Awe Inspiring Hike Down From Breathtaking Tiger's Nest Monastery Part 3

Time to head back down from Tiger's Nest. I had to check my camera equipment with security before entering the Monastery compound and was unable to capture the amazing sights, sounds, and smells The Tiger's Nest complex entrance had beautiful fresco paintings depicting the Protectors of the Four Cardinal Directions. The interior was filled with many beautiful paintings, statues, shrines, and tapestries. The whole compound was fresh with the aroma for incense. The in the sacred inner sanctum we viewed the Pelphug-Meditationa cave where "Padmasambhava," Guru Rinpoche meditated. I had the opportunity to meditate inside the Monastery to the mantras of a chanting monk. This was an experience I will never forget! As we traveled down the steep steps only to climb back up, we had amazing views down the valley below Tiger's Nest. We passed by some steps which let up to the cave where Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal resided, transforming herself into a flying tigress carrying Guru Rinpoche from near Dakini Falls. Looking across you can see the trail hugging the cliff on the other side. I think our knees will feel it more going down than coming up. The Dakini Falls stream that rushes through the cliffside ravine is called Shelkarchu or "Crystal Stream" It is believed that when Yeshey Tsogyal threw her rosary against the rock the stream gushed forth miraculously like a crystal rosary. Tiger's Nest revealed itself to us as the rising sun was no longer in our eyes and it contrasted nicely with the bright blue skies above. Passing beautiful prayer flags we stopped at the Tiger's Nest Cafeteria half way point for a delicious lunch. Our whole group made it to Tiger's Nest! What an accomplishment. On our way back to the hotel in Paro our awesome Tour Manager, Sonam Finso had a surprise for us. He had brought some prayer flags which he had blessed by the monks, for us to hang from a bridge over the river. Magical experience as we count our Blessings. Back at the Hotel we gathered around a fireplace for drinks to celebrate the conclusion of our adventure. We all feel honored to have Sonam Finso as our Tour Manager, Ugen Dorji as our driver, and Tensho as our faithful warrior assistant here in Bhutan. Actually, this is Sonam's first time acting as a Tour Manager. The three men faithfully and capably watched over us guiding us up the mountain carrying water and urging us to hydrate. Many Blessings to them. and Gate 1 Travel. We also, feel Blessed to have made some awesome new friends on this journey together. Thank you for the memories and the laughs! Its been a wonderful experience. Tomorrow we leave back to Nepal.

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