Nestled in the Himalayas, high above the Paro Valley in Bhutan, sits the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery – one of the most sacred sites in all of Buddhism. Also known as Paro Taktsang, this monastery is said to have been founded in 1692 by Gyalwa Tenzin Rabgye, an important terton (treasure discoverer) and disciple of Padmasambhava. For centuries, it has been a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world.

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a complex of temples and monks’ quarters that have been built into the side of a cliff. The main temple is located about halfway up the cliff, and can only be reached by foot or via a long flight of stairs. There are also several other temples and structures scattered around the monastery, including a large prayer hall, several stupas (Buddhist monuments), and a cafe.

The monastery gets its name from an old legend that says that Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, flew to this spot on the back of a tigress. He then meditated in a cave here for three months, after which he emerged enlightened.

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery was founded in 1692 by Gyalwa Tenzin Rabgye, an important terton (treasure discoverer) and disciple of Padmasambhava. For centuries, it has been a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world.

In 1998, the monastery was badly damaged by a fire that swept through the complex. However, it has since been rebuilt and is now better than ever.

If you’re ever in Bhutan, be sure to add a visit to Paro Taktsang to your itinerary – it truly is a magnificent sight!

Today, Paro Taktsang is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bhutan. Tens of thousands of people make the pilgrimage to this sacred site each year, and it is easy to see why. The setting is simply breathtaking, and the monastery itself is a truly amazing feat of engineering.

If you’re planning on visiting Paro Taktsang, there are a few things you should know before you go. Firstly, the monastery is located at an altitude of over 3000 meters (9800 feet), so be sure to take it easy and take your time if you’re not used to high altitudes.

Secondly, while there are stairs leading up to the main temple, they can be quite steep in places – so again, take your time and take breaks if you need to.

Finally, remember that this is a religious site and a place of worship – so please be respectful at all times.

Have you ever been to Paro Taktsang? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below!