Bhutan Day 3: Paro Taktsang, The Tiger's Nest Monastery

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In Thimphu, we're only staying there for two nights and from there, we repacked our bags again and check-out on our third day in Bhutan. We're going to head over to the previous city where we arrived on the first day - Paro. But before going over, there's one attraction in Bhutan that shouldn't be missed and must visit by every visitor. Or else, the trip to Bhutan is absolutely incomplete.  

#1: Not just the Bhutanese, but we also admired their King and Queen. So young, handsome and pretty. What a perfect match! 

Paro Takstang, or widely known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery is the one I mentioned earlier. It is one of the most important symbols of culture and religion in the Kingdom of Bhutan. This popular monastery has been featured in almost travel brochures when comes to promoting Bhutan and I can't believe finally I got to witness myself with my naked eye. However, it's not as easy as I thought cause Paro Takstang is located 2,950 meters above the sea level. And if you thought is there any cable cars to reach there, you better get up from your dreams cause there is no any cable cars within the nation. So the only way to reach Paro Takstang is by hiking and guess what, it takes approximately 6 hours of climbing up - that's what my tour guide told us. 

#2: You can choose to rent a horse but still, you need to hike up yourself when almost reaching the top. 

My friend and I geared up in a comfortable attire - long sleeve, long pants and shoe. The weather in November, the month we're there was kinda chill and slightly cold but overall, we did enjoy hiking in this kind of weather. At least we're not covered in the hot and sticky sweat. So now let's us start hiking. The hike starts from where our driver parked his car. As for our tour guide, he will be accompanied and join us for the hike too, cause this is part of his job. 

#3

At the beginning of the hike, I thought hiking up to Paro Taktsang might be easier and achievable without putting much effort. It really was, but only at the starting point cause when reaching to the certain point, I realised I was facing difficulty in breathing. Luckily with the accompanion of our tour guide, he advised us to slowly take our time instead of rushing heading up. Well, it's not a race after all, right?

#4: The halfway point where you can take a break at the cafeteria

After hiking for almost an hour, we reach the halfway point and we saw a cafeteria. Our tour guide asked whether we want to sit down and relax at the cafeteria but we decided to continue with the hike. Seems like so persistent and determine, right? Oh well, both of my friend and I try our best to finish the trail as possible as we could. 

#5

Sooner, the view of the monastery getting clearer and closer. This indicates we are almost there. We have a quick stop here for photo opportunity cause we found out this spot gives the perfect view overlooking the iconic monastery. And we happened to meet the owner of the local tour company we signed up with. He told us that he's currently living and staying in the United States of America with his family. 

#6: A mandatory shot with the monastery.


#7: A photo with the owner of the local tour company we signed up with.

#8: Paro Takstang, or widely known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery

The final stretch that one need to get through is that there are more than 700 steps of stairs to be conquered before reaching the monastery. I'm not sure which is more difficult to get through - the very steep trail or the 700 steps but what I know, I shouldn't give up and must keep going. I have to admit that I almost thinking to give up cause first, I wasn't reasonably fit and secondly, like I mentioned earlier I was having problem with breathing. Probably due to high altitude exposure. But then, when figured it out I already in Bhutan, no matter how hard and tough this climb, I shouldn't give up and must keep continue until I reach this monastery. It was really pain in the ass but it's the most rewarding journey and experience in my entire life

#9: The final stretch where one need to conquer the 700 steps.


#10: Across the bridge before reaching the monastery.

Once arrive at the monastery, visitors are not allowed to bring along any backpacks and cameras into the monastery and these are placed with the security staff. Even you need to take off your shoes before entering. And this means that photography is not allowed within the monastery. We didn't stay long in the monastery - roughly around 10-20 minutes before we continue to head down to the parking lot. 

#11: Finally we arrived the majestic Paro Taktsang


#12: One final shot with one of my best travel buddies

Overall, we took almost 5 hours to complete the whole journey. And guess what the tour guide told us? He told us that both of my friend and I hiked pretty fast cause initially, he thought that we will take 7-8 hours. Our tour guide actually been to Paro Takstang countless of times and he said that two of us are among the fastest group he ever accompanied with. I think one of the reasons is because we didn't stay long in the monastery. 

#13: Our final pitstop before check-in into another hotel - Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Bhutan. Not just being the second oldest but it is also the second largest Dzong in Bhutan and arguably to be the most beautiful Dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to the Dzong's characteristically towering white-washed walls. For many years, Punakha Dzong served as the seat or the central location for the Government of Bhutan, before they relocated to Thimphu later. All of the 5 Bhutan's Kings have been crowned here.

#14: Our crib for the night in the quiet town of Paro.