Tiger's Nest, Bhutan (11/26/2013)

The Taktsang Palphug Monastery (famously known as the Tiger's Nest) was our final stop and one of the highlight activities of our Bhutan trip. Built originally in 1692 (and subsequently rebuilt after a tragic fire in 2005), it is a testament to the deep spiritual culture of the Bhutanese - each brick was carried hours along a treacherously narrow path to its final resting spot on a cliff face. People still die reaching this place on a fairly frequent basis, despite recent efforts to widen the trail (one story immediately coming to mind being a Japanese photographer who stepped a little too close to the edge when photographing the monastery).  

We had the option of either hiking up the 900 meters (vertical distance) or riding a pony. My better half chose the pony, and the owner that accompanied her was this amazingly fit betel nut-chewing 70-year old woman that made the trek up and down at least 5 times a day. She was in far better shape than both our tour guide and myself [and our tour guide was a few years younger than me and in much better shape!] 

It was quite late in the day, and as such, we had the entire monastery to ourselves - eerily quiet and serene. Unfortunately no photos were allowed (and no electronics were permitted within - not even mobiles), and you'll just have to take my word that it was a fantastic feeling meditating in an ancient place, situated 3000 meters above sea level, in the midst of a near-vertical cliff.  A truly unforgettable experience.