Our 10-day trip in Bhutan was filled with highlights after another from festival after festival to scenic and cultural hikes, etc. And we have concluded the trip with the highlight of all highlights – the hike to the legendary Takshang Lakhang, better known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery is believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan, making it the most sacred monastery in the country. Precariously perched high up on a sheer cliff a dizzying 10,000 feet/3,048 meter above sea level, it certainly also has the most stunning and fascinating location.
Why is it called the Tiger’s Nest? Legend has it that in 8th century Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava and one of the holiest figure in Mahayana Buddhism, flew to this exact spot from Tibet on a back of a tigress (who was a manifestation of his divine consort). He came to subdue a demon and then took residence in a cave where he meditated for 3 years, 3 months and 3 days. He then started the conversion of Bhutanese into Buddhism.
The monastery was built in 1692 around the cave where Guru meditated. Today, it is a cultural icon of Bhutan. A trip to Bhutan is not complete without a visit to this sacred site.
But how to get there? For those of us with no tantric powers to turn our partners into flying tigers, there are two ways to reach the monastery. The challenging option is to hike all the way up and the easier (but not safer) option is to ride a horse up to allowed points and then hike from there. We chose the challenging (and humbling) option.
We started the hike on the valley floor 7,000 ft/2,100 meter above sea level. The monastery looks like a tiny white speck from here (see the cliff on the right side). With elevation gain of aboutt 3,000 ft/900 meter, it took us around 2 hours and half to reach the monastery, including lunch stop at the half-way point (one hour to the cafeteria and 45 minutes from there to the monastery).
From the valley, the trail slowly and gently climb into a pine forest where we passed by several structures containing water-powered prayer wheels surrounded by prayer flags. We would like to believe that they were placed on that spot to bestow blessings of stamina to hikers passing by – because from there the trail went into a steep, arduous, steady climb up to the ridge.
Some people in our group took a horse ride up to the cafeteria, the rest stop that marks as the half way point. Horses can be taken further up to the second viewpoint. We were advised to stay on the side of the mountain when we see the horses on the path. They tend to veer on the edge. It looked scary for us. Just one misstep can cause them to fall over. We heard there were some accidents in the past. That said, we don’t recommend the horse ride. It’s better to work on being fit before the trip and walk the trail.
A signage along the trail reminds visitors that this is no ordinary hiking trail – it is a sacred site, a place of pilgrimage. Bhutanese come to this place to pay honor to as well as seek blessings from Guru Rinpoche.
We read and heard that the hike was not going to be easy. We thought, hey, we had done a lot of challenging and longer treks so it should not be too strenuous for us – but it was. We were humbled. To catch our breaths, we stopped to look up at the monastery everytime it came into view. Sometimes it appeared closer and then it would appear farther away again.
Halfway to the cafeteria, we saw a group of monks turning to a narrow path that veered off from the main path. They told us that it was a short cut route. A short cut was a good idea at this point, and we thought it would be interesting to hang out with the monks on the trail and so we followed them. (They were climbing with big boxes and bags of food supply to take to fellow monks at a monastery that was even higher than the Tiger’s Nest!)
Well, the short cut route turned out to be way much steeper, making our pace much slower. It probably took us longer to climb the shortcut route than it would have taken us if we have climbed the regular route. Advice: it’s not always a good idea to follow monks. But we had fun talking to them. They were friendly, funny and seemed to enjoy practicing their English with us.
After an hour of seemingly eternal climb, we reached the ridge marked by a chorten, prayer flags, series of prayer wheels and a breathtaking view of the monastery. The cafeteria was a short walk from here.
Finally, we reached the cafeteria, the halfway point and the first viewpoint. A hearty buffet lunch was well-deserved. From here the view of the monastery and the cliff was even more dramatic. We learned that many people ended their hike at this point. In fact, only five out of ten people in our group chose to continue the hike up to the monastery from here.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery is the one hanging on the cliff on the right side. The even higher structure sitting on the top of the left cliff is the monastery where the monks we met on the trail were delivering food suply for their fellow monks on meditation retreat. We bet it would earn them higher spiritual merits.
