Paro Taktsang Monastery on the edge of a cliff in Bhutan
Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Paro Taktsang Monastery is one of the most iconic and sacred sites in Bhutan. Also known as the "Tiger's Nest", this Buddhist temple is perched on a cliff 3,120 meters above sea level and is said to be where Guru Rinpoche – the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan – meditated in the 8th century.
A visit to Paro Taktsang Monastery is a truly unforgettable experience. The hike to the monastery takes about 2-3 hours, and offers stunning views of the valley below. Once you reach the monastery, you will be rewarded with a great sense of peace and serenity.
Paro Taktsang Monastery was built in 1692 by Tenzin Rabgye, the fourth Druk Desi (ruler of Bhutan). It was destroyed by fire in 1998 but has since been rebuilt and now stands more beautiful than ever.
If you are planning a trip to Bhutan, be sure to add a visit to Tiger's Nest Monastery to your itinerary. This is truly a magical place that will stay with you long after your trip is over.
About Bhutan, the happiest country
Thunder dragon, symbol of Bhutan
Bhutan is a small country in the Himalayas, bordered by India and China. The country is often called the “land of the thunder dragon” and is known for its unique culture and landscape.
Bhutan is the only country in the world that measures gross national happiness rather than gross domestic product.
Gross National Happiness was first conceptualized by the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972. He believed that gross national happiness was more important than gross domestic product and that it should be used to measure the success of his country. The GNH index has nine domains: psychological well-being, health, education, use of time, cultural diversity and resilience, good governance, community vitality, ecological diversity, and living standards.
Bhutan consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. In 2020, it was ranked as the happiest country in Asia and the eighth happiest country in the world by the world happiness report. Bhutan's happiness can be attributed to its strong sense of community and culture, its commitment to environmental conservation, and its focus on gross national happiness.
