The Tiger Nest Monastery (also known as Taktsang Goemba) is the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Perched beautifully on top of a cliff, the Tiger Nest is indeed a wonder to those who managed to reach there. One can only imagine the architectural prowess required to build the monastery back in the year 1692.
The trek up to Tiger Nest Monastery itself takes around 4-5 hours (depending on the speed of your ascend) but for us, it took climb 6 hrs and return 5 hrs. as we walked slowly to retain our energy level. The trek is advisable to start early in the morning as the monks will be having lunch from 1 – 2 pm. During this time, the monastery will be closed for all visitors. Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest is Bhutan’s most iconic sight and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Paro. The distinctive structure of the monastery combined with its remote location and the stunning green valley view makes it an unforgettable experience. Reaching this monastery requires stamina and energy to trek through the mountainous paths, hence suitable for everyone physically fit to trek. This monastery was built in 1692 at a cave where it is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D to subdue the demons residing in it. He flew atop the back of a tigress (believed to be his wife), and meditated there for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days, and 3 hours. Tiger’s Nest is located at a distance of 10 kms from the main town of Paro, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
