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While it may seem we are getting obsessed with travel which by itself is not a good sign as anything over done loses its significance.
However we do suggest you travel once in a while (the frequency which can be defined only by you and your family). Sometimes our way of understanding the experience can be really varied when we travel to an iconic destination. One such destination we strongly recommend is Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan for mum, families and kids (preferably 7 years on wards or those who can trek themselves) rather than being carried around.
So let us share this experience of travelling to Tiger’s Nest, in Bhutan with family including a child aged around 7 years old.
It was our fourth day in Bhutan. We were looking forward to what was and even now called one of the most iconic destinations that people all over the world travel to see – The Tiger’s Nest.
(View from base point- Tiger’s Nest- Photograph by Reshma Krishnamurthy)
From the base point where there were horses and the permit place, it seemed like any other mountain with a certain mystery element added to it. I was really wondering if it would look as mystical as it appears in glossy magazines, travel bloggers’s social media timelines.
As we had a child tagging along we decided to go for the horse ride for half the way and after that anyhow everyone had to go on foot.
It seemed that the child would feel blessed for taking the horse ride. Instead it was us adults who were relieved that we had covered half the distance over the horse ride. The trek by foot is manageable but tough. Kudos to those who trek all the way up by foot only.
(View from the pathway to reach Tiger’s Nest_ Photograph by Reshma Krishnamurthy)
I felt the trek can be definitely done only if you are with good company or if you are a solo traveller then you have to be motivated enough to see one of the must-see destinations of the world.
The horses are trained and as they went slowly along the path they overlook scary views below. Every step by the horse seemed to be the last one, where one would almost anticipate an accident. But the horses are really trained and they carry passengers as a regular routine with absolutely no fear. I almost felt they didn’t express any emotion too.
As mentioned earlier it is only half the journey. The remaining half is by trek. This is the only point where one can go to a rest room, have food and sit down to enjoy the first breathtaking view of the Tiger’s Nest.
The entire area was literally plastic free and as a woman traveller with the number of tourists coming to visit –I would share pleasingly that even the washrooms were maintained neat.
We stopped to have tea and just admire the structure. It seemed straight from a National Geographic location or BBC Earth where you often wonder whether you will ever go to those places showcased. It was there right in front of us and it stood majestic and proud of its identity.
With lots of mini colorful flags tagged along the way and views of mountains that spoke in volumes on its sanctity, we finally reached Tiger’s Nest. There is also the prayer wheel on your way back that has its own charm to it.
The trek takes around four to six hours and with a kid or kids it might go a bit slow too. The destination is a sacred Buddhist site –a monastery where even today monks stay. You are not allowed to photograph anything inside the monastery and it is believed that Guru Rinpoche who is believed to have introduce Buddhism to Bhutan travelled all the way from Tibet to this destination on a tigress back.
Did I find it mystical as much as I read about it or seen it in pictures? All I can say is that I found it far more charming and interesting than what I had seen on timelines or read on its beauty. The monastery overlooking the steep cliff is inspiring and even seems so aggressive and attractive that it has a certain power to have you come and visit it.
( Photographs by Reshma Krishnamurthy -Founder- Mums and Stories)
Photographs subject to copyright.
Do travel to Bhutan only to make it for Tiger’s Nest. You can travel with your existing valid Indian passport and going by road from Siliguri, West Bengal to Phuentsoling, border town at India-Bhutan and then to Thimpu and Paro, the city where Tiger’s Nest is accessible. One always has the option of flying directly to Paro from India.
Reshma Krishnamurthy travelled with her family to Bhutan early in February 2017.
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Inspiring mum travellers– If you have a story of having travelled to an iconic destination within India or anywhere in the world, with kids, do share your story with us. Email at mumsandstories@gmail.com