After lunch, we continued on to the second half of our hike. Our guide told us that this part was easier than the first half. We thought that he lied because the trail was still steep, but the view of the Paro Valley along the way was breathtaking.
More steep climb and we stopped for this magnificent view of the monastery. It looked liked it was getting closer!
And finally the trail flattened! It is true after all that the second part is easier (for now). We savoured the joy of walking horizontally and the feeling of mystery that shrouded this part of the trail.
We passed by this shrine which houses a cave where a high lama was born. We climbed the stairs to take a peek inside and saw a photo of the holy lama and money thrown in by the faithful. We also passed by other small structures between here and the monastery, some of which were amazingly wedged between the cracks of the cliff. They are retreat houses for lamas who are on extended period of retreat – just like what Guru Riponche did – for 3 years, 3 months and 3 days.
Finally, we reached the second viewpoint. The vista of the monastery and Paro Valley from here was beyond spectacular. It was absolutely worth the climb.
It looked like we could touch the monastery from the viewpoint. But it was a wishful thinking, it was still on the far end of the deep valley. From here, the trail turned into steep descending steps before it climb up again, over 700 steps in all.
Monks going up the steps as we were descending.
More prayer flags were flapping like celestial laundry lines as we got deeper on the stair trail and the view of Paro Valley was even more spectacular.
The monastery looked farther up again as we followed the descending step trail.
The stair trail plunged into a bridge across a lovely waterfall that was cascading into a sacred pool. From here, the stair started to climb up to the monastery. After 100 steep steps we were finally at the monastery entrance.
It was exhilarating to finally reach Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Alas, photography is not allowed inside. We had to check our backpacks, cameras and phones at the entrance. Our guide, who we only saw few times on the trail (he was running back and forth on the trail checking on everyone in our group), asked us to remove our shoes and then showed us the inner sanctum of the monastery.
We learned that there were several temples within the monastery. We visited three where statues of Guru Rinpoche in his various manifestations were on display behind glass walls. There were also statues of other Buddhist deities as well as beautiful religious paintings. Other than the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, the monastery also houses several medication caves of other holy people in Buddhist history, including Guru’s consort. The meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche is sealed off behind a gilded shutter in a small temple. It is only opened once a year.
The atmosphere throughout the monastery was mystical. We were enveloped with a deep sense of calmness and peace. We received a blessing from a monk at one of the temples. We felt like we were true pilgrims.
Having experienced the way of a pilgrim, we were filled with the sense that our journey in Bhutan was complete. We descended with a feeling of lightness. And yes, the hike downward was much easier.
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Travel Notes:
- Wear sturdy sport shoes, preferably hiking shoes. Also wear thick socks. You will have to remove your shoes before entering the monastery and the floor is cold!
- Bring your hiking poles. If you don’t have one, you can purchase a wooden walking stick at the parking lot for US$1. (Our friend Nadine took hers home as a precious souvenir.)
- Bring a rain gear. Weather can be unpredictable. (It rained without a hint of dark clouds during our hike, but fortunately we were already in the monastery when it poured.)
- Do the hike at the end of your trip to give you more time to acclimatize to the altitude.
- Manage your pace. Walk slow but steady. Avoid walking fast and stopping too much. It will be taxing to your lungs and you will expend too much energy.
- Make sure not to arrive at the monastery close to 12:00 noon. You will be rushed to get out of there as the monastery closes for lunch between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. (We met people who were very disappointed that they didn’t have enough time at the monastery.)
- Most people start the hike very early in the morning to avoid mid-day heat. We didn’t start ours until mid-day as our flight didn’t arrive Paro from Bumthang until that morning. As we were hiking up, most people were descending. We found out that starting late was a good thing because when we reached the monastery we had it all to ourselves. And since most part of the trail is shaded by foliage, we hardly felt the mid-day heat.
