Bhutan's Iconic Tiger's Nest: A Trek Through History and Breathtaking Vistas

Tiger's Nest or Taktsang Monastery, Paro, Bhutan

Imagine a monastery clinging impossibly to a sheer cliff face. That's the Taktsang Monastery also popularly known as the Tiger's Nest, Bhutan's iconic landmark. It is majestically perched precariously on a cliff, 3,000 meters above the Paro Valley. This revered Buddhist site is one of Bhutan's most iconic and awe-inspiring attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.

The Tiger's Nest as seen near the start of the trail.

On the day of my trek I woke up to a rainy day so I decided to first visit the Rinpung Dzong (Dzong means fortress) in Paro and then make a decision, if the rain stops, to go for the Tiger’s Nest trek as else the trek may be slippery and slushy. By the time I reached the starting point of the trek at 10:30 AM it had stopped raining. It kept drizzling intermittently which actually made the trek pleasant as it brought down the temperatures.

Paro Valley as seen from the Tiger's Nest Trail

The journey to Tiger's Nest begins with a scenic hike through lush forests and along winding trails. The climb is moderately challenging, but the stunning views of the valley below and the monastery above make every step worthwhile. The trek to the Taktsang is ten kms to and fro. The Paro town is at 2200 Meters while the Taktsang Monastery is at 2950 meters so you have to ascend nearly 800 meters or nearly 2500 feet. One should keep the whole day reserved for this trek as it may take up to eight hours for the journey, including about 1.5 hours inside the temples. One can rent a walking stick if need be at the starting point. Alternatively, take a pony up to half way. Beyond that, the ponies are not allowed. Foreigners are required to pay a fee of Ngultrum  1000 (or one can pay in Indian currency as the same is accepted all over Bhutan.)

Waterfall near Tiger's Nest

If you are lucky then you can see the Tiger’s Nest most of the way or sometimes it is not visible at all until you reach it depending upon the weather conditions. With me, it played hide, seek most of the way, and kept showing itself intermittently.

The trek and waterfall near Tiger's Nest

Just before the final decent and ascent of stairs, before you reach the Tiger’s Nest is a huge waterfall enhancing the beauty of the place.

Taktsang has nine temples

Dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, the Tiger's Nest houses sacred shrines and offers a glimpse into Bhutanese Buddhism. The monastery's origins date back to the 8th century when Guru Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist master, is said to have meditated in a cave here. According to legend, he arrived on the back of a tigress, hence the name "Tiger's Nest." Over the centuries, the monastery has been rebuilt and expanded, with the current structure dating back to 1692. There are nine temples within the complex. Visitors are only allowed upto the eighth temple and the ninth temple is open to Bhutanese persons only. The cave is still there and I only saw it partly as entry inside is risky because of steep stairs and possibility of accident and therefore entry is restricted.

Perched on a Cliff- Tiger's Nest

As you approach the monastery, you'll be struck by its sheer scale and majesty. The temples contain intricate murals, statues, and shrines. The atmosphere is serene and peaceful, with monks and nuns going about their daily rituals. Photography inside the temple is not permitted. Also one is required to be dressed modestly else the entry will not be permitted. T-shirts are permitted if they have collars. Shorts, skirts etc are not allowed. Unlike some other religions one is required to keep the head uncovered and shoes are not allowed inside the temple complex.

The first clear view of the Tiger's Nest

The view of Tiger's Nest and Paro Valley, Bhutan

It is advisable to carry plenty of drinking water, snacks etc as there is not much available on the route with only one point where these are available (mid-way).

Lush Green Forest and Flowers - on way to Tiger's Nest

For foreigners having a guide is mandatory for the duration of your stay in Bhutan. Also, there is a Sustainable Development Tax. For Indians this has been kept at Ngultrum 1200 per person per day. For others the SDT is higher.  Indians don’t need a Visa but it is advisable to carry the Passport as entry permit is stamped on the Passport. Though some agencies would tell you that the Indian Voter Card is acceptable but invariably it creates some issues so my advice is carry the Passport.

Flowers in bloom - Tiger's Nest trail

Tiger's Nest is an unforgettable experience, offering breath-taking views, rich history, and a glimpse into Bhutan's unique culture. As you stand before this majestic landmark, you'll understand why it's considered one of the most sacred and iconic sites in the Himalayas. It's a challenging yet rewarding experience that combines stunning scenery and rich history.

A Natural Reservoir in Nalhar, Nuh

When I was visiting the Cenotaph of Chui Mal I was suggested by Mr Chander Bhan who manages the cenotaph and the pond to also visit Nalhar (also pronounced as Nallad) a nearby village where there is a natural reservoir.

