Paro Taktsang clings precariously to the cliffs in Upper Paro Valley of Bhutan, 10,000 feet above sea level. This Buddhist sacred site is where it is believed the “second Buddha” meditated. Famously called “Tiger’s Nest,” visitors need to take a 2-3−hour climb from the valley floor to reach the entrance of the monastery.

HIKE TO TIGER’S NEST (BHUTAN)

The hike up to Tiger’s Nest follows a steep trail. From between the trees and sweeping mists, Tiger’s Nest keeps appearing and disappearing from view. Midway up, there is a canteen where you can stop to have lunch. A few minutes before reaching the canteen is the iconic spot where people take the customary picture with the monastery in the background. To get to the canteen, you can also hire a horse but from there up you will have to walk.

From the entrance of Tiger’s Nest Bhutan, there are 700 stone steps carved into the cliff face that leads up to the monastery. Once you reach the sacred site, there are several levels and temples within that you can visit. There is also a cold cave where Padmasambhava is said to have meditated.

According to legend, Padmasambhava (an 8th-century Buddhist master from India) landed at Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan, on a flying tiger. He then began meditating in a cave for 4 months. It is believed that he subdued the local demons and began the conversion of the people of Bhutan to Buddhism. He was responsible for spreading Tantric Buddhism in Tibet and Bhutan in the 700s. Read more…

Bike rentals in Sikkim are so popular that it’s hard to hire one on the go. While cars have a stereo system for entertainment, an air conditioner for comfort, and air bags and seat belts for safety, people still opt for bikes. So why is Bike rental in Sikkim so popular?

To understand its popularity, let’s get an overview of the experiences one can have while exploring Sikkim on two wheels.  

The Route

There are many biking routes in Sikkim that are well known for offering thrilling experiences. Gangtok to Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim is the most noted and difficult route. The route goes via the picturesque town of Lachen. The entire route is either guided by forest greens or snow-clad mountains, which will make you redefine the definition of beauty. Another route that bikers prefer is the East Sikkim route from Gangtok to Aritar via Zuluk. The route is also called the Silk Route as it was an ancient network of trade routes that connected China to India. 

Convenience

A bike my not be safe or comfortable but it sure is convenient. You can easily move through traffic; parking is a breeze; you can fit into spaces where cars can’t; you decide where to go, when to go and which route to take; and no more waiting for cabs or calling up drivers. It’s just you, your bike, and the road.

Experience

The most important reason in our opinion is the experience. The experience and the sense of happiness you feel on a bike cannot be compared. The feeling of the fresh cool breeze sweeping through your face as gravity shifts underneath you or the sense of fulfillment you feel upon reaching the destination after a long and challenging ride is incomparable.   

Services

The services provided by a bike rental company make a lot of difference in the demand. TourGenie provides topnotch bikes for bike hire in Gangtok including basic bike accessories like leg guards and helmet, not to forget free consultation on the itineraries and bike ride routes and destinations.

So if plan on visiting Sikkim and you know how to ride, do yourself a favour and rent a bike because like the saying goes “Four wheels move the body, two move the soul”.