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You probably noticed out new look!? We’re pleased to launch it just in time for our second blogging anniversary! We would like to thank the uber-talented couple Steph and Tony of Twenty Years Hence for their custom designing this beautiful theme for us. They were great to work with. We cannot say enough about their creativity and professionalism. If you plan to revamp or completely redesign you blog, we highly recommend that you contact Tony and Steph here and also check out their superb travel blog.
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Linking to Travel Photo Thursday and Oh, the PlacesI’ve Been.
Amazing place
Muza-chan recently posted..Samurai helmet, Kawari Kabuto
Hi Lili, it really is!
I’ve heard about and seen pictures on the Internet of the Tigers Nest Monestary but you’re the first blogger friends I’ve ever known who actually went there, Marisol! I laughed at the part you mentioned about it not always being a good idea to follow monks. But, I would have loved talking to them too! Wow, if a person was going to be at 3 year retreat this would be the place to do it, huh? I soooo enjoyed this and thank you
Mike recently posted..The Part II Top 10 Steven Spielberg Movies Finale
Hi Mike, we’re so glad you enjoyed the post and gave you a good laugh about not following the monk:) Its definitely a place conducive to do an extended retreat. Any plans?
That was quite a hike, Marisol! Love the scenery! Like the photo of you at the second view point! I will, definitely, make sure to visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery when in Bhutan.
memographer recently posted..Delta Air Lines Logos – Magazine Ads From 1960′s
HI Alex, thanks! You have to visit Tiget’s Nest! You and your camera will love this hike.
I am amazed at the devotion of those who built those structures. We’ve seen similar (not as spectacular by any means) in Greece and have pondered the logistics it took as well as the lives. . .great post, felt like I was there with you two! Photos are spectacular! (And I will always think twice now before following a monk!)
Jackie Smith recently posted..Ukraine: When Travel brings Headlines Home
Hi Jackie, glad we were able to take you with us. We too are amazed with the deep devotion that made it possible for this monastery to be built.
What a gorgeous day…the photos are all stunning. Love the one through the flags…genius! Bhutan is on our maybe for December list. Do you think that’s a good time to visit or too cold?
Corinne recently posted..36 Hours in Brunei
Hi Corinne, thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. We went in September and we had beautiful clear days. This is what Lonely Planet says about traveling in Bhutan in December. Hope it helps.
“From December to February, there is often snow in the higher regions and occasional snow in Thimphu. The road from Thimphu to Bumthang and the east may be closed because of snow for several days at a time. It would be best not to plan to visit these regions at this time.”
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bhutan/weather#ixzz2vPcEaTws
Marisol recently posted..Bhutan: The Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Love your new theme, Marisol, although the one-column layout of the posts does take getting used to. For some reason, the font is also too light. Re Tiger’s Nest, I’ve seen pictures of it before and I’d always thought that it’s not easy to get there. Apparently, you can, huh? I would love to include this in my itinerary when I do get the time to go to Bhutan!
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..High Up in the Acropolis, the Sacred Rock of Athens
Hi Aleah, thanks for the feedback. The posts actually have two column, unless you’re viewing it from a tablet or an old browser.
You definitely have to include Tiger’s Nest to your itinerary when visiting Bhutan. It’s worth the climb.
Bhutan looks really wonderful! And the location of the monastery is great for hikers like me. Hope to visit the Tiger’s Nest someday soon.
Freya Renders recently posted..Interview with Jennifer Pharr Davis
HI Freya, you will definitely enjoy your hike. Will be great addition to your hiking portfolio,
Marisol recently posted..Bhutan: The Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
well that was totally enjoyable, i had a great trip and didn’t even break a sweat, thanks for taking us there…fantastic!
noelmorata recently posted..Venice – Cicchetti and the pub crawl experience
Hi Noel, we’re so pleased that you enjoyed it.
