The complex has white buildings with golden roofs. Paro Taktsang Monastery consists of the 4 main temples and several dwellings. All buildings are interconnected by staircases with steps carved into the rock.
Almost every single buildings of the monastery complex has a balcony with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. The main shrine of the monastery -the prayer wheel is located in the courtyard of the temple. Every morning at 4 a.
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 tiger is respected as the symbol of Paro Taktsang because of the legend, according to which the location of the Monastery was chosen by a tigress. There are eight caves in the monastery; four of them are comparatively easy to access.
Make sure that you are dressed appropriately with both your arms and legs covered and your head uncovered at all times when inside the monastery. Like most prominent buildings in Bhutan, Paro Taktsang has white exteriors with red or gold roofs. The Paro Taktsang from inside:. The Taktsang monastery building consists of four temples, eight caves and several residential quarters for monks.
The monument is very thoughtfully designed keeping in mind the ledges, cliffs, rocky terrain and the caves. The entrance to the first cave, where several images of Buddhist monks are kept, is through a very narrow passage.
Lighted butter lamps are kept in front of each image. From here, we ascended a few steps to another temple where there is an elegant statue of Lord Avalokiteshvara. In the adjoining temple, there is a big hall with statues of thousand Buddhas. The cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century can be viewed from this hall. The cave where Guru Padmasambhava resided is sealed and can be accessed only once a year. Our guide, Dorji, invited us to sit on the floor and meditate silently for a while in the hall.
Sitting cross-legged, we suddenly became conscious of the complete silence in this isolated part of the Himalayas. Deep inside this temple where Guru Padmasambhava used to meditate brought us chills. From this temple, we again descended a few steps to a cave housing a sacred chorten.
All the temples and buildings are interconnected through steps and stairways from inside and a few viewpoints here and there offer stunning views of the valley. The return journey:. The return journey was much faster, with lots of photographs clicked and memories made. While returning, we often wondered if we hiked up the same path that we certainly would have! Together we experienced enthralling landscapes, breathless climbs and knee-crunching descents. But nothing was more rewarding for us than the calm and peace we felt when inside the Paro Taktsang.
Few points to remember:. The hike to Paro Taktsang could be ranked as an easy to moderate hike. Even amateur trekkers can easily attempt it. Start the hike early in the morning so that you reach Paro Taktsang by afternoon and are able to return back safely in the day-light.
If you are fit enough, you can plan on completing the hike between 8 AM - 1 PM assuming you spend some time clicking pictures and inside the monastery. Do not skip breakfast the day you are supposed to hike to Paro Taktsang. In fact, eat like a King on the day of the hike. You will burn a lot of calories during the hike.
There are no shops selling eatables on the hiking trail to Paro Taktsang. There is just one cafeteria that comes mid-way and as already mentioned, the options are limited and cost high. Carry at least 2 litres of water, some energy bars and a few eatables as per your choice in a bag during your hike. The rent is usually Nu 50 per stick. You will have to give the trekking stick back when you return. It is a must have if it is expected to rain.
Remember to buy entrance tickets to Paro Taktsang from the base. Entrance tickets are not available anywhere in between or at the top.
If you do not wish to enter the Paro Taktsang and only want to hike to the viewpoint, you need not buy any entrance ticket. If you feel you cannot climb the entire trail, opt for a pony ride from the very beginning.
You will no get any pony ride mid-way or after hiking for some time. The pony charges were Nu when we visited Paro Taktsang but it depends on the day and season. Always halt towards the mountain side and not the valley side while giving way to the ponies. Do not take shortcuts while on the trek unless you are an experienced trekker.
The trail to Paro Taktsang is well defined and you probably may not need a guide at all unless you want someone to guide you through the interiors of the monastery. Locker facilities are available at the top, right at the entrance to Paro Taktsang to keep your valuables and backpack. Remember to dress appropriately on the day you visit Paro Taktsang.
Your hands and legs should be mandatorily covered at all times while inside the monastery and your head should remain uncovered. Photography is prohibited inside the Paro Taktsang monastery. You will have to keep your mobile phones and camera in the lockers at the entrance to the monastery.
Shoes are not allowed inside any of the caves or temples. Bhutan is very aware about cleanliness and environmental sanctity in particular. The Taktsang Monastery is built in accordance to Buddhist architectural principles and has pristine white walls along with gorgeous golden roof. The temple complex here was built in There is a gigantic prayer wheel in the courtyard that is swung at 4 a.
The interiors are unbelievably luxurious with hundreds of flickering lights and glimmering domes. According to popular myths a tigress brought Guru Padmasmabhava to this site on her back. Out of the 8 caves around the monastery, 4 are easy to reach. The TholuPhuk and PelPhuk caves are of special importance. Interestingly resident monks are supposed to dwell and live in these caves for 3 years in the footsteps of their Guru Padmasmabhava. However, I was lucky to find a Taxi driver who took me to the base camp of the monastery and back in INR.
His name is Jam Yang Mobile: You can contact him for reasonably priced tours in and around Paro.
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