Tiger Nest Temple
Paro Taktsang (Dzongkha: སྤ་གྲོ་སྟག་ཚང་, also known as the Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger’s Nest) is a sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site. It is located on the cliffside of the upper Paro Valley in Bhutan. It is one of thirteen Tiger’s Nest caves in historical Tibet in which Padmasambhava practised and taught Vajrayana.
A later monastery complex was built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave. Guru Padmasambhava meditated and practised with students including Yeshe Tsogyal before departing the kingdom of Tibet in the early 9th century. Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan. This was then part of Tibet and is the tutelary deity of the country. Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen Taktsang or “tiger lair” caves in which he and his students meditated.
The shrine dedicated to Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Tshan-brgyad Lhakhang or “the Shrine of the Guru with Eight Names”, refers to Padmasambhava’s Eight Manifestations and is an elegant structure built around the cave in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. It has become the cultural icon of Bhutan. A popular festival, known as the Tsechu. It is held in honour of Padmasambhava, is celebrated in the Paro Valley sometime during March or April
History of Tiger Nest Temple
According to the Namthar of the Lhakhang (related to this Taktsang or Tak-Tsang(which in the Tibetan language means “Tiger’s lair”, it is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this location from Singye Dzong on the back of a tigress. This place was consecrated to tame the Tiger demon.
An alternative legend holds that a former wife of an emperor willingly became a disciple of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in Tibet. She transformed herself into a tigress. She carried the Guru on her back from Tibet to the present location of the Taktsang in Bhutan. In one of the caves here, the Guru then performed meditation and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) and the place became holy. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the “Tiger’s Nest”.
The popular legend of the Taktsang monastery is further embellished with the story of Tenzin Rabgye, who built the temple here in 1692. It has been mentioned by authors that the 8th-century guru Padmasambhava had reincarnated again in the form of Tenzin Rabgye. The corroborative proofs mooted are: that Tenzin Rabgye was seen (by his friends) concurrently inside and outside his cave; even a small quantity of food was adequate to feed all visitors; no one was injured during worship (despite the approach track to the monastery being dangerous and slippery); and the people of the Paro valley saw in the sky various animal forms and religious symbols including a shower of flowers that appeared and also vanished in the air without touching the earth.
Location of Tiger Nest Temple
The hike is located in the Paro Valley, Bhutan. Paro is a town in western Bhutan, and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is situated on the edge of a cliff in the upper part of the valley. Approximately 900M above Paro Valley.
Hike Difficulty for Tiger Nest Temple
Depending on your fitness level, the hike is moderately challenging. The trail is approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) long. It involves a steep ascent with a total elevation gain of around 900 meters (2,950 feet).
Trail Description
The trail starts from the base of the mountain, where there is a parking lot and a cafeteria. From there, you’ll begin the uphill climb through a pine forest. The path is well-maintained and marked, with occasional viewpoints where you can rest and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding valley.
After hiking for a while, you’ll reach a viewpoint called “Taktsang Cafeteria,”. The place offers a panoramic view of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery across the gorge. From there, you’ll descend a bit and then climb up again to reach the monastery. The final section involves climbing a flight of stairs carved into the cliffside.
Tips to Hike Tiger Nest Temple
- Wear comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be steep and uneven.
- Carry enough water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized.
- Dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly in the mountains.
- Start the hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and to have enough time to explore the monastery.
- If you have one, follow your guide’s instructions, and take breaks whenever needed.
- Respect the religious significance of the monastery and adhere to any guidelines or rules provided.
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Notification from the Department of Tourism for Tiger Nest Hike
The ticket counter timing for visiting Tiger Nest temple is from 6 AM to 1 PM. Please be informed that all tourists must purchase tickets from the Ramthangka ticket Counter (Car Parking). They should carry hard-copy tickets with them when hiking to the Monastery.
Ticket Counter Official name and Mobile Number for contacts.
- Name: Miss Sangay Dema Phone +975 77618521
- Name: Dechen Wangmo, MObile Number +975 17528056
- Ticket Cost $ 12 per person for foreigners and INR 1200 for Indian national
Frequently Asked Question
How long is the Hike to Tiger Nest Temple?
The hike takes between 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace. Some parts are quite steep so go slow and be sure of your footing. When you make the return trip downhill which can be quite slippery. The hike is about 6 km (4 miles) in length, and it is a round trip.
Can you enter inside the Tiger Nest Temple?
You cross a bridge covered in prayer flags and then make a slightly strenuous climb up to the monastery. Once at the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, your guide will take you on a tour of the temples. Backpacks, photography equipment, and shoes are not allowed inside of the monastery.
How high is the Tiger Nest Temple?
Enjoy the hike! Tigers’s Nest Temple clings to the rock towering 800 meters (over 2,600 feet) above the valley, and is located 2,950 meters (9,678 feet) above the sea level. It takes about 2-hour walk to reach the monastery from the road at Ramthangkha, 12 kilometres from Paro town.
Why is Paro Taktsang famous?
It is situated on a ledge halfway up the cliff face of the mountain overlooking the Paro Valley. Paro Taktsang is famous for its very exclusive position which is unlike any other monastery all over the world.
