Taktsang Monastery, more popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. It is located on a 900-metre high cliff in Paro valley, surrounded by rocky mountains and pine forests. The village Ramthangkha lies at the foothills of this mountain and is about 12 km from Paro town.
History
There are many interesting legends behind the origin of the monastery. The most popular one narrates that Guru Padmasambhava, who is credited with the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan and Tibet, flew to this site on the back of a tigress. He landed here in the 8th century and meditated for four months, to purge the local demons. Another legend states that it was his disciple, Yeshi Tshogyal, who took the form of a tigress to fly him here. As the tigress also lived in these caves while the Guru meditated, the locals named it as ‘Taktsang’ which means ‘Tiger’s lair’.
Guru Padmasambhava was more popularly known as Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan and believed to have eight manifestations. Tiger’s Nest was one among the 13 caves that he meditated in, to cleanse the country of the demonic spirits and initiate the conversion of the Bhutanese to Buddhism.
Hiking to the Monastery
Adding to its historical and religious significance, the monastery is also a delight for adventurous souls as it requires a challenging trek. There are no roads that lead here and the only way to reach the monastery is by trekking uphill. However, for those who are unable to walk the entire way, there are horses that will carry you for certain distances.
The round-trip trek is about 7 km and will take around 2 hours each way. You will also need at least an hour at the monastery, so your overall visit here will take 5-7 hours.
Along the way, you will cross souvenir shops, cafes, Buddhist prayer wheels and prayer flags and amazing viewpoints. As you go higher, you will be able to get splendid views of the monastery, which seems carved out of the rocky mountain.
The trek is going to be a long one, so make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes and carry enough food and water. Though there are eateries along the way, they are quite expensive. The best time to start the trek is early morning between 6am to 8am, so that you can reach the top before it gets too hot.
The Monastery
Note that all visitors must be dressed appropriately. No mobile phones, cameras or any gadgets will be allowed inside. Visitors must not eat, make noise or touch any of the artefacts.
The monastery was built in the 17th century and contains four temples and eight caves. The walls of the temples are covered with murals of the Guru’s eight manifestations, the Guru’s disciples and various other deities with animal heads. There are multiple statues of Buddha, paintings of notable Buddhist monks and holy scriptures as well.
Deep inside the monastery, you will find Pelphu Lhakhang, the cave in which the Guru had meditated. Here you will find a statue of one of the Guru’s eight manifestations. Next, you can visit the Guru Sungjonma Lhakhang, which honours another manifestation called Pema Jungme.
All the temples and buildings within the complex are connected by narrow stairs or wooden bridges. It is truly remarkable how the monastery was skilfully constructed in such rocky terrain. From the monastery, you will have amazing views of the village below and the Paro valley. It is simply breathtaking.
Machig-phu Lhakhang
After you visit the Monastery, you can come back to the previous viewpoint and then follow a short trail which will take you to Machig-phu Lhakhang. This is considered an auspicious temple by the Bhutanese, where they come to pray for children. Those wishing for a boy can visit the cave with the penis print and the image of Machig Labdron, a Tibetan saint for a girl.
Why should you visit?
No trip to Bhutan is complete without visiting the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a stunning piece of architecture, religion and Bhutanese culture. It not only makes an exciting cultural trip but an amazing outdoor experience too.
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