I’ve had several requests for more stories about my Bhutan trip. Here’s one that was quite meaningful:
Long before I took my recent trip to Bhutan, I wanted to go to Taktsang, otherwise known as Tiger’s Nest. Resembling something out of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, there was something about the place, constructed high on a mountain cliff, that called to me. When the opportunity to go to Bhutan became a reality, I was thrilled to learn that a visit to Tiger’s Nest was on the itinerary. I knew it would be challenging, but never considered the option of not making it to the top.
Scheduled toward the end of our two-week pilgrimage, there was ample time to talk about and mentally prepare for the hike. I’m a regular walker and hiker, so I felt relatively well prepared. The only unknown was how the altitude would affect the climb. Tiger’s Nest is situated at about 10,000 feet, and the climb is roughly a 3,000 feet increase in elevation over the two miles from the trailhead.
On the second-to-the-last day of the pilgrimage, we woke up early and drove to the trailhead before the crowds arrived. It was chilly, but I knew that would change as the day evolved. At the recommendation of others who had been to Tiger’s Nest, I headed up the trail slowly, breathing intentionally. It was physically challenging, but I made steady progress. Our skillful guides accompanied us, and they were particularly encouraging as I got closer to the top. I remember feeling a sense of relief when the trail leveled out at what appeared to be the same elevation as Tiger’s Nest. That’s when I discovered there were approximately 750-800 stone steps that descended into a small valley past a waterfall, then back up the mountainside to Taktsang. One guide in particular stayed right with me, talking me through each step. Without him, I’m not sure I would’ve made it.
Finally at the top, my body was shaking from all the effort it took to get there. At first I felt panicky, wondering how I was ever going to find the energy to get myself back down. Once I met up with the rest of the group, taking time to soak up the sacredness of such an extraordinary place, I returned to a state of calm and regained confidence in myself. Slowly undertaking the steps again, before long I was on the trail and eventually back to the parking lot where we started. As I waited on the bus with a few fellow hikers, my sense of gratitude and exhilaration for the entire experience far outweighed how physically tired I felt. I appreciated everyone, near and far, who helped me complete this exceptional journey. I even took a moment to appreciate myself, for having the courage to travel to the other side of the world and for stepping out of my comfort zone to do something hard. Breathing in the blessing of a most extraordinary day, I offered it back to the world as a gift of healing and hope for peace.