I am so fascinated by Bhutan! It’s hard to find much information about it though. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
Alison Pirtle recently posted..Finding the path less traveled in Thailand
HI Alison, we have series of post about Bhutan here you can visit them and see if they can provide any info that you need. Otherwise, feel free to shoot us an email if you have an questions about Bhutan travel.
These mountains look unreal and so challenging at the same time. Are you two professional hikers? You have no idea how much I’ve been missing hiking these days. Bhutan seems so beautiful and stunning! Love the scenery and I’m simply jealous of your experience.
Agness recently posted..Is It Possible To “Live” A Great Life In Chiang Mai, Thailand For Less Than $25 A Day?
Hi Agness, we’re avid hikers but don’t consider ourselves professionals. I hope you get the opportunity to hike soon and also hope that you can visit Bhutan one of these days.
Marisol, it was such a pleasure to work with you and we are so happy that you guys love your new look. It was such an honor (and so much fun) to build you a theme that helps display your beautiful stories and photos at their very best!
As for Bhutan—wowza! You know I am not really one for hiking, but looking at your photos here, it’s clear that this is one of those places you’ve just got to go to and is well worth the physical exertion. I second your recommendation for walking sticks, however—we certainly got our money’s worth when we purchased them for our trek in Nepal and were grateful every single day that we had them!
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) recently posted..Gorging on George Town: Does Malaysia’s Culinary Capital Live Up to the Hype?
Hi Steph, the more I look at it the happier I am with the theme:)
The hike to Tiger’s Nest is really one for the book even for non-hikers. I really recommend anyone traveling to Bhutan to prepare for it as it is an experience of a lifetime. I hope that you and Tony make it there sometime soon
Marisol recently posted..Bhutan: The Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Wonderful photos as usual guys. Good idea starting late and having the afternoon to yourselves. Love the new look. The orange buttons really stand out.
budget jan recently posted..When to visit the Black Sea Coast and Eastern Turkey plus a Road Trip Surprise
Thank you, Jan. So glad you like the new look:)
Nice story and photos. I live at sea level and while I hike nearly every week, the most elevation gain/loss we usually experience is 1,000 feet (up, and back down) at aptly named “Steep Ravine.”
Tales Told From The Road recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: How Now, Moo Cow?
HI Dick, thanks. Ah, your Steep Ravine hike makes a good training for the hike to Tiger’s Nest.
First thing I noticed was your new look. It’s wonderful.
And oh my I would so love to do this hike. Stunning photos and I can feel you drinking in the view at the top – while catching your breath. What a treat to have the monastery to yourself.
Thanks Leigh! I’m pretty sure you will joy this hike. It may be a piece of cake for a hardcore like you:)
I’m exhausted..that was some climb! I really am going to have to get super fit before I head to Bhutan! Your photos and description of the climb were fabulous as usual. I really did feel as though I was there with you. What an amazing place!
Love the new look your too!
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..Zagreb’s Most Unusual Tourist Attraction
Thanks Jenny. I’m glad we gave you an idea on how the hike is. It’s really worth preparing for the trip. I’m sure you will find it an incredible experience.
Love this! Looks like quite an amazing experience. I was supposed to study abroad in Bhutan, but my program got changed to India and Nepal, and I’ve never really gotten over the disappointment. Someday!
Silvia recently posted..Over the Hills and to the Village
Hi Silvia, really? Well, we hope you get a chance to visit Bhutan one way or the other. We hope you had a wonderful time in India and Nepal.
What a breathtaking journey! I’d love to take on that hike someday, and Bhutan is a dream destination.
Hi Beth, I hope with all my heart that you get to take on this hike someday. You will love Bhutan.
I like you new look! When I saw the photo at the top, I immediately recognized it from every single article I’ve read about what a happy place Bhutan is. I never realized that it is such a challenge to get up there. If I had managed to make it halfway, I think I’d be able to push on and make it all the way to the monastery. The details of the hike and the photos are fantastic. I almost feel like I was there, too, minus any physical exertion on my part.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted..Great Wall of China Toboggan Ride
Thanks Michelle! We really think that if you can make it half way up you can make all the way through.
