Hiking to Bhutan's legendary Tiger’s Nest: The Hike that blessed my soul.
Image courtesy: Robert Gold(Bob)Hiking to Bhutan's legendary Tiger’s Nest: The Hike
that blessed my soul.
Taktsang Monastery is Bhutan’s
most iconic landmark and religious site. The word “Taktsang” literary means “The
Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the holiest sites in the kingdom of
Bhutan and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face. It is 3120 meters (10,240 ft.) above the sea level on the upper side of Paro valley,
Bhutan.
Tiger’s Nest is also a famous Asian Hiking spot and the cultural icon of Bhutan. It is also one of the most photograph structures in Bhutan. Your trip to Bhutan is incomplete if you have not visited Tiger’s Nest. The remote location of the monastery makes it beautiful and unique. It is only accessible by mountainous paths.
How to
Reach Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
Paro valley is the heart of Bhutan and the
Paro International airport is the only international airport in the country
which is located here.
View from the top: Paro valley
Brief History of Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang)
Taktsang Palphug Monastery or popularly known
as Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) is a Buddhist temple and it was first built-in
1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye at the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the
8th century AD. According to the legend, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a flying tigress to this site and meditated here for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3
hours in order to subdue evil demons in the valley. This is why the monastery got its popular name
– The Taktsang literally means “Tiger’s
Nest”. On April 19,1998, the Paro Taktsang caught fire and it was almost
completely burned down - and It was restored in the year 2005 by the Bhutan
king Jigmey Singey Wangchuk. I have observed that Paro Taktsang Monastery mainly
consists of the 4 main temples and several residential
shelters with the typical architectural
appearance of the traditional Buddhist monastery. All buildings were interconnected by
staircases with steps carved into the rock. The Monk in charge told me that
there are eight caves in the monastery. The cave where Guru Rinpoche is
believed to have first entered, on the back of the tiger, is known as “Tholu
Phuk” Phuk means Cave) and the one where he meditates is known as the “Pel
Phuk”. Monks of the monastery are supposed to live and practice their
meditation in these caves for 3 years. They are supposed to stay away from worldly life. History of Tiger's Nest and 8 Caves
Taktsang Hill view from the base
My
Journey to Paro Taktsang (Tiger Nest)
On 28th June 2019, We decided to explore popular towns like
Thimpu, Punakha, and Gangtey valley first and then Paro. We had designed our itinerary in such a way that we kept our most
exciting part of our trip at the end. That is exploring Paro and Hike to Tiger’s
Nest. The idea is that by the time when we finish exploring all the other
sites, we will be fully acclimatized. It is very important to acclimatize yourself
when you are visiting any high altitude place or climbing a mountain. If you fly
to Paro, it is not a good idea to visit Tiger’s Nest immediately. You need at
least one day to acclimatize yourself.
Hike start from here. Paro Taktsang Base: Parking Area
We finally reached the beautiful Paro Valley after successfully exploring other important towns. Paro is a beautiful valley and surrounded by lush green hills and rice fields, two prominent rivers flow through the valley Paro Chu and Wang Chu.
This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys
in the kingdom of Bhutan. There are many important old monasteries, Stupas and
Forts. This region contains one of
Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, Paro Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
Actual climb start from here
We explored the Paro valley on
the first day and took a good rest in the evening. We have planned to hike the
Tiger’s Nest following day.
Our driver warned us to sleep early so that we can start early for the main event the next day. I was pretty excited and but a bit nervous about my hiking partner because she is not a frequent hiker. However, I know that she is mentally prepared and fit as well. She is also a traveler. The big day has come finally, we woke up early morning around 5.30 and got ready. We just had a quick breakfast with our driver and moved out around 7.30 am. The driver took us through the beautiful valley along the river. We were so mesmerized by the beauty of the valley. The driver dropped us up to the base of the Tiger’s Nest which is around 6 miles away from Paro town. We have given an approximate return time. There is a small colorful souvenir market near the base. A washroom facility is also available. There are local made wooden trekking pole to sell or rent at the base which is very much useful when we climb uphill and also during descending. We rented two wooden poles by paying 50 ngultrums each (Bhutanese currency). Visitors also need to buy an entry ticket. The entry ticket or pass cost Ngultrums 500 per person (INR 500). Bit expensive. We hit the path finally after a few minutes of stretching and observing around. The trail was well marked throughout.
