Taktsang Goemba
Tiger’s Nest or Paro Taktsang Temple is a famous monastery in Bhutan that was built in 1692. Perched on the edge of a cliff at an altitude of 3,120m (10,240ft) above sea level, it is made up of four distinct temples decorated with huge Buddhas, frescoes, and colorful tapestries. It is considered the holiest place in Bhutan and has been associated with many miracles.
Legend holds that Padmasambhava the founding father of Buddhism in Bhutan landed on that cliff as he flew on the back of a mystical tiger all the way from Tibet. He stopped in a cave on this cliff to meditate, the guru’s followers later built a temple there to honor him. The monastery is constructed around the cave where he was spotted.
To visit the temple you have to hike the cliff which takes about 5 hours, passing through dense forest and rocky terrain with a magnificent waterfall and breathtaking views. At the top of the cliff you can see the monastery, the temples around it and the entire valley covered in greenery which greatly compensates the climb.
