Highlight of Bhutan and the Climb
Paro is the last town we visited on our Bhutan trip. The highlight was the TigerNest trek. The guide told us that we would be able to see the Tiger Nest from our hotel. Hmmm, it seemed far away and tall already. (photo: View of TigerNest from the hotel room; the tiny white structure on the rocky outcrop)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paro_Taktsang
Before the Climb
The guide briefed that(1) the route to TigerNest is not as steep as the Tango Monastery hike. The first part is mainly a gradual uphill climb,
(2) There is a cafe/restaurant for food/toilet. We would stop there for a lunch break
(3) Then, continue walking till the first look-out spot where the elevation is similar to Tiger Nest
(4) After that, there will be about 400+ steps downslope to reach a short plateau
(5) Then, climbing up by about 300+ steps to the Tiger Nest.
I resisted checking with the guide if any of his group member did not make it to the top... He requested that we could place any of our stuff in his rucksack, and that he had our water in his bag already. I asked how often does he do the climb. The guide does the climb on an almost weekly basis.
We set off from the hotel at about 8:30am, and arrived at the starting point after about 20 minutes.
There are horses available for rent to bring customer to the cafe.
The Climb
We started walking. Soon after passing the starting point, the monastery came into view. It seems far and high up there...The walk was not as steep as the Tango monastery hike and there were far fewer signs(and no bins) as checkpoints. Thus, one just has to put one step in front of the other slowly but steadily.
After the initial struggle to move the stiff limbs, we reached a clearing to enable us to see the forest and the height we have climbed. (photo: clearing in background is the starting point)
Reaching the Cafe
At last, of course, we reached the cafe!!!The guide asked if we needed to take a break. Yes, we needed a toilet break. The toilet usage is chargeable. It was too troublesome to search for my wallet in my pack. So no, we did not need a toilet break, we just needed a break. (photo : The monastery still seems far)
Along the path, we noticed that moss was growing on many trees. According to the guide, they only grow when the air is good. (photo: moss hanging from the trees)
The Lookout Point
At last, we reached the first lookout spot. It is at a similar elevation as Tiger Nest. The view of Tiger Nest was spectacular. Now, it does not seem so far away anymore. Many other trekkers are queueing to take photos from the look-out spots.
From the other view point, we could see the cafe, that seems rather far away. (Photo: the building at the right of photo)
The going-down steps
From the look-out point, the trek descends about 400+ steps => I then have to climb an equivalent number of steps to go to the monastery.
The flat plateau and waterfall
The Going-up steps and the Monastery
Then, the 300+ steps to the reach the monastery. No camera and bags are allowed in the monastery.
Leaving the Monastery
We started our trek back back by climbing down 300+ steps before climbing up 400+ steps to reach the look-out point again. (Photo: About 111 floors of climbing)
It was a welcome sight to see the cafe again. We had our lunch before heading back to the base.
I was impressed with myself that I could complete the trek. I asked if there was anyone who could not complete the trek. The guide said that one of his guest fell off her horse, and had to be taken to the hospital. Seems like everyone can complete the trek then.
The final statistics.
The driver is waiting for us at the starting/ending point. I look forward to the hot-stone bath in the evening.
After Note
Friend YC said that he descended via a shorter (but steeper) route. It was indeed at the back of my mind about any existence of a more direct route but I did not manage to ask the guide. Thanks for the information. :)So ask your guide about the short-cut and then weigh your options.
On the same trip
Bhutan : Thimphu
Bhutan : Punakha
Bhutan : Paro, Hot Stone Bath, Weekend Market
Bhutan's Common Sights and Final Note