Tiger’s Nest, also known as Paro Taktsang, is a renowned Buddhist monastery perched on the cliffside of the Paro Valley in Bhutan. Situated at an elevation of approximately 10,200 feet, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.  Tiger’s Nest is not only an architectural marvel, showcasing traditional Bhutanese design, but it also holds deep spiritual significance for Buddhists.

Why is Tiger’s Nest so important to the Bhutanese? It is a sacred monastery linked to a legend involving Guru Padmasambhava. In the 8th century, he is said to have flown to the site on the back of a tigress, his consort Yeshe Tsogyal. After meditating in a cave there, he transformed the location into a spiritual sanctuary. Built in the 17th century, the monastery symbolizes the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan and honors the guru’s teachings.

The combination of its stunning location, rich history, and cultural importance makes Tiger’s Nest a must-visit destination in Bhutan. For us, it was the final stop of our 2-week trip.

The journey to the monastery involves a scenic but difficult hike through beautiful pine forests. At 2.4 miles long with a 1,700-foot elevation gain, it’s a heart pounding climb to the viewpoint. If you desire to go into the monastery, you can add 800 uneven steps up and down. Wow.

This sounds hard enough. But, and this a very big but, we start our hike at 8,500 feet above sea level. If you do the math – we finish at over 10,200 feet above sea level. There is very little oxygen up that high. Not that there is much oxygen at 8,500 feet!

It is a profoundly difficult hike for just one picture. I keep thinking, it sure better be worth it.

We start at about 8:30am with a warmer than normal temperature. The first 10 feet or so is easy. It then becomes a difficult ascent as I start sweating and gasping for air. We are stopping every couple of minutes to sip some water and catch our breath. Up and up, we go. Step after step we climb. After what seems like an hour, I stop to look at my watch. Two minutes have expired, and 100 feet ascended. You have got to be kidding.

I must keep going. I always say I’d do most anything for a photo. Well, today we have attained “most” status. I may have met my match. Then, something extraordinary happens. An old somewhat portly woman from India flies right by me. Ouch. I pick up the pace and keep ascending. The woman from India is long gone as I eat her dust.

Halfway up there is a café that the weak-minded stop for a cup of tea and a rest. I decide I am not weak-minded. Just weak.  We plow onward and upward. Now more than half-way, I slow to a slug’s pace. 

Every so often we can peek the Tiger’s Nest, far off, high in the sky. A photo is always in order, which doubles as a brief rest.

Such a long way away and very high up. It is literally in the clouds.

I’m about 2/3 through the hike, sweating abundantly with every step up, when the lack of oxygen hits me. Very light-headed and somewhat delirious, I imagine the myth behind the Tiger’s Nest. Where is my flying tiger now when I need it?

I start pondering about how easy it might be to put a paved road up to the viewpoint. We do this in the U.S. all the time. So much nicer to drive up, get out of the car, take my photos, and leave. Maybe I would even do the extra 800 stairs. On the flip side, anyone could visit. Maybe you must earn the right to see such a sacred place. In my semi-consciousness I see another vision of the winged tigress. Please pick me up. Kathryn prods me to keep going. It was just an oriental dove I had seen.

Finally, we reach the viewpoint. The Tiger’s Nest is beautiful, worth the effort expended to get here.

The Tiger’s Nest. Well worth the pain to get there.

Kathryn found this spot. Of course I had to climb a bit more – wasn’t 1,700 feet enough? I guess not. But, it was worth it as we could frame the Tiger’s Nest with prayer flags.

Proof we made it! Thanks to David Lazar for the photo.

I am truly glad to have made the hike, no matter the physical and mental discomfort. Would I do it again? No.