MESMERIZING AND UNPARALLELED BEAUTY OF THE TIGER’S NEST TEMPLE

by Najuka G

The Tiger’s Nest Temple – the most iconic and religious place in Bhutan. The place is originally known as Taktsang Lhakhang. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley.

the Tiger’s Nest looked more like a figment of an artist’s imagination, it was built in 1692, at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century. Taktsang Lhakhang is located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3.120 m. In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.

The cave, which if one looks carefully, has a naturally created tiger head set into its rough sides. The temple itself clings precariously to the rock face and standing on the small balconies that the buildings sport, seems an act of faith. Near the beginning of the trail is a water-powered prayer wheel, set in motion by a flowing stream. The water that is touched by the wheel is said to become blessed and carries its purifying power into all life forms in the oceans and lakes that it feeds into. The monastery buildings consist of four main temples and residential shelters ideally designed by adapting to the rock (granite) ledges, the caves and the rocky terrain.

The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it.

About Bhutan : Bhutan is regarded as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world. Bhutan enjoys a reputation for authenticity, remoteness and a well-protected cultural heritage and natural environment.

Bhutan is one of the last remaining biodiversity hotspots in the world, forest cover as now increased to over 72% of the country, with 60% of the country under protection. Currently, more than 75% of the land is under forest cover and the constitution of Bhutan states that a minimum of 60% of the land shall be covered under forest for all times to come

You cannot find a more enlightened travel destination today. Perched high on the mighty Himalayan range, the Kingdom of Bhutan has defied globalization and chosen to remain a hidden paradise, accessible only to a fortunate few.

Bhutan is an all-season destination, providing a unique experience to visitors throughout the

year. There is something for everyone in Bhutan. www.bhutan.travel

About Tourism Council of Bhutan : Tourism Council of Bhutan is entrusted with the goal to foster a vibrant industry as a positive force in the conservation of environment, promotion of cultural heritage, safeguarding sovereign status of the Nation for significantly contributing to Gross National Happiness.”

Additionally, the Tourism Council of Bhutan is mandated with the role of Tourism Planning & Policy, Regulation and Monitoring towards building and developing Bhutan’s tourism image and Marketing and Promotion of the destination.