“Taktshang” is literarily translated as the “Tiger’s Nest”, and Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated there for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. It has a spectacular location on a rocky cliff 900 m above the Paro valley. The famous Tibetan Yogi Mache Lhabdenma attained enlightenment in a nearby spot. The hike starts from the road head about 8 km north of Paro along an unpaved trail which passes through the farmhouses of Shari. From the parking area at the base of the cliff the trail climbs steeply up the ridge through pines covered with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. From the top of the ridge there are excellent views of Drukgyel village with its high school to the south and the army camp above it. It’s a short distance over level ground to the cafeteria at 2940 m where the monastery first comes into view. The trail to Taktshang itself continues a little further along the ridge, although many visitors return at this point. It is possible to continue for another 45 minutes uphill through the trees until you reach a spectacular lookout at about the same height as the monastery (3140 m). From this vantage point, Taktshang looks as if it is growing out of the rocks and seems almost close enough to touch, although it is about 150 m away on the other side of a deep chasm. A tough hike if you are not fit and acclimatised but well worth the effort and a highlight of any trip to Bhutan!e