Tiger Nest Monastery – Wonder of Bhutan

Tiger Nest Monastery, or Paro Taktsang, is quite possibly one of the most precious wonders of Bhutan. It lies above some tremendous cliffs of the spiritual country. Besides being a total fascination for the onlookers, Tiger Nest Monastery is also a perfect end location for just about any trekker or traveler who would want to explore how it feels to be at the top of what may seem like a dangerous cliff and still have an equally spiritual and religious discovery of Buddhism.

Tiger Nest Monastery is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience the best of both worlds, including a thrilling adventure and a similarly religious pilgrimage.

Unlike many challenging adventures where you can get the same amount of aspects to explore and go through, this journey will be much easier and less time-consuming. Therefore, you get more in less in every possible way. Amidst the clouds and the heavenly feeling of the Bhutanese region, there is nothing that you cannot appreciate about going to the Tiger Nest Monastery.

Read to the end of this article to learn more about the monastery and its true masterpiece, which you should marvel at if you ever visit Bhutan!

Where is the Tiger Nest Monastery in Bhutan?

The Tiger Nest Monastery in Bhutan is located on the cliff of Upper Paro. The monastery might also seem to be situated in an odd place, and many travelers might face intimidation due to the same. However, it has been there for centuries, and there have been many changes in the sacred landmark from its formation.

This monastery is also known as a holy Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site. According to beliefs, the Tiger Nest Monastery in Paro is among the thirteen in ancient Tibet. Hence, the Bhutanese people and those from Tibet find significance in the site. It would not be wrong to consider the monastery one that visitors worldwide have cherished because of its magnificent appearance and religious importance in the history of Buddhism.

Moreover, the Tiger Nest Monastery is also one of the few places where Padmasambhava is practiced and Vajrayana is taught. Padmasambhava has consistently been credited for introducing Vajrayana to Bhutan. The location where the monastery resides today is best known among people worldwide as one where great monk Guru Padmasambhava, equivalent to the deity since Bhutan had been a part of ancient Tibet, had once meditated. Additionally, Taktsang or tiger lair, who happened to be the 13 of Guru Padmasambava’sh disciples, are also said to have meditated in the same place.

The monastery had not always existed. After knowing that all incidents had occurred in the same place in ancient times, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye finally built the ever-elegant and unique-looking monastery in 1692.

What you should know about the make of Tiger Nest Monastery

The Tiger Nest Monastery became popular at the earliest time ever since Gyawasin Rabgye had built it. And, as evident as it may seem to every onlooker today, the monastery was quite challenging to make given its location. Building a humongous monastery on a cliff had never been easy, and it took the blood and sweat of several laborers back in the day. Also, since it was impossible to carry a single material required to build the monastery through a source of commuting since it had been built on an ascending cliff, every element of the sacred site was carried by the workers who either did so with the help of mules or by foot itself.

The monastery required a lot of work and time. Despite the laborers’ first and most appreciable work to bring it to life, sustaining it for a long time wasn’t easy. The sacred building has been destroyed several times due to various external circumstances. Sometimes, the reason for destruction has been war, earthquake, or even fire.

The monastery remained closed for a few years after it caught fire in 1998. It was finally opened to visitors again in 2005. There had been many efforts of different religious people and residents of Bhutan, along with his royal highness, the 4th King of Bhutan, who had contributed to rebuilding the monastery and making it accessible to visitors again.

The people’s faith and devotion to restoring and sustaining the holiness and religious element of the place were the most significant reasons so many contributions and efforts were made to rebuild and reopen the monastery despite all that had happened since it was first built.

The most recent destruction took much care and funding from and outside the Royal family to bring it back to how it had been. The Tiger Nest Monastery, therefore, plays a significant role in the existence of religion in Bhutan.

History behind the formation of Tiger Nest Monastery

The Tiger Nest Monastery was not built without a good backstory. There have been many interpretations of the monastery’s formation on the surface. However, one that every other story revolves around is the inevitable fact that one of the most well-considered Guru Rinpoche, Guru Padmasambhava, had ridden in the back of a tiger to meditate on the location. It is said that he meditated in the monastery continuously for three months. The Namthar of the Lhakhang suggests that the deity-like being had come to the location from Singye Dzong.

