointed it out to us on the drive up to the trailhead and we could barely see it. It was a white speck on the side of a cliff.
Even as we edged our way up the gradual switchbacks, it still seemed to be far off in the distance.
With the zoom lens, it was a little clearer now.
And, now we are able to get a good view from a vantage point across the chasm between where we stand and the cliff edge where the monastery sits.
Amazing!!!! We still had to descend back down and then up the other side to reach Tiger’s Nest. No cameras are allowed inside (checked our bags at the guard’s office), but what an impressive structure.
Legend suggests that Guru Rinpoche rode on the back of a tigress from Tibet to this spot, chased away the demons, and went on to meditate here. Thus the name – Tiger’s Lair or Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
The Taktshang was almost completely destroyed by a fire 1998. It is believed to have been started by accident – possibly an overturned butter lamp. You can still see the black burn marks on the rock face above the temple. Now, butter lamps are kept in one part of the monastery only, as well as on the opposite side of the chasm facing the monastery.
Mark lighting a butter lamp:
What a remarkable place. Yes, this on its own was worth the visit to Bhutan.
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