Tiger’s Nest

The other big reason we wanted to come to Bhutan was to visit a place called the Tiger’s Nest. It’s real name is the Taktsang Palphug Monastery.

It was built in 1692 on the side of a mountain at an elevation of 10,000 feet and is known as a the place where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. This makes it a very important and sacred place in Bhutan.

The hike to the Tiger’s Nest begins at an elevation of 7,000 feet and over the next three kilometers rises to its final elevation. Not being hikers or climbers we were always afraid of not being able to make the climb. We rented our walking sticks and set off on our climb with Ello (yes, he was our guide here too!)

Turns out I couldn’t do it and had to turn around after about getting 20% of the way up – it was just too steep for me. But Jeffrey made it all the way to the top and was rewarded with amazing views like this:

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The climb up took about 3 1/2 hours and at that point you’re presented with the final ascent on 700 stairs to get to the monastery. Unfortunately you can’t take pictures from inside but Jeffrey describes it as a magical experience. Monks were chanting and burning incense and the serenity and solace you felt inside were plapable.

The return trip to the base took about 1 1/2 hours after which Jeffrey collapsed in a heap. Just being able to see the Tiger’s Nest in person was a highlight of this trip. That’s two wonderful experiences we’ve had in Bhutan.

Sadly tomorrow we leave Bhutan. It’s been a memorable stop on this trip and a place we’ll never forget.