The motive of doing so has also been said to be to tame the Tiger demon.

Another legend suggests that the tigress who carried Guru Padmasambhava on her back was the former wife of a wealthy emperor who had transformed herself into one to aid the Rinpoche. She also happened to have left her former royal life to become a disciple of the Guru. The journey started from Tibet and went to the present location of Taktsang. The Guru settled there for meditation and emerged into eight manifestations before converting the place into a sacred one.

The legend of Paro Taktsang does not end here. The one who built the monastery is considered a rebirth of Guru Padmasambhava. There had been several pieces of evidence that had proved he could be so. This evidence was unreal and unbelievable for those who had witnessed it.

Not only did the people close to Tenzin Rabgye admit to all that had happened to prove the rebirth, but the authors throughout history had been very vocal and insistent on the same. Concerning the stories, Tenzin Rabgye was seen out and in the cave while also sufficing a minimal amount of food for all who had visited the location. Despite the dangerous nature of the monastery, no one was injured while making or visiting it.

Many instances could not be overlooked, from the shower of flowers that disappeared in thin air to different symbols that suddenly emerged in the Paro Valley sky. All these incidents served as evidence to prove further that the monastery builder is, in fact, a reincarnation of the one who had set the foundation of religion in Paro Taktsang.

All about the Tiger Nest Monastery in the current time

The modern-day Paro Taktsang is not the one that Tenzin Rabgye made. In the 17th century, Tertön Pema Lingpa of Bumthang, famous for creating many other monasteries in Bhutan, built the monastery.

Besides the already present religious and spiritual importance that the monastery held, Lingpa is also responsible for having brought about a newfound concept of religion and a unique form of dance based on the idea of Zandog Pelri, which is also known as the abode of the great Guru Rinpoche himself ever since the dance has been performed at the Tsche festival once every year in Paro.

After Bhutan won the war against Tibet, the wish of the Drukpa sect’s Ngawang Namgyal to build the temple in Taktsang was not fulfilled until his only successor, Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgye, laid the foundation of the present monastery. Knowing the place’s history, the monastery could not have been left without a dedicated tribute to Guru Padmasambhava, and Tenzin Rabgye made this decision.

Many centuries have passed after the incident of Guru Padmasambhava and even the formation of the Tiger Nest Monastery of Paro Taktsang. While many changes have been made over the years in the monastery, many more aspects have remained the same, including the significance of the location in Buddhism and for those from Tibet and Bhutan.

A strong sense of ownership towards one’s religion and location has made it possible to keep the significance of the place alive to this day. As a result, not just the locals who find much importance in the elegant building, but every visitor, regardless of where they come from.

Recent-most tragedy of Tiger Nest Monastery

Talking about the present-day monastery can never leave out the tragedy of 2005 when it was set on fire. The fire was accidental, caused by either a short circuit or an unnoticed flame spreading from the lamps inside the monastery. The monastery’s main building perished, which included many artifacts, paintings, and religious elements. Unfortunately, one of the monks from the monastery succumbed to the accident.

The King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and the Government of Bhutan made necessary changes to restore the monastery, which was finally completed by 2005. After the restoration, the sacred building is still open for visitors. The cost of repair is estimated to have been around 135 million ngultrum.

Trekking to the Tiger Nest Monastery

Since the Tiger Nest Monastery or Paro Taktsang is located on cliffs and far from the urban area, visitors can trek to the location. Among all the places you can visit in Bhutan, the Tiger Nest Monastery will keep you hooked and allow you to indulge in the adventure like no other. Trekking to the location may seem complicated, given you have seen several pictures of the monastery beforehand. But this does not mean that your trek is going to be closely as tough.

You won’t have difficulty climbing the cliff trail to the religious building since it is modern and accustomed to welcoming every type of visitor. The monastery’s surroundings may seem close to a dream since they are full of greenery. There is only a single monastery amongst the green hills, which enhances the beauty and uniqueness of the location altogether. It might even be fair to say that there is no other location like this throughout Bhutan and the world.

There are many things that you need to keep in mind when you are trekking to Paro Taktsang. You can go through the trekking trails after taking a road drive within 20 to 30 minutes from when you start. You will be moving through the stunning Druk Path, which will prove to be a thrilling experience.

