Given I have been posting photos from my Bhutan visit in a last few days on my social media accounts, I have been browsing through those great moments and reliving my travel experiences through my photos and memories. I thought what can be a better topic to write about than this tiny kingdom which an exclusive country I have been to among all the countries that I have visited. I do keep updating my travel map on the About page. I try to focus more on the quality of my travels and my wonderful experiences from each of these countries than the count and I can comfortably say that travel is one of the best ways of learning.
In this month’s travel travel story I thought about writing about the hike I did to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan. I had longed to travel to Bhutan, also known as the country of the Thunder Dragon for years and had even booked my travels in 2021. Then Covid happened killing all our plans and throwing us into the whirlpool of tragedy and uncertainty. I am glad some of us escaped unscathed from it, while many were not so lucky.
I have started making small trips again but looking back at my travels is always one of my best pastimes to relax and remind myself that I am lucky enough to be able to travel to such wonderful places, meet local people, experience local culture, taste local food and bring back memories with me to treasure for my lifetime.
Anyway coming back to my travel story, Bhutan is a tiny country in the Himalayas famously known for its Buddhist monasteries, fortresses (called Dzongs), wonderful landscapes and also for its Gross National Happiness. As Bhutan opened its borders in Sep 2022 I made a decision to travel to Bhutan soon after and visited the capital city of Thimphu, Dochula Pass, Punakha and Paro.
Walking up to the Taktsang Monastery was the key moment of my Bhutan visit. Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest is a Vajrayana Buddhist monastery located 10 kms north of Paro perched on a stiff cliff about 900 meters above the Paro valley. The only way to reach the monastery is by walking. The entire journey involves walking up, then down and up again.
I started the hike quite early in the morning around 6 am to avoid the glaring sun when it can become quite hot and also gets crowded. My excellent travel guide Mr Pema was with me through out. I asked him how many times he has done this hike and he said he hasn’t kept a count. No wonder Bhutanese people don’t need gyms.
After parking the car, the initial hike is only going up hill through a trail within forests and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. At the beginning of the trail are some water-powered prayer wheels set in motion by the flowing stream and the water coming out is said to be blessed.
After this initial hike I reached the Taktsang cafeteria where I took a break and enjoyed a nice cup of tea enjoying the spectacular scenery and soaking in the warmth of the rising sun. This initial part of the hike can also be covered by riding on mules which I chose not to. Water bottles can be filled from the any of the streams unless it is marked as ‘Not for Drinking’. I found out that this is because people living higher up is using such spring water for washing etc, so the water is not safe to drink.
One strange thing I noticed that I was followed some dogs and I was told these dogs go all the way to the monastery with the hikers and then come back. There are also many stone stacked stupas along the trail made by hikers.
The next leg of the trail is again going uphill for about an hour to an observation point where there is a Chorten (stupa). This is one of the best view point to grasp the beauty of the entire monastery perched on the hill side. The trail then continues hiking downhill on steps and at the bottom is a beautiful waterfall which continues further down the forest. Near the waterfall there is a hermitage which looks like it is sticking out from the rock. The final steps from here is uphill and it leads to the main gate of the monastery and entrance to the temples.
There are lockers at the entrance to keep bags, camera and all others belongings, perhaps best to even lock your thoughts here and walk in with a clear mind. It is at this stage I got the feeling that I am finally there. When I entered the main gate of the monastery complex I was the first visitor on that day and it was the most incredible feeling I experienced.
The monastery has four main temples and residential quarters. All the buildings are interconnected through steps and passages ways carved in the rocks. The temples have shrines of Avalokitesvara, Padmasambhava and other manifastetions of the Buddha. There are balconies on each building and from where scenic views of the Paro valley can be seen.
Walking up the last few steps to finally enter Taktsang Monastery was the most thrilling, soul satisfying and blissful aspect of my Bhutan visit. A real dream come true moment.
HELPFUL HINTS
- Bhutan travel must be booked only through travel agents authorised by Government of Bhutan.
- Paro is the main entry point for all international visitors and Bhutan’s only International airport.
- The total hike time is around 4-6 hours depending on hiking speed and break time.
- If you are a photographer, you might want to visit in the afternoon when the sunlight falls on the monastery.
- It is pragmatic to carry some snacks, bottle of water, lozenges.
- If you plan to make some offering at the monastery, you can take fruits, cereal bars, juices and so on.
- Walking stick is not a must but makes the walk quite comfortable.
- It is best to wear layers, so that you can remove one if you feel hot and sweaty.
- Remember to wear your most comfortable walking shoes.
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