Ceremonial Gate to Shiva Temple, Nalhar

Nalhar is located in the foothills of the Aravallis and also has at its base a Shiva temple which forms the starting point of the trek to the reservoir. There is a big ceremonial gate at the temple. 

The Climb to the Nalhar reservoir

There are more than 250 steep stair-steps to be climbed to the place and the last bit is a bit slippery and one has to hold on to the tree roots and branches to climb. It is a good climb if you are looking for some good exercise and once you reach the top it provides a view of the whole area. 

The view of the Mewat area from Nalhar reservoir

I was expecting a big reservoir but when I reached there I found that the water was trickling directly into a hollow created (natural) in the tree from the rock. This reservoir is about 2 feet long and maybe a foot wide only. 

Last part of the climb

The water keeps flowing round the year into this hollow and this is the reservoir that people locally talk with veneration as it is believed by locals that it is some ‘chamatkar’ (miracle) of the gods that water is flowing out of the rocks in this arid region. Of course we as geographers know better! 

The Nalhar reservoir in a hollow of a tree

It is also believed that the Panadavas stayed there and drank this water during their 14-year exile. Lot of locals travel till the Shiva temple but only the more determined and fit people climb up to the reservoir. 

One has to hold the tree branches above these stairs to climb

How to reach: From Rajiv Chowk in Gurgaon take the Sohna-Nuh-Alwar highway till Nuh for about 47 km. From Nuh it is about 3 km to the Nalhar Shiva temple and the road ends there.

Also read:
The Cenotaph of Chui Mal in Nuh
Chui Mal Ka Talaab in Nuh
Shaking Minarets in Nuh

Garud Chatti Temple, Rishikesh

Garud Chatti temple is on the Neelkanth road near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. Next to the temple is the path leading to the beautiful Garud Chatti Waterfalls in the Rajaji National Park.

Garud Chatti Temple, Brahampuri

Though the temple is very small but what I liked about the temple were the reflections created in the water body that encircles the temple from three sides. The water has been brought by making channel higher up from one of the Garud Chatti waterfalls itself.

Garud Chatti temple  & its reflection in water

While I was looking at the temple and clicking pictures there was hardly anyone there and the temple was a picture of serenity. But then all of a sudden I noticed a group of locals approaching by foot and there was a big crowd that gathered at the temple.

Devotees approach the temple to the accompaniment of music

The devotees marched to the accompaniment of local music that was pleasing to the ears. The instruments included dhols and even bagpipes.

Devotees throng the Garud Chatti temple

The temple as the name suggests is made for the devotees of Garuda, an eagle like mythical bird that was the mode of transport of Lord Vishnu, a Hindu God.

The reflection of Garud Chatti temple and the hill

Once the devotees left, the temple was again a picture of serenity.

Also read:
Garud Chatti Waterfalls
Neergarh Falls: Rishikesh

Tiuni, Uttrakhand

Tiuni is a small settlement on State Highway 1 in Uttrakhand and is about 34 kms from Jubbal (in Himachal). Pabbar river flows next to it.

Devladi Temple, Tiuni

On the way I stopped after seeing the beautiful architecture of this temple in Tiuni known as the Devladi temple. 

Huna Style of Architecture

It has the similar architecture as that of the Mahasu Temple close by which is more famous and built in the Huna architectural style. If you notice in the photo above you will notice that there are five levels of the ceiling on the extreme left then four and then three closer to the entrance of the temple.

River Pabbar

Pabbar is a distributory of Tons River which goes on to merge in Yamuna. The Pabbar river's water, except during monsoons, are greenish in colour and have its source in the glaciers. The drive along the river is on a narrow road dotted with pine trees and is very beautiful.

Another temple in the same style

There are several temples spread across the area similar in style. The Panadavas, mythologically speaking, escaped from Lakhamandal and came to this region. Lakhamandal  is in itself an architectural delight. 

Pray Without Effort?

You see the waterfall in the photo below that I have also mentioned in one of my earlier posts (Nature) and a temple complex can also be seen in the foreground. The stoutly devoted ones make the effort to get out of their cars or any other means of transport and walk the very short distance to pay their obeisance and also to donate some money.

Waterfall with a temple in the foreground

What I also noticed was that the pujari (temple priest) of this complex has put a contraption right on the railing of the bridge so that those who do not have the energy, time or inclination to stop and walk to the temple can at least donate the money right on the road! Notice the metal box next to the temple flag. The metal box has a slit for the money to be inserted and also has a canopy so that the money is safe from the elements specifically rain. The priests seems to be a real innovative person ensuring a steady income!

Innovative Donation Box Next to the flag

The temple and the waterfall are approximately nine kilometers before Renuka on the Nahan-Renuka Major District Road in the district of Sirmour in Himachal Pradesh..