The initial trial was a bit easy and straight walk. After crossing the small stupa and a small water stream, the beautiful pine forest welcomes us. The trail gradually gains elevation and took us through the steep trail. Though the nature of the trail was very dusty, rocky, inclined, and zigzag yet it is very happening and pleasant. We maintained our slow pace initially. That was our strategy. After one hour of walk, my hiking partner started huffing and puffing a little bit. We paused for a short water break. We met one group of ladies, all were above 50. They motivated us and walked along with us for some time. We have to share the path with the local pilgrims and the horse. We took short breaks and kept sipping water to hydrate ourselves.
We proceed further and kept walking uphill hoping to reach the cafeteria soon. As we climb up the mountain face, the views are getting better which motivated us.
The trail is decorated with the bright and colorful Buddhist prayer flags flapping up in the wind that gave us welcome and spiritual feeling. Though the trail was very happening and pleasant, it requires continuous climb that becomes a bit challenging. Some sections are very steep. Finally, we reached a point, where we could see some views of Tiger Nest. Since the nature of the trail was zigzag the monastery view was on and off while ascending.
My curiosity increased when we start seeing the view. We started pestering people by asking for the distance of the Cafeteria. My partner was tired and become impatient. I tried my best to motivate and pushed her through. We were so happy when we saw the Cafeteria signboard, which means we were approaching near to Cafeteria. It also means that we have covered almost half the way. I can make sense that her legs are tired. However, we have no choice rather push ourselves further.
We reached the cafeteria finally and I was a bit relieved. It was a perfect place to refresh and refuel yourself. They served amazing coffee and traditional food Aema Dazing which is really required at that point in time. It is also a point where you can get a good view of Tiger’s Nest. You can capture some excellent pictures of Tiger’s Nest if you have a DSLR camera with a good zoom lens. I was told that many visitors return from this point. We had coffee and biscuits and rested for some time by enjoying the amazing view of Tiger’s Nest and the cliff. I was wondering how they have built this monastery on such a remote location which is beyond my understanding.
After a good rest, we were ready for the final Journey. We headed further with the same strategy-slow and steady. I was so happy that my partner could match with my steps and we made it up to the halfway through without any hiccups.
Beautiful Cafeteria halfway and a good view of Tiger Nest
The trail up to Cafeteria, it was very steep ascend and requires a strenuous climb. It really tests your endurance level. I found that the trail was a little better from the cafeteria till the Photo point. There were many smooth sections. We further walk for almost one hour to reach the Photo point. I was so excited that I could actually see the Tiger Nest closely. There are two-three photo point, where you can get the best view of Tiger’s Nest. It was amazing to see the Tiger’s Nest in front of us. There is a bit rush at these points. We have to be sensible and give others also the chance to take a picture. But our excitement and joy were short-lived when we realized that we are not yet there and have to first descend through long steps and again ascend a very steep and inclined stair which requires a strenuous climb.
After descending we had to walk across a small bridge. That section gave us a feeling of some wonderland when you see a beautiful waterfall from the hill which flows underneath the bridge and a small white shrine which is hidden inside the rock. After crossing the bridge comes the last leg of our journey, which is ascending the staircase up to the Monastery which is quite challenging. This is one of the points where your legs may stumble. There are more than 700 hundred steps from Photo Point to till Monastery entry.
Descending section: long steps from a Photo point
However, we managed to climb the stairs without much hassle but we had to pause twice to catch-up our breath. Finally, we reached the main gate of the monastery and had to remove our shoes which is a common practice to enter into any shrine and we also need to keep our cameras, Mobile, and all the other electronic gadgets in the lockers. Photography inside the monastery is not allowed. We entered into the Monasteries and explored various sections and offered my prayers and sought blessings.
