Taktsang Palphug Monastery, generally known as Tiger's Nest, is one of the most famous touristic destinations and the cultural icon of Bhutan. It clings to a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level on the side of the upper Paro valley.
There are three paths leading to the Tiger's Nest.
The first trail passes through the pine forest, decorated with bright prayer flags. The rest of the two paths pass through the plateau, called "a hundred thousand fairies’ plateau."
Tiger's Nest consists of four main temples; all temples are interconnected by staircases with steps carved into the rock.
The main shrine of the monastery is where the prayer wheel is located. Almost all buildings of the monastery has a balcony with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Interior of the temple is a gold-plated dome with flickering candle flames that are illuminating golden idols. The hall of Thousand Buddhas is carved into the rock, where the large statue of a tiger is located.
The symbol of Paro Taktsang is a tiger and according to legend, it was the tigress whom brought Padmasmabhava to the Monastery location on her back.
A total of eight caves in the monastery;
The cave Padmasmabhava is believed to have entered first, on the back of the tiger, is known as “Tholu Phuk” cave
The cave where Padmasmabhava meditated is the “Pel Phuk”.
