Bhutan Day 6

March 20, 2018

We started today early so we could make the trek up to the Tiger’s Nest or Paro Taktsang. Now don’t get excited, there are no tigers there except the ones painted on the walls. This is a very popular Himalayan Buddhist temple complex and monastery that was built in 1692.

Here is a short version of one of the legends about the location of the complex. It is believed that a former wife of an emperor transformed herself into a flying tigress. Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), was a tantric master who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. He got on the back of the tigress and flew up to this location. He stayed in one of the caves and meditated for a lengthy period. Therefore the site is considered to be very sacred.

Regardless of the reason the temple is located where it is, it’s truly a mythical and magical place. The hike is steep and challenging at times. It’s about 4 miles round trip. The trek was definitely worth every step and I would have to say visiting it was the highlight of my Bhutan trip.

To give you an idea of what the trail was like.

Prayer flags were located along the trail. We will come back to this spot on the way back down for a very special ceremony.

Stephanie and Joy on the way up.

 

There is a viewpoint that offers a perfect spot for taking it all in.

As you get closer you have to go down 450 steps then climb back up 250 to reach the entrance gate.

A waterfall close to the top.

 

Climbing up to enter the complex. Security is very tight and you aren’t allowed to take in  anything electronic (cameras, cellphones, etc.)

On the way back down we stopped at the spot where the prayer flags were hung and had some fruit cake before participating in a special ceremony.   

Pack horses are used to take supplies up for the monks.

Some of the group had bought prayer flags with them and they were blessed by a monk in one of the temples. The strings of flags were tied together. 

Tenzin climbed up the trees to hang the flags. We all said an individual silent prayer while hanging the flags. It was very emotional and spiritually moving. As is tradition, the flags will blow in the wind carrying our prayers out over the land until they fade and eventually deteriorate.

A small waterfall along the trail.

Once we were back at the base there was a picnic lunch waiting for us. A really nice touch and appreciated because we were really hungry.

After our lunch we went back to the hotel for a cultural show about some of the different dress and songs of the various areas of Bhutan.

To help us feel a part of the activities, we were dressed in the traditional Bhutanese garments. Men wear the Gho, a knee-length robe. Women wear the Kira, an ankle-length dress with a jacket.

Pema, our fearless and fun tour leader showing us his jumping abilities.

That would wrap up our adventures in Bhutan. The experience was beyond my expectations. The whole country has a mysterious and mystical aura that is relaxing and spiritually uplifting. Tomorrow we go back to India for what I know will be a totally different experience.