Marisol recently posted..Bhutan: The Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Congrats on the new look, Marisol & Keith! I’ve been researching designers but hadn’t heard of them. Will have to check them out…
I’d probably have to get in better shape to take this hike on but gosh, from your amazingly stunning photos and story, it’s totally worth it!
FYI, I’m back in NYC if you’re around and want to get together. Would be great to finally meet.
Marcia recently posted..Colbeck Castle
Hey Marcia, thanks! Definitely reach out to Steph and Tony. They’re really great to work with,
Yes, it’s totally worth preparing for the hike to the monastery. It’s truly is stunning.
Will e-mail you about the meet–up!
Loved reading of your adventure which sounds like one I’d very much enjoy.
Thanks Linda, glad you enjoyed it!
Love the new look and advance happy blogoversary. I’ve always been fascinated with pictures of how they built Tiger’s Nest and just the sheer beauty of it. Absolutely gorgeous photos and I thoroughly enjoyed “virtual hiking” with you. I never realized just how hard it is to get up there. I’d brave the hike before trusting my life on any horse. I can’t even begin to imagine the relief to reach the destination and just seeing this mystical and amazing place. Thank you for sharing this experience with us. Now, if I can just get to Bhutan soon
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..Beyond the Circle of Rocks: Our Tour of Stonehenge
Hi Mary, thank you! Glad you enjoyed the virtual hike. Definitely hike it than taking the horse ride. It’s definitely worth every step. Getting up there is magical. I hope you get to go there sometime soon.
You virtual hike tired me out! Love the photos. Definitely worth the climb.
Happy anniversary! You revamp looks fantastic! Thanks for linking up this week.
Nancie recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday — Mar.6/14– Halifax’s Old Burial Ground
Ha! Ha! Nancie, I hope you got a good work out. Thanks Nancie, glad you enjoyed the photos and the new look.
These are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing these images of your hike to the monastery. I love visiting places through the photographs of others.
Betsy @ PhotoArt.com recently posted..Fern – Macro Fine Art Photography
HI Betsy, thank you! Glad you found your way here and tht you enjoy the tour.
wow, my goodness! you do the most incredible things. thanks for sharing these. i wonder if there’s a helicopter ride to reach the monastery?
how long was the hike from the beginning till you reached the very top?
Photo Cache recently posted..Home Away From Home
Hi Maria,, our pleasure. Ha! Ha! No helicopter ride to the monastery. It’s cheating! You won’t be granted spiritual merit:)
It took us 2.5 hours including lunch stop to get to the top.
Hey! Just found your site through 20YearsHence. Beautiful pictures! All of the traveling you’ve done, while still holding down busy jobs, is really inspiring! Looking forward to glancing through more of your posts when I’ve got a little time. Site looks great!
Rochelle recently posted..Finding our way in Sorata
Hi Rochelle, glad you found us and enjoyed the blog. Thanks for visiting.
I love the scenery, but I have to get in shape for the hike
… love the new look …
Thanks Rachel, glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Marisol ,
Great photographs and nice narration. We visited Taktshang Monastery this winter. I could re-live the trail while going through your post. Cheers, Prabhjot
Hi Prahjot, thank you. Oh how wonderful. I’m sure you had a very special time as well. Thanks flor visiting.
Hi Marisol,
We’re planning to do this hike in late September. Can I ask what it would be like for someone who is not good with heights? The path, in your photos, looks quite enclosed. Are there any places on it where there is no fence and just sheer steep drops?
Hi Margaret, Most of the edges were hedged by trees or bushes. There are steep drops by the stair trail but railings have been installed. I think you will be fine. Just stay on the mountain side far away from the edges. I wish you a very wonderful trip. I’m sure you will enjoy Bhutan.
I will be glued to the mountain side Marisol. No worries about that! Thanks, I can look forward to it now
Bhutan is one of the best place for vacation from the camping and family point of view.
