Paro Taktsang, Bhutan

Many travelers go to Bhutan in search of unique Buddhist monasteries. This tiny state features hard-to-get Paro Taktsang monastery. Its name can be translated as ‘Tiger's Lair.’ The monastery is situated on a steep slope of rocks, it’s about 700 meters above the earth. According to historical records, the monastery was founded in 1692, but the very first monks have settled in these areas much earlier.

They were attracted by hillside caves, which suited perfectly for solitude and meditation. Many amazing legends are associated with foundation of the monastery; one of its founders was the greatest Indian teacher Padmasambhava. He was brought to the precipitous cliff by his wife, who turned into a tiger and carried her husband on her back. Currently pilgrims can use several options to get to the monastery, and each of them has its obstacles.

The easiest way is to use the trail passing through dense pine forests; several more complex trails originate on the plateau with the symbolic name ‘Hundred Thousand Fairies.’ In April 1998, a Buddhist monastery has been in trouble, when it has been conflagrant in great fire. The primeval monastery has been destroyed almost completely; fire has taken lives of several monks, which haven’t been able to leave their cells. Currently, building is restored with maximum accuracy. It took seven years to reconstruct the monastery. Next - The Temple Of Donators