Tiger’s Nest is the popular name for the Taktsang Palphug Monastery located about 10Kms north of the Paro Valley– and perhaps the most iconic destination in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The monastery hangs very precipitously on a cliff at 3,120 metres (10,240 ft), about 900 metres (3,000 ft) above the Paro valley.
Though it looks very formidable, the monastery complex has trails from several directions, such as the northwest path through the forest, from the south along the path used by devotees, and from the north over the rocky plateau known as Bumdra or the “Hundred Thousand Fairies.” This is not only the best known sight of Bhutan, but it is also one of the holiest. Legend says that the Precious Teacher, Guru Rimpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) came from Tibet on the back of a flying tigress and landed at the very spot where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Virtually clinging to a cliff, it is a place of pilgrimage which all Bhutanese try to visit at least once in their lifetimes.
Your trekking adventure will start with a few days of exploration in around the Paro Valley before trekking up the cliffside to the Tiger’s Nest… and then it is beyond this iconic temple...As you leave behind the Tiger’s Nest, you will soon reach into the freshest mountain meadows with great views of the snowy Himalayan mountains– including glorious views of the sacred mountain Chomolhari. Then it is across mountainous ravines and gorges to Bumdra– site of the footprints of hundred thousand fairies.
Your trekking adventure ends on the third day as you start your down hill hike from Sangchoekhor monastery from where one gets afantastic view of almost the entire Paro Valley. Upon your completion of your trekking, you will next discover the mountain-rimmed capital town of Thimphu…. enjoy its interesting streets and the marketplace.. a day excursion to Punakha, the ancient capital in Central Bhutan, before returning back to Paro for your flight out. While the kingdom has some of the best trekking routes and trails in the Himalayas ranging from just over a week to a maximum of 30days on the wilderness Snowman trek, however, for those with limited time and budget this is one of the best option that combines a trekking adventure and a cultural exploration. Our Tiger’s Nest trek is perfect if you have only a week and want to spend few days immersed in wild high countryside, wilderness beauty and the mighty Himalayas in a kingdom with low impact and an absolutely –sometimes challenging– wonderful experience.
