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Taktsang Palpung Monastery

Taktsang Palpung Monastery in Bhutan

Taktsang Palphug Monastery most famously known as Paro Taktsang Monastery is the famous Cliffside Monastery in Bhutan. Perched at an altitude of 10236ft on the precipitous cliff of Paro, Taktsang Monastery is situated in the upper valley of Paro. In the native language the word Taktsang stands for “The Tiger’s Nest”.

Paro Taktsang Monastery is a Buddhist temple complex which is considered as the most iconic landmark in Bhutan. This monastery was built in 1692 around the Taktsang Senge Samdup Cave. On this place Guru Rimpoche meditated over thousand years ago. Paro Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous destinations in Paro among the travellers visiting Bhutan.

Taktsang Monastery: Brief History

The literal meaning of Taktsang is ‘Tiger’s Lair’. According to legend Guru Padma Sambhaba (also known as Guru Rimpoche) reached this place from Tibet. He flew here from Khenpajong riding on a tigress.

Another legend tells a different tale. A disciple of Guru Rimpoche willingly transforms herself into a tigress to carry her Guru from Tibet to this place. Then in a cave Guru meditated for 3 years 3 months 3 days 3 hours and 3 minutes thus the place become holy. After this the place was named ‘Tiger’s Nest’.

Things to Remember While Visiting Taktsang Monastery

  • Visitors need to deposit their camera in the main gate of monastery since photography is prohibited within the premises of Taktsang Monastery
  • Visitors should not make loud noises as it is considered disrespectful
  • Visitors should be prepared to take the uphill trek to reach Taktsang Monastery with low air pressure

Things to See In Paro Taktsang Monastery

  • Pray hall with the figurine of Guru Padma Sambhaba
  • Cave of Taktsang Monastery where Guru Padma Sambhaba meditated for 3 years
  • Panoramic view of snow capped mountains looming above the Paro Valley

Fact to remember

The sacred cave of Taktsang Monastery is only opened once a year.

How to Reach Paro Taktsang Monastery

Snugly tucked on the cliff atop the upper Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is located on the outskirts of Paro. From the base of the cliff it is a 2hr trekking route leading to Taktsang Monastery. Visitors can either trek their way to reach Taktsang Monastery. Or they can opt for a pony ride to cover those 2hrs distance to reach Paro Taktsang Monastery.

Distance: The distance between Paro to Taktsang Monastery is 12 km.

Taktsang Monastery Hike

Taktsang Monastery hike is one of the favoured things to do in Paro Bhutan. Travellers from across the world have been allured by the amazing hiking route and pictorial route leading to Taktsang Monastery.

Trekking through the dense forest of rhododendron and blue pine trees, visitors can listen to the chirping of exquisite birds and with the occasional sighting of Paro Valley and as visitors get closer to Taktsang Monastery they will see the vibrant prayer flags fluttering midst alpine forest. And finally the breath taking vista of Paro valley seen from Taktsang Monastery makes the tedious hike worth the effort.

To visit Dzongdrakha Goemba Bhutan Holidays offers tailor made package tour to stay at Paro at affordable price.

Hotels in Paro

There are various hotels and resorts available in Paro from budget to deluxe level. Bhutan Holidays is happy to offer Hotel booking assistance to tourists, travellers and visitors.

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