Overview:

Taktsang Palphug Monastery (Tiger's Nest) is a beautiful Bhutanese Buddhist monastery located on the sides of a cliff at an altitude of 3,180 meters in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. The monastery was originally built in 1692, and it is said to have been founded by Guru Padmasambhava, the great Indian master who introduced Tibet to Buddhism. The monastery was most recently restored by the 8th Gyalwang Drukpa, Mangden Jigme Zangpo, and it remains a symbol of the strength and resilience of Mahayana Buddhism in Bhutan. The monastery is a popular tourist destination and a place of pilgrimage for Bhutanese and Tibetan Buddhists. The name "Tiger's Nest" is derived from the legend that Guru Padmasambhava flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. It is perched on a cliffside 900 meters above sea level and overlooks the Paro Valley. 2. It is a revered pilgrimage site for Bhutanese Buddhists. 3. It is an iconic symbol of Bhutan and its history. 4. It is a complex of four main temples and eight sub-temples. 5. It is noted for its traditional Bhutanese art and architecture. 6. It was built in 1692 and renovated in 1998. 7. The statues and sculptures found within the temple complex are some of the finest examples of Bhutanese artwork. 8. It is the site of many religious festivals and gatherings. 9. It is accessible only by foot after a steep hike up the cliff. 10. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Museum of Bhutan. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Taktsang Palphug Monastery, commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest, is one of the most iconic sites in the Himalayan mountain kingdom of Bhutan. The monastery is located on a cliff along the upper Paro Valley and stands over 3120m. Its origin has two versions which are both part of the Bhutanese cultural heritage: The spiritual legend of Guru Rinpoche The story goes that Guru Rinpoche, a venerated sage and Buddhist teacher, flew to Paro Valley on a tigress’ back in the 8th century. On touching down, he built a small hermitage. Legends say that Guru Rinpoche and the tigress then flew off to perform meditation within a nearby cave which is now known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The historical documentation According to historical documents, Taktsang Palphug Monastery was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, an important figure in Bhutanese history. This was after a local Lama, Pema Lingpa, discovered the hidden treasures inside the cave which are believed to be gifts given to Guru Rinpoche by Bodhisattvas. Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye wanted to make these holy places and treasures accessible to lay people and built a monastery around the areas. Since then, the monastery has become a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world who come to receive blessings from Guru Rinpoche. Despite various damage from ongoing earthquakes, Taktsang Palphug Monastery was also designated as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in December of 1994 and continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Taktsang Palphug Monastery (also known as the Tiger’s Nest) is Bhutan’s most famous monastery, perched atop a cliff face that rises 3,120 meters above sea level. 2. It is located in the Paro valley, a two-hour drive away from the capital city of Thimpu. 3. The monastery was first built in 1692 by Ngawang Namgyal, the creator of Bhutan's state religion of Drukpa Kagyu. 4. It is believed to have originated as a sacred place when Guru Padmasambhava, the greatly revered master of Tantric Buddhism, flew from Tibet to Bhutan on a flying tigress. 5. The monastery is compromised of four main buildings and numerous small structures, including two temples and four meditation caves. 6. The trails leading to the monastery will take you across a 3km bridge and through a dense oak and pine forest, providing an incredible view of the Paro valley below. 7. Legend has it that the Tiger’s Nest was built directly upon the forehead of a female Tiger, as a sign of respect for the animal’s power. 8. The Taktsang Palphug Monastery and its surrounding environment were destroyed by a fire in 1998 but still remains a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction. 9. Every spring, the popular Taktsang Tshechu, a 3-day festival full of colorful costumes, masks, and traditional Bhutanese dance performances, is held at the monastery. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.