DAY 5: TIGER NEST -TAKTSANG HIKE

 We left for the Tiger Nest Hike a little earlier than usual with packed breakfast from the hotel.

We reached the foothills in 15 minutes.Then we collected our sticks which cost 100 INR each. Though initially it felt like the stick is not required, it was very useful during descent in my opinion. It was like a helping hand that makes sure your descent is more steady and the grip on the ground is held. The entrance to the monastery costs 1000 INR.One way pony ride till the cafeteria costs 1300 INR.

We started the hike around 7 :30 am, and I completed it around 2 pm   taking 6.5 hrs for the hike bothways and for the monastery visit.The hike is around 6 kms 1 way, includes 700 steps just before reaching the monastery. We hiked till the monastery which seems to be the halfway mark, had breakfast used restrooms and continued with the hike uphill. 

After reaching the viewpoint, there are around 700 steps which need to be climbed down. Then you reach a small waterfall, pass that and climb again to reach monastery. The bags need to be deposited at the safe before entering the monastery. Then there are 7 rooms inside the monastery that are open for workship. We visited all of them and placed our prayers and offerings. There are few rituals and beliefs that we too tried inside the monastery. Return Hike was difficult as we had to climb the 700 stairs. Once this was completed, the other parts of the descent only needed some mindfulness and was easy with the stick.

It is believed Guru Rampoche came here on a disciple's back who transformed into a Tiger to carry him. He meditated here for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours. Locals whom we had a chat with, told us the visit to this monastery removes all our bad karmas. This Monastery is located 3000 meters above Paro Valley. This place was affected by Forest Fire more than once. Once they decided to relocate Guru Rampoche idol to Punakha Dzong. But during the descent, the idol suddenly became very heavy, Guru Rampoche appeared and asked them to leave the idol at the monastery itself, else they will not be able to relocate it.

There are too many such treks in Bhutan, 1 of them takes 30 days.

After the Hike, we had Lunch, rested well. Hot Stone bath was an optional activity in the itinerary. But we skipped it as we read mixed reviews about it on the internet. Also, few of our friends who went, told us it was a little tripsy and they had to frequently come out of the bathtub when they felt giddy.

We went for a walk around, did some shopping. We had tea and momos at mountain cafe. Then dinner at the hotel, with farewell for our tour guide as he couldnt join us further.