Taktsang Monastery

Also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, it is one of the most sacred religious sites in Bhutan. Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as Guru Rinpoche visited and sanctified Bhutan in the 8th century when evil spirits abounded and harmed people. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a tigress’ back to subdue a local demon (turning it into one of his eight manifestations). Thereafter, it is known that he meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours. It hangs on a cliff and stands above a beautiful forest of blue pines and rhododendrons. The monastery is across the rocky valley, and it is connected by approximately 700 stone steps from the highest point of the trail. It is the best place to enjoy the stunning vista of the monastery and cliff, and all the fresh air. Also, it offers the best view of Paro Valley. In 1998, a fire destroyed the main structure and all its contents. Previously, it had also suffered a fire in 1951. It was reconstructed in April 2000.There is a wooden tea house and also restaurant/cafeteria halfway to the monastery should anyone need a meal break or a cup of tea. The second part is mainly flights of stairs, so climb up and down at your own pace.

Paro is a beautiful valley with a small town in Western Bhutan. The valley encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. Paro is also one of the most fertile valley in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Paro is drained by Pa Chhu, the source of which is from the snow capped Mount Jomolhari (7,314m). Bhutan’s only International Airport in also located in this beautiful valley.