Tiger's Nest Monastery

Everyone knows Tiger's Nest Monastery when they think of Bhutan.  The actual name is Taktshang Goemba and it is the most famous of all of the monasteries in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche who is known as the second Buddha since he brought again the word of Buddha to Bhutan created this monastery.  He flew to the site on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demon Singey Samdrup.  He then mediated in a cave for three months.  This is one of the most holy of all places in Bhutan and Bhutanese as well as visitors want to make the climb.  To the side is the picture of Tiger's Nest that we all know.      

This is the Tiger's Nest that was my inspiration to travel to Bhutan and what we set out to see today.

However, the reality was slightly different from the picture.  The weather had a surprise in store for all.  When we started out it was drizzling but as we started up the steep climb the weather changed.

It didn't stop the climb and now I have learned here in Bhutan it is not the destination but the travel that rewards and teaches.  The first picture is a prayer house along the trail.

Everywhere you look there are prayer flags flying in the wind bringing good wishes to all.      
                 

As you might tell from the white spots and the white on the ground in the picture above, the weather surprise was a change from drizzle to snow, quite heavy at times.  In the first picture where we are at the top with Tiger's Nest you can see the monastery although with difficulty.  In the second one you do not.  There is now a white out!

                            

Just to give you an idea of the climb I took a quick photo showing the steepness.  Sometimes the path looks something like steps because of the way the stones lie but most of the way is just earth with small loose stones.  There are only railings on the last entry to the Monastery.  Here is my walking buddy!   

I would love to show you my photo of Tiger's Nest instead of the canned one above but this is the best shot available in the snow.  It is somehow magical in its own way because snow is very rare in this portion of Bhutan.  Maybe the snow is a part of the peace I will take home as my memory of this country since that is what fills your senses from the moment you land.  Today it was so quiet on the hike that you could actually hear the snow falling.  The secret is to make time to have a little of the quiet and the mindfulness in each over busy day we spend running from task to task.  That is the best souvenir from Bhutan.