Paro Taktsang (spa phro stag tshang) is the popular name of Taktsang Palphug Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest), a prominent Himalayan Buddhist temple complex consisting of seven monasteries. Taktsang can be dated back to 1692 and is one of the most important religious sites of pilgrimage in the entire Himalayan region. The name Taktsang means “The Tiger’s Nest”.
The monastery is located 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the north of Paro and hangs on a precipitous cliff at 3,120 metres (10,240 ft), about 900 metres (3,000 ft) above the Paro valley, on the right side of the Paro Chu (‘chu’ Bhutanese means ”river or water”). The rock slopes are very steep (almost vertical) and the monastery buildings are built into the rock face. The monastery is surrounded by scenic woodland with amazing blue pine trees and rhododendrons. The view from the temple is absolutely breathtaking.
