One of the holiest sites in Bhutan, Taktshang Monastery perches dramatically on the side of a cliff, 900m above the floor of Paro valley. With a name meaning 'tiger's nest' its history dates back to 747AD when Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress. After his arrival he meditated in a cave which is now the most sacred place of Taktshang around which the temple buildings are arranged.
The monastery suffered a devastating fire during the night of April 19, 1998 - the cause of which has variously been supposed to have been lightening or an overturned butter lamp. With reference to old photographs and diaries reconstruction enabled the new building to closely match the original.
Special permission is required for non-Bhutanese to visit the monastery, usually granted only to practicing Buddhists on a religous retreat. This photograph was taken from the viewpoint across the valley, the furthest point ordinary tourists can reach before being stopped by a guard. This is one of Bhutan's most famous - and unmissable - sights.