The path you take will include every aspect of the history of Bhutanese culture and religion, as well as their rich history. Though it may seem complicated, the hike does not take more than two to three hours to complete one round. Suppose you are, however, a professional hiker who has been to several expeditions as such before. In that case, you can complete the hike within one to two hours, given you have better stamina and experience with growing heights.

Additionally, you will notice that half of your trek has been completed when you stop at the Cafeteria. You can rest there and enjoy food and drinks while relaxing and acknowledging the journey. Going back and forth is likely to take around 5 hours in total.

While we have mentioned that you won’t see a lot besides green hills, it is for a fact that you will come through a pathway ascending upwards that is covered with prayer flags that never seem to have an ending. Before finally reaching the sacred monastery, you must cover at least 800 stone steps. The view as you keep moving forward is highly aesthetic and refreshing.

During the fall, the Tiger Nest Monastery is open from 8 am-1 pm and 2 pm-5 pm; during springtime, it remains open till 6 pm. Besides trekking there, you can also experience horseback riding near the monastery. You can access the location through the car parking area. If you spend some time riding the horse, it will take you a while, depending on how long you spend there. If you only go there for a visit, though, it will take around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the monastery.

How are the trekking trails to the Tiger Nest Monastery?

A significant concern for many trekkers is that they have no idea what the trekking trail is like. Based on popular beliefs among those who have not visited the place, it can be assumed that the trek will be challenging. But contrary to such beliefs, even a beginner with no experience in trekking can quickly complete the journey back and forth in the time that has been predicted, i.e., around 5 hours.

The trails are mildly tiring since it takes lots of walking upwards, but the nature of the surroundings will most definitely keep your mind occupied. The air around the monastery and its trail is chill because the excessive trees protect the hikers from excessive heat. The pine forests are another fantastic attraction you will see when you’re on your way. Also, during your trek, it might be the first time you will see prayer wheels operating with the aid of water.

At 3,140 m, you will finally see the view to die for! It is an absolute marvel, including a close view of the monastery. There are walkways or bridges connecting one end to the other, which only adds to the aesthetic factor of the place.

The connections will take you from one temple to another since the monastery is a composite of these four buildings. The architecture and the art forms that you will see when you’re in the temples will make you become the master of Bhutanese and Buddhist artworks.

Who should visit Tiger Nest Monastery?

Contrary to the beliefs that may exist in the minds of many, the Tiger Nest Monastery can be visited by just about anyone. It is a thing of concern for one whatsoever that if you are visiting
the monastery, you also have to know who is interested in the visit or trek.

The following are precisely those who would love a visit to the monastery:
● Anyone who loves nature should not miss out on the fantastic trails that are incredibly green and refreshing. You will find yourself out of the daily and burdening chores of the urban lifestyle when you go to the monastery.
● A trekking enthusiast should make their visit to the Tiger Nest Monastery. This journey will keep them occupied through relatively easy trails and give them an equal chance of adventurous exploration. The aesthetics of both the end destination and the trails from the point of view of a trekker are mindblowing.

● Pilgrims who want to explore the place’s history and spirited religious meaning must visit the Paro Taktsang. Doing this will help them experience the beauty of a simple building with such rich religious significance. One may also feel a robust sacred aura in and around the monastery.

What are the things to remember when trekking to the Tiger Nest Monastery?

When trekking to Tiger Nest Monastery, you must remain respectful and remember a few things to keep yourself and those around you at ease. Since the monastery is a very religious place and is one of the most respected locations in Bhutan, you need to keep some rules for yourself while also following the laws already set.

The following are some things to remember during your visit or trek:

Dress code

Bhutanese people believe in remaining conservative in sacred places as a form of respect. While you need to wear trekking outfits during the journey, make sure that you keep yourself covered and modest. Doing this will save you from a lot of guilt that may follow if you don’t give as much consideration to your clothes.

Consider hiring mules or horses.

Trekking to a location like Tiger Nest Monastery is not easy at all. It takes you lots of effort, and your load, regardless of how light it may be when you start, will burden you until you reach halfway through the trail. Therefore, you always have the option to consider taking along horses or mules for the same purpose. Doing this will not only help you ease a lot of physical burden, but it will also help you trek without any load while also getting a chance to do an authentic Bhutanese trek.

