Tiger’s Nest Bhutan Apr 2018

Taktshang Goemba, or more commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest, is one of Bhutan’s most revered and most photographed monuments.  It is built on a sheer 1,000 meter cliff face.  The people of Bhutan believe that Guru Rinpoche, the father of Bhutanese Buddhism, landed here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days, and 3 hours in order to subdue the evil demons residing in it.  The temple is about 3,200 meters high and visitors usually hike for 2-3 hours to reach it.  There are no roads for cars to drive up so the only way is to hike or hire a horse for part of the way.  We copped out and took a horse ride for about half of the way up.  We left the lodge at around 8:45am and returned around 1:30pm, so the roundtrip hike and visit took us about 4 hours.  This iconic landmark is not to be missed and our trip to Bhutan would not be complete without coming here.

DSCF0610After picking out our horse near the parking lot, we began our journey up to Tiger’s Nest.

DSCF0614The horses like to walk extremely close to the edge of the cliff.  But even so, it was not too scary a ride.

DSCF0616So glad we opted for the horse ride.  We passed many people huffing and puffing their way up the mountain.

DSCF0619After about 45 minutes ride, we arrived at the halfway point which is also where the cafeteria is located.  From here you have to dismount your horses and continue up on foot.

DSCF0625

DSCF0626

DSCF0634First glimpse of Tiger’s Nest

DSCF0636The uphill hike is not overly steep but it helps to have a hiking pole.

DSCF0639Many prayer flags along the way.

DSCF0645DSCF0646DSCF0652

DSCF0684First viewpoint of Tiger’s Nest where you overlook the monastery.

DSCF0685

IMG_20180426_141810_641I think the second viewpoint is the best place to take that iconic photo.

DSCF0697Then the path starts to descend before you have to go up again to reach the monastery.

DSCF0698DSCF0689

DSCF0702There is a small hidden monastery before you reach the steps leading up to Tiger’s Nest.

DSCF0703

DSCF0709Just when you thought you are finally there, you have to go up a tons of steps!

DSCF0707

DSCF0711There are lockers to the right where you have to leave your backpacks, cameras, and mobiles before entering the temple.

DSCF0706After visiting the temple, you have to go back down and then up a series of steps before starting your descent down the mountain.

IMG_20180426_165531_477Sitting here admiring the view while catching my breath.  One can never get tired of this stunning view of Tiger’s Nest precariously perched on the cliff.

After our exhilarating hike up to Tiger’s Nest, we returned to Amankora for some well deserved lunch and a much needed massage.  This concludes our journey in Bhutan.  The following day, we boarded our flight in Paro to return back to Bangkok.  These 8 days went by too quickly and there is still so much to see in this mysterious and peaceful nation that is slowly emerging into the modern world.  You really have to come here to experience this last existing Shangri-La and I, for one, would definitely be back.

Thanks for stopping by!

Click the “Follow” button to signup for email subscription or keep checking back for more blog posts to come.

Alternatively, get connected through
my Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/beatricetravelsblog or follow me on Instagram @beatricetravels.

Cappadocia July 2013

Cappadocia is a historical region in Central Anatolia of Turkey.  Ancient volcanic eruptions covered this region with thick ash which solidified into a soft rock.

Read More »

Leave a Reply

© Copyright 2022 Beatrice Wong | All rights reserved. All photographs and text included herein are the property of Beatrice Wong

You cannot copy content of this page