Photos

Without a doubt, one of the most photographed objects in Bhutan has to be the magnificent Taktshang Goemba, or as most visitors refer to it -the Tiger's Nest. Perched on a ledge seven hundred meters above the Paro Chhu valley it offers a grand vista and solace for its monk body, were it not for the tourists, that is. As the story goes, Guru Rimpoche came here riding on a flying tiger and found it to be a good spot for meditation. Like many of these chosen places a chorten or temple sprang up here, and has since grown to a monastery.

Like in so many of Bhutans dzongs, lhakangs and goembas the frequent use of butter lamps combined with centuries old dry wood saw the monastery devastated by a fire as recently as in 1998. Painstakingly rebuilt it claims its place in history once more.

Hiking to the Tiger's nest requires a few hours of walking steep pathways and if you wish to visit a special permit must have been arranged in advance. The place is easily accessible from Paro, just half an hour out of town.