A Complete Guide for Tiger's Nest Monastery Meditation Tour

Lying on its narrow ledge, perched precariously above the Paro Valley more than 900 meters, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is renowned as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. If you travel to the hidden kingdom of Himalaya, this unique monastery is definitely a wonder to behold.

Furthermore, Paro Taktsang is also one of the most important meditation spots in Bhutan. So why is the monastery on the cliff famous for meditation? Read the guide to know the reason behind and important tips for the spiritual tour to Tiger's Nest Monastery, for example, where to do meditation, how to reach the monastery, etc.

Why is the Taktsang Monastery famous for meditation?

The reasons for the fame this monastery holds when it comes to meditation can be traced back more than 1,200 years to the time of the dissemination of Buddhism in Tibet and Bhutan, and across the Himalayas. The monastery was built on a famous 8th century meditation site of the Indian sage and guru, Padmasambhava. Known in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche, he is reputed to have flown from Tibet to Bhutan on the back of a tigress that was the transformation of his former consort. It is said that the ledge where the monastery lies is where he landed in Bhutan, and the cave at the site is the location where he is believed to have spent three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours in meditation. And it is this legend of Guru Rinpoche that gives the Taktsang its other name, the Tiger’s Nest.

The temple on the site was built in 1692, on top of the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Padmasambhava spent his time meditating. The temple is devoted to the guru, who was adopted as the tutelary deity of Bhutan after the time he spent introducing Tibetan (Vajrayana) Buddhism to the country. Also known as the temple of the Guru with Eight Names, a reference to the eight faces of Padmasambhava, this modern icon of Bhutan is one of 13 “taktsang” or Tiger Lair caves where Guru Rinpoche spent time in meditation in Bhutan.

Where to Do Meditation in the Taktsang Monastery

The cave of Padmasambhava mentioned above is not the only cave at the site of the monastery. In total, there are eight caves underneath the monastery that were popular for use in meditation from the 8th to the 16th centuries. Four of them are easy to get into, while the other four are blocked off to tourists to preserve them from harm and damage.

The first of the four accessible caves is known as the Tholo Phuk, and is believed to be the cave first entered by Guru Rinpoche when he arrived on the mountainside. The second easily-accessible cave is known as the Pel Phuk, and is the cave where it is believed he spent more than three years in deep meditation before subduing the demons of Bhutan.

The four accessible caves are open to the public, and you are welcome to spend a while in meditation, though you may be disturbed by others visiting the caves, as they are not large. New monks in the monastery are supposed to spend three years in meditation, living in these caves, and rarely come down to the valley below during their time at the monastery.

For a more peaceful time in meditation at Tiger’s Nest Monastery, you can meditate in the main hall of the monastery, or you can head down the steps outside to the small meditation hut below the monastery, where monks can be found in meditation day and night.

How to Reach the Paro Taktsang Monastery

Drive to the Bottom of the Mountain

Getting to the monastery is not an easy task, and it is not possible to drive to the site. The easiest route is to start at the parking area at the bottom of the mountain in the north of Paro, from where you can hike up to the monastery. First, you will need to drive a short distance from your hotel in Paro city to the parking area, and then make the hike up to the monastery on foot.

Trek up to Taktsang Monastery

The trek up to the monastery takes you through pine forests and open meadows all the way to the top of the rocky mountain opposite the monastery, and takes around 5 to 6 hours to hike. From the top of the mountain, you drop down slightly and cross a bridge to the mountain on which the monastery sits, climbing the 800 steps up to the base of the monastery, on its narrow ledge.

The trek is not hard, and can be dome easily by tourists of any level of fitness. And since the distance is not too far, you can always stop and rest whenever you like, the tour excursion to the monastery is usually given the whole day, so you have plenty of time to take a leisurely stroll up to the monastery and enjoy the views more fully.

Tips for the Tiger’s Nest Monastery Meditation

There are some essential tips for the Tiger’s Nest Monastery meditation during your Bhutan tour, which may help you better enjoy the journey to this amazing monastery.

Be Acclimatized to the Higher Altitude of Bhutan

The monastery sits at an elevation of 3,120 meters above sea level, and more than 900 meters above the valley floor below. This is an altitude that can see you feeling the first effects of altitude sickness, which you may not have felt in the lower altitudes of the Bhutanese valleys yet. It is best to make sure that you are already acclimatized to the higher altitude of Bhutan before attempting the climb, which is why it is usually done at the end of a tour of Bhutan.

Start the Tiger’s Nest Hike Early

It is best to start the trek early in the morning, as the trail can get a little busy in the peak seasons for tourism in Bhutan. And leaving early means you miss the crowds and get to spend longer admiring the monastery and the outstanding views.

Prepare Sun Protection for your Tiger’s Nest Hike

The trek to the monastery may take you through forests of pine and rhododendron, but the trail is pretty open, and the sun can beat down on your head as you climb. Make sure you have sun block on and have a decent hat to keep the harsh sunlight off your head.

Wear Hiking Boots

It is also essential to wear a decent pair of hiking boots for the trek, as the trail is pretty rough, and the grip can help prevent you from slipping.

Dress Code for Visiting Monastery in Bhutan

When visiting the monastery, it is better to obey some dress codes of Bhutan out of respect for the Buddhist religion. Shorts and short skirts are not permitted, and shoulders and arms should be covered at all times. Women should refrain from wearing skimpy or provocative clothes that show a lot of skin, and should cover up appropriately.

Any Photography is Forbidden inside the Temple

Photography is not permitted in the monastery, and you will be required to leave cameras, camera-phones, smart-phones, and recording equipment at the entrance. Lockers are provided for your stuff, and it pays to bring your own padlock to secure your valuable items. And please do not try to sneak a camera or phone into the temple to take photos, as you will fall foul of Bhutanese law, and could find yourself in police custody.

Horse Ride is Available

There is an option of riding a horse for half of the trek up to the monastery, stopping at the tea house half way and trekking the rest of the route. However, this is not recommended, as the trail can be slippery for the horses, and the climb is hard on them. And you cannot ride them back down anyway, so best to trek it yourself and appreciate the achievement more.

Conclusion

The taktsang Monastery in Paro is one of the most famous sites for Bhutan meditation tour, and is believed to be the first Buddhist meditation site in the country, being more than 1,200 years old. And as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan, this is the perfect place to spend a short time in meditative contemplation of the universe.