Waren Anderson recently posted..Bhutan Tour Package
Hi there!
How are you doing today?!!
I am Flora and like you writing is my passion. It soothes me, somehow! Your blog “travelingsolemates.com” is probably one of the most interesting ones I’ve seen recently. Like minds I guess! I was also wondering if I could do a guest post for your blog.
The best part is I won’t be charging you a penny, but in return all I need is just one link within the article or to my author bio.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Regards,
Flora.
Such a beautiful place it is. I just loved the way you explained every little thing about BHUTAN. This post made my day. Thanks alot guys .I am also going there in Dec. If anybody wants to join feel free to contact me. For details of the trip visit
http://www.365hops.com/social/event_detail.php?eventid=VkZod2FrMUJQVDA9
Hi Sahil, I hope you had a great trip and found more people to join you.
Hi! We just returned from Bhutan – but only viewing the Tiger’s Nest – from distance . Was looking forward to a detailed report on the hike to the place – and lo – here it was ( excellent work , praise worthy effort , lovely pics ! ) . Did you hear about / see the what is called the TIGERs NEST 2 ( its a eerily similar looking Monastery ) seen when one visits the CHELE LA Pass ( enroute to HAA valley )
Hi Vivek, I hope you had a wonderful time in Bhutan like we did. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed this post. We have seen several structures in our travels in Bhutan that resembled the Tiger’s Nest, not sure if the one in Chele La Pass was one of them. All of them were quite a sight to behold. Thanks for visiting the blog.
Great blog. I’m looking to take this journey sometime next year. I thought that the temple was off limits to tourists. No true?
Also, how did you prep for this type of hiking journey?
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Brandi, thanks! I’m glad you’re planning to journey to Bhutan. I’m sure you will love it. Tiger’s Nest and all temples are open to tourists. Some of them are closed during certain festivals.
Working out is part of our regular routine. and we hike every chance we get., so that pretty much helped us to prep for this trip. Good luck with your travel planning and I wish you a wonderful journey.
Marisol recently posted..Varanasi: Morning Rituals on the Ganges River
very nice wordings. Was loving to go to this place. will surely go after seeing your article.
Thank you, Kishore.
I am deathly afraid of trails with a steep drop-off. Heights bother me a lot. How scary is this trail? Does it have good railings? I will panic if I look down over a steep cliff. Tell me if you think I’m a candidate for this hike. I would love to see Taktshang (Tiger’sNest). Also I am 70 years old but in good health.
Hi Carolyn, so sorry for the late reply,. As far as height, it’s not scary at all. Most of the edges were hedged by trees or bushes. There are steep drops by the stair trail but railings have been installed. I think you will be fine. Just stay on the mountain side far away from the edges. If you’re in good health, you should be just fine. It is can be steep but remember that key is to take it slow.
Hi I m coming Bhutan 30th December with my 11 years old son,1st day my programe paro tigernest monastery or drukgl djong & others spot tell me which is best for us?.2nd day thimpu,3rd & 4th day punakha, pubjika but which is better for us?Day 5th back paro,6th day tay in paro & visit some places.Please tell me how do I enjoy my journey.Finally 5th january we leave your country.
Mr. Badal, we don’t live in Bhutan; we were only visiting. Our itinerary for the most part were pretty active and involved a lot of travel and may not be suited for 11-year old. I suggest that you contact one of the local tour agencies to recommend best places to travel with an 11 year-old.
Can I go there with my 3 year old?
Traveling into Bhutan and within Bhutan may be exhaustive for a 3 -year old. But I suggest you speak with local travel companies in Bhutan for advice.
Marisol recently posted..Our Journey To Antarctica: A Preview
Will be at Tigers Nest trailhead on Feb 25, 2015, on my 76th birthday, one-week into February trip.
Am living in Florida now. I did much COLORADO hiking in past years but am concerned bout ye old knees! Whatcha think in Feb? What temp can be anticipated; how much snow? Will it be wise for me to stop at cafeteria; or push onward?