Hire a guide

When you go to Paro Taktsang, you must hire a guide, especially if you have not been there before. The trails are not easy when you don’t know where to head next or which way is the most convenient. Trekkers should never mindlessly make a journey without the guidance of someone who knows exactly how to make the journey as best as possible and easy to complete. Guides will also help you learn many facts about the monastery, making your trek educational.

Prepare physically and mentally for the hike.

While this trek will be much easier than many other treks you might take, you must be mindful of how you can make this hike the best you will be taking in a while. Preparing yourself both physically and mentally for the hike is crucial. Go on walks and train yourself physically to avoid respiratory issues or muscle cramps in the long run.

Practicing aerobics, cardio, and stretching your muscles now and then in the week before your trek will be helpful. Similarly, it would help if you decided the trek would be challenging, but you would complete it with perseverance and hard work. Lastly, remind yourself that you will enjoy the trek to the fullest!

Rest properly

Rest is necessary before, during, and after your trek. Though there has always been a specific time set as the duration of the Tiger Nest Monastery trek, this does not entirely mean you must rush through the trails. Taking it slow guarantees success as well. When you rest properly, it will be easier to push your limits eventually. But then again, any trekker who would force through the trails may not find it simple to complete the trek. It takes much ease of the body and mind to complete this trek. Be mindful about not stressing your body too much.

Hydration

Trekkers cannot easily hike to Paro Taktsang if they do not adequately hydrate their bodies. When they drink adequate water, they also get energized accordingly. Hence, carrying a water bottle and keeping a good amount of water-purifying tablets with you is equally important.

Seek permission for photography.

You can usually take pictures in and around the Tiger Nest Monastery. However, visitors and trekkers are always recommended to remain as respectful as possible to the monastery and its monks. Asking politely whether you can do the same will work as good merit on your behalf.

Stop if necessary

Climbing upwards can be more complex than moving downwards. Trekkers need to be mindful about stopping when necessary. Keeping your pace up without considering your health can be a significant downside for any trekker. Health always comes first. So, stop as and when necessary and descend.

Respect for environment

When trekking to a sacred place like Paro Taktsang, respecting the environment that guides you through your spiritual and religious journey is necessary. Keeping the wasteful packets of your food or any other premade items, avoiding picking any flowers or plants, or simply being nonchalant about the surroundings will lead your journey to no meaning. A trekker who keeps his environment clean, especially during a religious trip or a pilgrim like this, will get the fullest possible satisfaction.

Things to wear or carry during the Tiger Nest Monastery trek

Every trekking journey requires certain things to remain comfortable. Things you have during your trek will make the entire trip more accessible. Similarly, it is just as important to remember that carrying too much or too little can be a problem. Therefore, you should only have those things you will need, but also be sure to have everything you need.

The following is a list of gear, clothing pieces, and other miscellaneous things you will need during your trek:

● Down jacket
● Light thermal tops and bottoms
● Gloves, beanies, etc. (depending on which season you are trekking)
● Sunhats
● Comfortable and stretchable pants that are water-resistant
● Durable hiking boots
● Sneakers
● Sunscreen
● Hand sanitizer
● Wet towels
● Small snacks
● Water bottle
● Water purifier
● Medicines and first aid kit
● Camera
● Extra money
● Trekking poles (depending on your trekking capacity)

Trekkers are optional to carry any more gear. However, it is always suggested not to miss anything mentioned above while trekking to Paro Taktsang.

It is the best time of the year to visit the Tiger Nest Monastery.

It can often be challenging to decide the best time of the year to visit the Tiger Nest Monastery. There sure are both the best and worst times that you need to consider during the trek. Making plans beforehand is essential, but being wise and knowledgeable about the same is just as necessary. Though the monastery is not situated at an extremely high altitude and has a relatively easy pathway, you should choose either spring or fall to make the trek.

The weather is quite bright in spring and fall, and you won’t have to suffer from extreme weather conditions. You will also get a perfect view of the hills when you trek there during these two seasons. And, there is always a better chance of avoiding any dangers due to fogged air, which may be possible during winter.

The air is just as pleasant for trekking. The trails are as clean as can be. Additionally, you won’t have to carry too much when trekking in both these seasons because carrying a fixed amount of valuable items will do the work for you! Trekkers also get a better chance at finding fellow trekkers on the trek, initiating friendly conversations, and building connections during the peak trekking months.

