Hey Steemit!
I've been in Bhutan for couple of days but was avoiding going to the Tigers nest as I heard a lot about the difficulty of the trek. However today I gathered the courage and rode to it's base camp. Once there I hired a stick and a horse. I rode with 6 other tourists. The trails were steep and the rains had made it slushy, so the ride started to seem scarier than walking specially when I saw a few horses sliding down the path. After a 45 minute of tensed ride, we reached a cafe, after which it's a good 3 hours more of walking to reach the nest. My history of dislocated knee made my waIking slow but steadly I proceeded the view just got better and better. First it was of the thick green mountains and then a couple of streams, steep climbs, people who were hiking to the monastery and then suddenly we got close to the Tiger's nest and oh my! the view was breathtaking. It was the toughest climb of my life and many times I thought I should turn back but what kept me motivated was the old folks who still managed to get up there. They were happy to be accomplishing such a big task and I knew if they can do it, I definitely can too.
So I continued and came across this majestic waterfall along the way and once you cross the waterfall the nest is within vicinity. Only there I realised that I didn't purchase a ticket from the base. I was nervous but when I explained my mistake they were kind enough to let me enter the monastery. I spent over 2 hours over there and never felt so much at peace. I soaked in the picturesque surroundings, the meditation and met people from different countries. As soon as I went into the last shrine it was time to leave. Slowly but steadily I started to climb back, this time joined by 2 doggies who accompanied me most of the way, which made me happy.
Ascending down the slopes was the biggest task for me as it puts a lot of pressure on my knees.But like a tortoise I kept on going and I told myself that there are days that will be the toughest but once I overcome them, there is immense joy and satisfaction.
When finally I saw the base camp in site I was relieved and the moment I sat on Skye I forgot my pain and I knew that this is what I'm meant to do. I can ride for 16 to 18 hours every day but I can never walk 🤣
When I finally got back to my hotel I realized how much of beating my legs have taken and I had to soothe them by taking a hot water tub bath. Good night ul