Discover one of the most breathtaking and enigmatic tourist destinations of the Himalayas - the must-visit, once in a lifetime Taktsang Palphug Monastery - a Buddhist temple complex which clings onto a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level in Paro valley, Bhutan.
The Cliff hanger
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
Closer view
Visiting the Paro Taktsang Monastery is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location and the views of surrounding majestic mountains and emerald green valleys.
An uphill climb
Source: ProKerala
elevated view
Ofcourse, the main peculiarity of the monastery is its isolated location - accessible only by mountainous paths, Taktshang clings to the rock towering over 2,600 feet above the valley, and at 9,678 feet above the sea level!!!
The seemingly unreachable destination
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
elevated view
No wonder, that when you are looking at the Taktsang Palphug monastery from Paro valley or from the bottom of the cliff, it seems almost impossible to reach the Monastery!!
The view
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
The valley of Paro
The remote location of the monastery makes it amazingly beautiful and unique, but also creates technical difficulties.
The haven of Spirituality
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
closer view
But in fact, there are three paths leading to the holy place.
The Hike
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
Road leading to the monastery
The first path is a trail passing through the pine forest and decorated with bright, prayer bannerettes symbolizing protection from evil forces, positive energy, vitality and good luck.
Horse ride uphill
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
The path leading to the monastery
It takes about 2-4 hours hike/walk to reach the monastery from the road at Ramthangkha, 12 kilometers from Paro town.
Behind the fog
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
An elevated view
The other two paths are passing through the plateau, called "a hundred thousand fairies’ plateau."
The Guru from the 8th century
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
Rock Painting
Legend has it that the monastery was founded by none other than Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Bhutan’s Buddhism back in 8th century.
His Divine Premise
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
The pavilion
Legend also has that the location of the Monastery was chosen by a tigress who brought the saint to this location on her back and hence The tiger is the respected symbol of the complex
The Shrine
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
Closer view
The interior design of the temple impresses with its luxurious beauty: gold-plated dome and flickering lights that are illuminating golden idols. In the hall of Thousand Buddhas, which is carved into the rock, a large statue of a tiger is located.
The complex
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
An elegant view of the complex
The shrine contains beautiful paintings of the eight manifestations of Guru and his twenty-five chief disciples on the rockface (facing face).
Constructions marking an era
Source: ProKerala
Beautiful buildings carved in rocks
The refined architectural appearance of the Monastery is shaped in the best traditions of Buddhist. All buildings are interconnected by staircases with steps carved into the rock.
The View
Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan
breathtaking valley around
Almost every single buildings of the monastery complex has a balcony with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. The mountainous Paro valley is the heart of Bhutan where the only international airport of the country is located.