Chasing Happiness – Part 2 – Taming the Tiger

After a heavy, memorable and pricey meal at the exotic Bukhari restaurant in Como Uma Paro, the next agenda on our list was to lose those calories. We decided to do it by conquering the Tiger. The Tiger’s Nest seems to hang from the cliff, and it is both majestic and scary to look at. For the spiritualists – This is one of the caves where the second most revered person in Buddhist faith – Rinpoche meditated. At 10K+ feet from sea-level, with a 900 metre ascent from the base – no trip to Bhutan is complete without it. 

It is about a 9km trip 2 ways, and the first part of the journey is quite arduous, though not insurmountable for an average Joe. We were slightly below average at that time, however, and it took a lot out from us 😊 But the key to conquering this was indeed in not competing with the 95% of other fitter people around us and rather taking our time, enjoying the view.

The first WOW moment came just before hitting the cafeteria, when we got the first view of the monastery.

After a quick recovery, we restarted, and immediately came across a long flight of stairs, but luckily the track smoothened out after that. It was close to noon, and with the sun relentless in its pursuits to make us give up, the layers of clothes started peeling. We rounded yet another curve, and then we saw it, the view that defines Bhutan Tourism in many magazines. It was splendid!!

Some advice for those trying it –

•          Try to start early (say 8ish), so that the uphill climb is done by 10.30, before the sun starts draining you out.
•           Try not to play with the stray animals, even if they give you the most beseeching of looks, if your partner is not fond of them (Believe me, this is very important!)
•           Carry nuts (and water, unless you don’t mind drinking from the natural springs) – There is only one cafeteria, which only serves a buffet meal, and you want to ideally keep it light. Also, that is the only place where there is a toilet, so plan accordingly
•           Best photo spot – just before the final set of steps to the monastery, the most awesome sets of photos come there (PS, no cameras are allowed inside the monastery, you need to deposit it whilst inside)






•           Time to Visit – We had visited in January, we were greeted with Azure skies, and relatively less crowds. Also, the dry season ensured a dry and firm track to hike




•           While coming down – a note of caution, the mules carry people to the top(Many people prefer this, as the downhill trek is easier), and hence they (the mules) are let loose by their keepers on the way down – often leading to a stampede like situation, especially if you are caught on a narrow path. 
  
  Preferably avoid the downhill stretch from 2 to 4 PM, but if you do – watch out, and warn people trekking ahead of you – Everybody likes a good Samaritan 😊