Consider myself fortunate to have come across your blog. Thank you.
Hi Wayne, what a fantastic way to spend your birthday. We went to Bhutan in September so we have no first experience of traveling there in February, but I made some research for you and here’s what I gathered. “The winter season (December to mid March) brings snow to the higher regions however the southern regions and main valleys where visitors generally travel are considerably warmer. Paro and Thimphu normally experience only light dustings of snow so still well worth a visit….”
I recommend that you stop for a break at the cafeteria to recover some energy for the second half. The trail goes steep right away on the first half. The key is take it slow and your knees will thank you. We hiked with a man about your age and he made it to the monastery just fine. Good luck and have a wonderful journey in Bhutan.
What a wonderfully complete response! You even did research on a winter visit. THANK YOU.
My tour company won’t be taking me to high elevations with much snow. I’m more concerned about how warmly I
need to prepare myself for the end of February. I then go to Nepal for my two-week main trip.
Again, I love your blog, your assistance, your photos and just everything. Wandering Wayne
Hi Wayne, you’re very welcome. If you’re concerned is how to properly dress, the best thing to do is to layer. That way you can always add and subtract as the temperature changes when you hike. Two weeks in Nepal! Wow, you’re really in for a great trip. Advanced Happy Birthday and may you have the best journey ever.
Again, Thank you Marisol. You’re just too efficient! It’s appreciated.
Much of my concern is that I’m told to have (heavy) hiking boots, other shoes, shoes to handle snow and shoes to wear when cold water rafting. Plus a heavy coat, hat, gloves, warm sleepwear for two nights in a tent, much warm clothing for layering, walking stick(s), binoculars, camera, an extra bag, etc, etc, etc and keep it all to 44-pounds. Plus an 11-pound carry-on limit in Bhutan.
I have trouble keeping to 44-pounds in summer for Europe.
Wonder what I can eliminate! Guess I chose the wrong month!
Your new admirer,
Wandering Wayne
Again, Thank you Marisol. You’re just too efficient! It’s appreciated.
Much of my concern is that I’m told to have hiking boots (heavy), other shoes, shoes to handle snow and shoes to wear when cold water rafting. Plus a heavy coat, hat, gloves, warm sleepwear for two nights in a tent, much warm clothing for layering, walking stick(s), binoculars, camera, an extra bag, etc, etc, etc and keep it all to 44-pounds. Plus an 11-pound carry-on limit in Bhutan.
I have trouble keeping to 44-pounds in summer for Europe.
Wonder what I can eliminate! Guess I chose the wrong month!
Your new admirer, Wandering Wayne in warm weather Florida
Again, Thank you Marisol. You’re just too efficient! It’s appreciated.
Much of my concern is that I’m told to have (heavy) hiking boots, other shoes, shoes to handle snow and shoes to wear when cold water rafting. Plus a heavy coat, hat, gloves, warm sleepwear for two nights in a tent, much warm clothing for layering, walking stick(s), binoculars, camera, an extra bag, etc, etc, etc and keep it all to 44-pounds. Plus an 11-pound carry-on limit in Bhutan.
I have trouble keeping to 44-pounds in summer for Europe.
Wonder what I can eliminate! Possibly I chose the wrong month!
Your new admirer,
Wandering Wayne Clearwater, FL, USA
Wandering Wayne recently posted..Antarctica Expedition: Sailing from Ushuaia & Crossing the Drake Passage
After seeing the nest in the movies, I am just absolutely obsessed with seeing it in person. I am not usually a big trekker, but this looks the payoff that could get me out there. Just stunning pictures and I can’t imagine a more mix of spiritual and mysterious destination anywhere on earth.
Thank you.
Seeing Tiger Nest Monastery was awesome.
Hi Wayne, I’m so pleased to hear that you had an awesome time seeing Tiger’s Nest. I hope the rest of your trip was wonderful.
