Climbing to the tiger’s nest – Paro Taktsang monastery, Bhutan

A wonderful journey to the unknown, mysterious kingdom of Bhutan. A fascinating little country, nestled in the arms of the Himalayas. Unclimbed mountain peaks, some of the highest on the planet, ancient forests, dazzling valleys, Buddhist monasteries. A culture untouched by the modern way of life, with smiling and hospitable people. The last Shangri-La.

The legendary Taktsang, is majestically perched on a steep slope 900 meters above the valley, at an altitude of 3.120 meters. A monastery cloaked in myth and sacred tales. In one of them, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padma Sambhava, known as the Guru Rinpoche, flew from Tibet to a cave on top of the hill, on the back of a tigress. Padma Sambhava, after meditating in the cave for three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours, subdued the local demons and brought Buddhism to Bhutan. All this took place during the 8th century, subsequently, the place became a meditation sanctuary for Tibetan monks. The monastery, built during the 17th century, had been completely destroyed by fire in 1998, and finally restored in 2005.

From the entrance of the path, the Taktsang looks distant, mysterious, and secluded, often hiding behind the mist. The route is beautiful, colored in all shades of green, adorned with prayer flags in different designs and sizes, tiny shrines, and stupas. The hike is steep, there’s no denying, there is a considerable altitude difference and the path goes up and down all the way. Huffing and puffing my way, I hike, I also climb-, and try on every level, to catch through the forest glimpses of the monastery, which, seconds later is disappearing from my sight. All around, nature is exquisite!

The thrill of finally arriving at the tea house is indescribable! A glorious veranda with heavenly views! Down the road, from the well-known vantage point, the view is equally ravishing. This glittering structure, with all the red and gold, is enriching the abrupt hillside. Instantly, the feeling intensifies… Yes, I managed to be here, after all the years I’ve been trying to mentally visit this beauty from countless photos! The downhill trek counts numerous slippery stairs. After a while, deep inside the gorge, we enjoy the freshness of the thunderous waterfall, I already feel intoxicated, I gain the last piece of motivation and energy to climb out of the canyon, and into the magic!

… I’ve got a strong urge to fly…

At the entrance of the monastery, after leaving our backpacks, cameras, and phones, we need a moment to appreciate where we finally are.

Imagine… monks chanting, a handful of people praying, while prayer flags are flapping in the Himalayan wind. Inside, the walls are black, smoked from the fire, a monk murmurs his blessings while he offers us holy water scented with saffron. The view is incredible, the monastery is built right at the edge of the slope! We wander around the different rooms, find a peaceful corner, and sit on the wooden floor. I close my eyes, while I sense my friend praying softly… silence … Precious moment!

The room with the candles, where we perform our offerings, is blackened by the smoke of the butter fueling the lamps. I feel fulfilled, while I try to absorb all the views of the valley, from the edge of the cliff…

Completely relaxed now,  constantly joking and bragging about our achievement, we begin our descent. Many people are now on their way up, elders making their pilgrimage, mothers with babies, all of them with warm, genuine smiles. ‘Well done!’  they greet us, ‘any minute now’  is our reply. Oh, how much I enjoy the feeling, on every hiking trip in the world, the solidarity, the longing for a common dream, a common goal. Plenty of smiles! I feel so satisfied, my friends comprehend the state I’m in, and both smile constantly. We arrive at another beautiful spot, with an incredible view. I obviously crave to stay here for a while, to simply absorb the feeling without words. These moments are so sacred, so precious!

Tiger’s nest, you are finally mine!!!

Back to the tea-house, the boys suggest staying for a meal and relaxation. What a feast! Rice, momos, dhals, various snacks, and the ema datshi, super delicious, melted yak cheese filled with the hottest peppers!  Later, I simply roam in the adjacent paths, while the music in my ears fills my soul and I gaze at the horizon, in order to fill my treasure box with images and feelings…

and just like that, I bade farewell to this unique country…