Location: It is located in the taktsang trail BT, Taktsang trail in Bhutan.
Height: 10400 feet
Difficulty to reach: Paro Taktsang is located in the lap of the mountains, it's difficulty level is moderate but even if it looks difficult, it is worth the effort. The spectacular view and the beautiful mountains would be worth the difficulty.
Prayer timings: Morning at 5:30 AM, afternoon 12 Noon and 3:00 PM and in evening 7:00 PM.
Average temperature: The average temperature is -9° to 9°in winters and 15° to 20° in summers.
Duration required: It takes almost 2-3 hours to reach there and you need to stay there for almost an hour, so 6-7 hours would be required for an amazing trip.
Distance from nearest airport: The nearest airport is Paro (PBH) almost 6 kilometers away from Paro valley and takes almost 20-25 minutes to reach Paro valley.
Trek Route to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
The hike up the Paro Taktsang begins with the base of the mountains, which is a diet trail filled with rocks, gravel and sand patches along the way.
The people who cannot climb, there are horses to take them to the top.
There is a cafeteria in between, where you can sit, relax and have something to eat to gain energy for the remaining route. Also, this point is very beautiful to see the clear sky and click pictures.
The remaining half route is a bit easier and less intense than the first. Moreover, there is a beautiful photography point from where you can see the monastery and click beautiful pictures. Then there are stone stairs to climb, then a bridge and then more stairs to reach the final destination.
Things to Carry while Visiting Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
-Carry a jacket or a layer to stay warm if you feel cold.
-Water bottles are required to stay hydrated.
-Take some snacks to eat or stop at the cafeteria to get some energy for the trek.
-You can also carry a hiking stick which would be helpful throughout the trek.
-Carrying some energy bars would be good to get energy while trekking as it is a long route.
-Carrying a raincoat would help you to be on the safer side as the place receives frequent rains.
Uniqueness of Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
Paro Taktsang is the heart of Bhutan, and is located 10,400 feet high at a very remote and wonderful location in the lap of mountains. The views of the surrounding mountains and the natural beauty makes it a splendid experience for the visitors.
The interior design has a magnificent beauty with the glistering lights, golden dome and golden idols make its interior even more amazing. A large statue of a tiger is located in the hall of thousand Buddhas, which is carved into the rock, all the buildings are interconnected by stairs carved on the rocks.
The remote location and the natural beauty around Paro Taktsang and the mountains and the interior of Paro Taktsang and the difficulty to reach the location which is worth the efforts, makes it a unique and amazing place.
History of Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
In the 8th century, when the Indian Guru Padmasambhava, who believed to have introduced Buddhism in Bhutan, meditated around Senge Samdup Cave, Paro Taktsang. It got the popular name, Tiger’s nest because it was believed that he was transferred to the cave on the back of a tigress. Here the Guru meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours. From the 8th century onwards, the Buddhist monks visited here and it became the holy shrine.
In the 17th century, Nagwand Namgyal, who belonged to the unifier of Bhutan as a Nation State, gave the idea of building the monastery near the holy caves. At the end of the 17th century,i n 1692, the monastery was built by Bhutan’s leader at that time, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye.
Places to Stay Near Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
There are numerous resorts and hotels to stay near Paro Taktsang, the closest and beautiful places are:
1. Tiger’s nest resort: A comfortable resort with 36 luxurious rooms and beautiful bhutanese carved design, stone pathway, slate rooms and oak floor and staircase with luxurious bathrooms, wifi, lounge and bar which facilitates all the luxury and ease to the visitors.
2. Kichu resort: The comfortable resort which provides best rooms, restaurants serving amazing cuisines, bar and spa and a garden with natural beauty around and all the facilities to relax and enjoy the trip to the fullest.
3. Taj Tashi: It is a royal hotel with a blend of the traditional and modern facilities to relax and be comfortable in the hotel after a tiring trip. The hotel with 66 rooms provides all the facilities like wifi, swimming pool, bar, free parking a lot more.
Places to Eat in or near Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
1. Taktsang cafeteria: The Taktsang cafeteria which is located at the trekking route to paro taktsang offers delicious food to the visitors to get energy while trekking to paro taktsang. The visitors enjoy a yummy meal and drinks along with getting relaxed and taking a break from the trek.
2. Champaca cafe: This cafe offers finger licking asian cuisine, pizza, contemporary food and coffee with vegetarian and vegan friendly food options.
3. Park 76 cafe and club: Offering a variety of asian cuisine, coffee and alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, the place has a good seating arrangement along with live music.
4. Mountain cafe: Mountain cafe offers a huge variety of fast food, pizza, coffee and other beverages which are available in gluten free, vegan and vegetarian friendly delicious options.
Travellers Tips to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
1. Even if the weather is cold, trekking will make you feel hot, so wearing light clothes will make you feel comfortable.
2. Your bags would be kept in lockers and phones and cameras are not allowed at the monastery, but your safety is in your hands so keep them in a safe place.
3. Make sure you stay hydrated during the trip as you have to do a long trek for which you need energy and proper hydration.
4. Wear your comfortable shoes and clothes to be comfortable and enjoy the trip without any hustle.
5. If you are allergic to dust, make sure to keep a scarf as there might be dust in the air due to people or horses around.
