Day 2: Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), Paro – Thimphu: 54km/Approx 1hr drive
Today is a special day. We hike to Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest to foreigners. The hike to the monastery from the road point leads through a lush forest with well managed trail. The hike uphill takes about four hours. As you climb the ridge adorned with fluttering prayer flags, it gives you a different feeling altogether. You can see the Paro valley at its best as you ascend.
On the way, refreshments will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria.
The Taktsang Monastery was built by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye, one of the rulers of medieval Bhutan, in 1684. The monastery stands on the face of a huge rock, almost clinging. The rock on which the monastery lies plunges more than 900m into the gorge below. It is amazing.
Thus, Paro Taktsang has been described as one of the wonders of the world.
It is also believed that Guru Padmasambhava, a great master who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan, came to the place riding on a tigress (said to be his consort).
Records and beliefs of great Buddhist masters discovering treasures, including mind treasures, at Taktsang are also there.
In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower. Today it is the national museum. And it is the repository of the country’s history. You will see artifacts as old as more than 12 centuries.
Then walk downhill to visit Rinpung Dzong. It serves as the administrative center of Paro District. The fortress was built by Zhabdrung Namgyel in 1646.
In the evening drive to Thimphu.
Night stay at hotel, Thimphu.
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