Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Bhutan’s Iconic Cliffside Wonder
If you’ve ever encountered a picture of Bhutan, it’s likely it was of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Dramatically perched on a cliff face just under 3000 feet above the Paro Valley, what you’ve seen is as beautiful in reality as it is in pictures. The monastery dates back to the late 17th century and is said to be the location where Guru Rinpoche-Bhutan’s most revered spiritual figure- arrived on the back of a flying tiger.
Getting to the monastery is half the adventure. The two-hour hike from the parking lot is a challenging endeavor that takes you through pine forests, up steep switchbacks, and finally to the precipice of the cliff. The views of the monastery clinging to the cliff face while prayer flags (flapping the hymn of mantras caught in the mountain breeze) are jaw-dropping!
In 1998, a fire did major damage to the monastery. There are restoration teams (headed by the monks themselves) who are tirelessly committed to resuscitating the monastery; preserving its spiritual importance as well as its cultural importance for the future generations to come.
Drukgyel Dzong: Fortress of Victory
Drukgyel Dzong is only a short drive, about 10 miles from Paro and reminds you of a series of past adventures. The fortress was built in 1649; and used as a fortification against invasion coming from Tibet. One of the most intelligent features of Drukgyel Dzong is its fake entrance, to lure enemies into a trap. Fortifications like fortifications like Drukgyel Dzong allowed the Bhutanese to repel invaders as well as preserve their independence through the 17th century.
The ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong are fascinating to explore and also provide beautiful views of the mountains surrounding the ruins.
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