Paro Taktsang, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is arguably Bhutan’s most iconic and revered spiritual site, precariously perched on a cliffside 900 meters (about 2,950 feet) above the Paro Valley. This sacred monastery is believed to be the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century to subdue demons. The complex consists of several temples and meditation caves, all intricately built into the granite cliff face, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

Reaching Tiger’s Nest involves a challenging but rewarding hike, taking approximately 2-3 hours uphill, with ponies available for the first section of the ascent. The journey itself is an integral part of the experience, winding through pine forests adorned with prayer flags and offering stunning vistas at every turn. The monastery was initially built in 1692 around the holy cave but was largely rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1998, meticulously restored to its original glory, remaining a profound symbol of Bhutanese spiritual devotion and architectural ingenuity.