Coming to the least preferable times of the year, you should avoid trekking during peak summer and winter. The weather plays a significant factor in causing difficulties among the trekkers. When it is too hot, you may find yourself panting on the trail itself, and there will be many more ways to cover it, even while it is happening. Similarly, the scorching sun will make the journey all the more tiring. In winter, the extreme cold will force you to make heavy layers of clothes while keeping the air foggy.

The chilly season does not quite work in the favor of the trekkers. Monsoons are just as deficient a choice when it comes to treks. Slippery trails and the inability of trekkers to see through the rain are significant disadvantages.

Fitness level required for Tiger Nest Monastery trek

Trekkers are often concerned about their fitness levels on the Tiger Nest Monastery trek. They should be as fit as possible, given that the trek is not easy and cannot be accomplished with those with severe physical conditions. If you suffer from respiratory issues or cannot handle much physical stress, it is always wise to avoid trekking to the Tiger Nest Monastery.

Similarly, suppose you want to succeed on the trek without any issues, given that you also have decent physical fitness. In that case, you can train appropriately through different physical training activities before you get started.

Many activities, from muscle training to strength building, will prepare your physique for the journey ahead. Furthermore, you don’t need prior experience hiking to locations. Determining to climb to a certain height while keeping your body fit is perfect for this trek. Anyone, regardless of whether they are a beginner at trekking or not, will be able to complete the journey in and around the time that has been set.

Hiking on a horse to Tiger Nest Monastery

When hiking to Tiger Nest Monastery, many are looking for ways to make the journey as seamless and as least tiring as possible. This has led many trekkers to hire horses to give them rides on their backs. Though comforting to an extent, not every hiker should consider hiking on a horse for several reasons, including a shallow humanistic approach and lack of authentic hiking experience.

However, you are free to hire one to avoid hiking as much. Many trekkers tend to associate the need to hike to the monastery on a horse’s back as a motive to save both their time and effort. You will have to pay a certain amount for the horseback ride and then proceed towards the journey as usual. Remembering that ascending to the monastery is possible while riding a horse is just as necessary. But you cannot do the same when you are descending. Therefore, you will have to return by foot.

Considerations for horse riding to Tiger Nest Monastery

Riding on the back of the horse can make your hike easy, but it can be just as dangerous as well. The horses and the donkeys around sure are trained to ascend to the monastery throughout the years. However, they are just as habituated to moving forward by the cliff’s edges. More often than not, these animals don’t walk from the middle. The trekkers who make their way to the sacred building are made to move aside, and, in turn, trekkers, in general, also have to feed on the dust through the horse’s hooves.

Similarly, since you are hiring the horse for a single hike, all the horses will have masters who remain upright with them. However, having an animal carry you through the trails may not guarantee safety as much as you would want to be guaranteed because they may have their own animal instincts and uncontrollable tendencies.

Spiritual belief of horse riding to Paro Taktsang

In Bhutan, there is a belief that when you ride on the back of a horse while hiking to the monastery, you burden the animal for your convenience. You are, hence, splitting the merit of the animal. If you hike on foot, you keep your good merits to yourself. Not everyone follows the spiritual belief as they seek convenience and for the trek to complete faster. There is also a group of trekkers who believe in the strength of karma. These are usually the trekkers who will avoid horse riding and carry their journey on foot.

Do you require an entrance fee to go to the Tiger Nest Monastery?

Bhutan’s visa policy was recently revised in 2023. Since March 2023, any adult trekker or visitor attending the Tiger Nest Monastery must pay 1,000 Nu. Additionally, concerning the Bhutanese Lunar Calendar, there are specific dates on which only Bhutanese people can go to the monastery. These dates will restrict any outside visitor in and around the holy location.

Conclusion

The Tiger Nest Monastery, or Paro Taktsang, is a popular destination for trekkers and pilgrims worldwide. Having a vibrant history that has and will always have significance in the history books and sacred texts, it is with great care that the locals and the monks in the monastery have been able to preserve what had long ago taken place. The Bhutanese and Tibetan people were the only ones with strong beliefs about the monastery several years ago. With the increase in treks and pilgrimage, however, the popularity and significance of the location have become widespread globally.