HI Victoria, The trek up to Tiger’s Nest will be worth your every step. I hope you get to visit Bhutan soon and experience its mystery, beauty and spirituality.
I’m booked for 25 days in Bhutan starting in Mid September 2016 and its a 35 year dream trip. Finding your blog was a gift. I’m 68 and in good shape and have been working on an elevated treadmill to be in good shape for Tiger’s Nest.
I see you have hiking poles; should I have one or two? Gracias for this and all your Bhutan blogs.
Hi Don, yes we highly recommend a hiking pole. If you don’t have one, you can buy a walking stick on the trailhead for $1. They’re good ones. Our friend who bought and used it took it home as a souvenir. Have wonderful time in Bhutan and good luck and enjoy the hike,
What an incredibly inspiring and heartwarming website to discover – such a treat! It feels really friendly and personal, with the richest travel content I’ve seen in ages. Just wonderful.
I leave for a trip to Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan in just a few days time and now have a much clearer (alarmingly clear actually) understanding of whats involved in getting to Tigers Nest. Thank you for sharing your journey and your photos.
What an incredibly inspiring and heartwarming website to discover – such a treat! It’s so friendly and personal, with the richest travel content I’ve seen in ages. Just wonderful.
I leave for a trip to Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan in just a few days time and now have a much clearer (alarmingly clear actually) understanding of whats involved in getting to Tigers Nest. Thank you for sharing your journey and your photos.
Quite Amazing photography, and adventure.
Seeing the photographs makes me feel like I am there though I have not gone there. But hope to soon.
You got the difficult route after following the monks. HAHHAA
Loved the post!!!
What a fabulous trip and such beautiful photos. I’m planning a trip to Bhutan for this Oct/November, reading about your trip has made me even more excited. I too will think twice about following the monks…. but then again, how interesting their conversation would be. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories and photos.
Wonderful!
Are you Thukten THINLEY, my OAT tourguide in February 2015? We arrived just in time for the Kings birthday celebration. I’m 76-years old. We were only three tourists. You assigned a terrific young helper to assist me. I had to come down the last portion of the trail with my arm around your shoulder for support. I lost enough weight that you had to punch an extra hole into my belt. Now, do you remember me?
You and your assistants are terrific. Thank you.
Hi,
My name is Animesh Kundaji and I work as a content writer. This post is probably one of the best reads I have come across in a long time. Also, the pics are absolutely transcending. I have been to Tabo and Kee in India, and I know the contrast between simplicity and the rest is humbling.
Thank you for sharing your story.
I greatly enjoyed reading your journey. Excellent travel notes for those looking forward to hiking up to the Tiger’s Nest, like myself. Many thanks.
I took this hike around the same time you were there, but i am so mesmerized by this place that i like to read people’s views and pictures about it. I love Bhutan and this was one of the best hikes i have been on. I enjoyed reading your post and the pictures gave me a nostalgic feeling that makes me want to board a plane and head there!
I will be doing the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in 2 weeks time ! Hopefully the weather will be as good as the weather you enjoyed.
I’m excited about my trip (going to be travelling from eastern Bhutan (Samdrup Jongkhar across to western Bhutan (Paro).
Your great posting has heightened my excitement.
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Thank you for sharing with us,I too always learn something new from your post.
I am very happy to state that at the age of 81, I could climb and reach the Tiger Nest monesrty and enjoyed the trek.
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Thank you for sharing your extraordinary trip. A photo of The Tiger’s Nest came up on my computer in a “50 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Visit” article. I love to learn about new places in the world, even if I may never be able to get there during my lifetime. My initial thought was, “how in the world can you get to the monastery”? Your article took me through that journey. It looks to be an amazing adventure. Maybe someday I will have the opportunity to visit these sites. I saw that you are a blogger? I don’t know if you will get this, as it is many years removed from the original posting date, but if you do, I would love to follow your adventures. If you could guide me to your sight, I would very much appreciate it.
Thanks,
Judy
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