700 steps and more
We took almost one hour to explore the most part of the monastery. We came out with a blessed soul. It was an amazing feeling. We then started looking around the surrounding areas. Breath-taking views from the top.
Without taking much time, we started our return journey. The return journey was all descending, we increased our pace and at the same time we were cautious about the slips and falls which can cause ankle sprains, finally, we touched the base after the long two hours of descending and the tiring walk, Imagine, our driver was waiting with a hot case of food for us, I was really touched by his kind gesture. Quickly we sat in the open space near the forest and enjoyed the meal. It was like a mini picnic as a celebration of our successful hike to Tiger’s Nest. On the way back to Paro, our driver suggested us to take a stone bath. A hot stone bath is a traditional Bhutanese bath that helps to rejuvenate our body and believed to have some medicinal benefits too. We thought that we should try because we are a bit tired and exhausted. It’s really good, it removed our fatigue. We woke up the next morning with nobody pain. I recommend you to try this after the Tiger Nest Hike. To know more about Stone Bath
the Tiger Nest Hike was a big TICK from my to-do list. Bhutan is one of the cleanest countries ever I visited in South Asia. If you are tired of city life and wish to spend some time living close to nature to rejuvenate yourself. Bhutan is the right place to go! It’s really beautiful, tranquil, and spiritual.
Mini Picnic after a good hike at the base
TIPS:
- Start your Hike early as possible so that you will get the liberty to walk at your pace and get plenty of time to explore the Monastery and soaked yourself in breath-taking views. Remember, you have to get back on time before it becomes dark. there aren’t many navigators to direct you and the souvenir stalls wind up for the day so no shopping.
- Best time to Visit Tiger Nest: October to December. Spring is also a nice and June 1st week is also fine for some extend. We visited on the 1st week of June. Avoid visiting in the rainy season and peak summer.
- Things to carry: A backpack with a good camera, money, some dry food, small juice packets, water bottle and Energy bar and Electral powder is a must,
- What to Wear: A good trekking shoe is a must. cap, a good Sunscreen lotion with min 50 SPF, windproof fleece jacket, Sunglass with UV ray proved. If you are visiting in October. If you are visiting from November to December, you need warm gloves. Instead of wearing a warm thick down /feather jacket, wear layers. Because you will sweat while ascending. It’s very cold in winter, especially in the morning and evening. The temperature goes down to minus in the winter.
- Carry a muscle spray.
- Rent the local wooden trekking pole: At the base, you can rent a local trekking pole for Nu. 50 that will help you with your climbing. It also helps while descending. The pole helps you to support your knee and ankle.
- Leave your trail not trash. In Buddhist, we consider littering the holy place is a sin.
- Respect the culture and heritage of the country.
- Be sensible while interacting with the locals. They are very warm and friendly people.
- Don’t keep your Tiger’s Nest visit for the last day of your trip. The weather in Bhutan is very unpredictable. Keep one extra day if possible.
- You have to acclimatize yourself before you hike the Tiger’s Nest.
- Temple opening time is from 8 am to 5 pm. The temple remains closed from 1pm to 2 pm for lunch. It is advisable to try and reach before lunch.
- The temple follows a strict dress code. Both men and women are advised to wear full-sleeved shirts/tops and pants that cover your legs. This applies to all the important monasteries, Dzong (Forts), Museums, monuments in Bhutan.
- It is almost a whole day program. It takes 3 hours up to the top depends on your pace. Some may take only 2 hours. One hour to explore Monastery and two hours for the descent.
- There is a beautiful Cafeteria halfway through. It is a good place to rest and take a few shots of Tiger Nest Pictures. They serve good Coffee and meals as well.
- Fitness requirement: Anyone of average fitness can complete this hike. Start early and take your time to climb.
- Indian nationalities: You do not need to apply for VISA. All you need is to get the entry permit at Phuntsholing Bhutan embassy or at Paro airport. They give entry permit on the spot based on the valid Identify Card: Election card, Adhaar Card, or Passport.
- Foreign nationalities have to apply for VISA through recognized Tours organizer.
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