ブータンの天然記念物・トップ10

Taktshang, also spelled Taktsang or Tiger's Nest, is a Buddhist monastery in the Paro Valley in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The word Taktshang is Tibetan and literally translates to "Tiger's Den." It is located at an altitude of 3,120 meters in the Himalayas and is only accessible by a hike of several hours or by mule. The monastery complex is a frequently photographed cultural landmark of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The monastery was consecrated in 1692 and includes the Taktsang Senge Samdup Cave, where, according to legend, Guru Padmasambhava meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours in the 8th century. Padmasambhava, also known as the Guru with the Eight Names and holding the honorific title Rinpoche, brought Buddhism to Bhutan. The monastery is dedicated to him. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taktshang

Drukpa Kunley, a religious preacher and skilled tantric practitioner, was asked by the people of Bhutan to perform a miracle. After consuming an entire cow and a goat, he joined the goat's head to the cow's skeleton, thus creating the takin. This magical animal, called Dong Gyem Tsey (Takin), became a common sight in the hills of Bhutan and was declared the national animal due to its religious significance. Source: https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan/thimphu/takin-enclosure/

Besides Gangkhar Puensum, other Himalayan peaks are also visible depending on the weather. In my case, Masang Kang (7194m) was visible.

The absolute highlight that is visited on every trip to Bhutan. The climb is quite strenuous but very worthwhile.

The high valley northeast of the ‘Bonte La’ pass is also known as the ‘Hidden Valley’. The extensive area extends over heights between approx. 4,600 and 4,750 m and is surrounded by mountain ranges with heights of over 5,000 m. In the north lies the steep edge of the Tshophu lakes.

The two Tshophu lakes are located in a side valley at an altitude of 4,380 m. Access to the lakes is from Jangothang. Trekking groups on the Jomolhari Trek continue uphill from the lakes to the Bonte La pass (4,890 m). Groups on other treks in the region, such as the ‘Snowman Trek’, make a day trek to the Tshophu lakes to acclimatise to the altitude.

A day's stage on the Jomolhari Trek leads over the high mountain pass Bonte La with an altitude of 4,890 m. The ascent usually takes place from Jangothang (4,100 m) and goes past the Tshophu lakes (4,380 m); after crossing the pass, the hike leads south down into the valley of the 'Dhumzo Chhu' and the homestead at 'Soi Yakse' (3,820 m).

The Himalayan peak of Jomolhari (Chomolhari) has an altitude of 7,326 m; the Jomolhari mountain range forms the border between Bhutan and Tibet (China). The mountain's glacier is one of the two sources of the 'Paro Chhu'. For Tibetan Buddhists, Jomolhari is a sacred mountain. They believe that it is the abode of a protective goddess of Tibet and Bhutan.