The Paro Taktsang Monastery is located approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) north of Paro, perched on a dramatic cliff at an elevation of 3,120 meters (10,240 feet), about 900 meters (3,000 feet) above the Paro Valley and the Paro Chu River. Built into nearly vertical rock slopes, the monastery is accessible via several routes: through a forested northwest path, a southern path often used by pilgrims, and a northern route via the rocky plateau of Bumda, known as the “Hundred Thousand Fairies.”
A mule trail leads visitors through pine forests adorned with moss and prayer flags. Along the way, highlights include a water-powered prayer wheel, said to bless and purify all waters it touches, and the Urgyan Tsemo temple on a rocky plateau overlooking the valley.
This location, called the “Copper-Colored Mountain Paradise of Padmasambhava,” serves as a viewpoint with a nearby cafeteria for refreshments.
The trail is scenic, with blue pines, fluttering prayer flags, and kiosks selling religious items like prayer wheels and temple bells. A significant waterfall, dropping 60 meters (200 feet) into a sacred pool, is crossed via a bridge en route to the monastery. Upon reaching the main complex, visitors can admire vibrant wall paintings and see the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, opened to the public only once annually.
