- 1. Paro Taktsang Monastery, commonly known as Tiger's Nest, is an iconic Buddhist monastery perched precariously on the sheer cliffs of the Paro Valley in Bhutan. At an elevation of approximately 3,120 meters (10,236 feet), this architectural marvel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, flew to this location on the back of a tigress, which is how the monastery got its name. The complex, consisting of four temples and several other structures, clings to the granite cliffside and showcases stunning traditional Bhutanese architecture characterized by ornate woodwork, intricate carvings, and vibrant murals depicting Buddhist teachings. Pilgrims and tourists alike embark on a challenging yet rewarding trek through pine forests and rhododendron gardens, which leads to the monastery. Upon reaching the site, visitors are often struck by the serene atmosphere, the faint echo of chanting monks, and the intoxicating scent of incense that envelops the air. The combination of spiritual significance, breathtaking natural beauty, and exquisite craftsmanship makes Paro Taktsang a revered destination for those seeking both adventure and a deeper understanding of Bhutanese culture and spirituality.
Where is the Paro Taktsang Monastery located?
A) Tibet
B) Nepal
C) Bhutan
D) India
- 2. What does 'Taktsang' mean?
A) Eagle's Nest
B) Dragon's Den
C) Tiger's Nest
D) Lion's Roar
- 3. Which mountain range is near the monastery?
A) The Alps
B) The Himalayas
C) The Andes
D) The Rockies
- 4. What is the altitude of Paro Taktsang?
A) 3,500 meters
B) 2,500 meters
C) 4,000 meters
D) 3,120 meters
- 5. Who is believed to have meditated at Taktsang?
A) Buddha Shakyamuni
B) Lama Tsongkhapa
C) Guru Padmasambhava
D) Lama Zopa
- 6. When was the monastery built?
A) 1692
B) 1700
C) 1600
D) 1800
- 7. How many temples are within the monastery complex?
A) Two
B) Five
C) Four
D) Three
- 8. How do most visitors reach the monastery?
A) Hiking
B) By car
C) By bus
D) By helicopter
- 9. What is the primary religious practice at the monastery?
A) Buddhism
B) Islam
C) Hinduism
D) Christianity
- 10. Who commissioned the construction of Paro Taktsang?
A) Tsoknyi Rinpoche
B) Sangye Nyenpa
C) Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
D) Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye
- 11. What is a traditional Bhutanese dress worn by women?
A) Kira
B) Chupa
C) Sari
D) Gho
- 12. What is one of the traditional offerings at Taktsang?
A) Butter lamps
B) Flowers
C) Money
D) Fruits
- 13. Which district of Bhutan is Paro Taktsang in?
A) Thimphu District
B) Punakha District
C) Paro District
D) Wangdue Phodrang District
- 14. What UNESCO designation does the monastery hold?
A) World Heritage Site
B) Natural Reserve
C) Archaeological Site
D) Cultural Landscape
- 15. What significant event led to the destruction of part of the monastery in 1998?
A) Landslide
B) Flood
C) Earthquake
D) Fire
- 16. What symbolic animal is associated with Paro Taktsang?
A) Eagle
B) Dragon
C) Lion
D) Tiger
- 17. Which Bhutanese king helped fund the reconstruction of the monastery?
A) Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
B) Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
C) Jigme Singye Wangchuck
D) Ugyen Wangchuck
- 18. What is the primary function of Paro Taktsang?
A) Buddhist monastery
B) Market
C) Royal palace
D) Fortress
- 19. What is the trek duration to reach Paro Taktsang from the base?
A) 1 hour
B) 30 minutes
C) 5-6 hours
D) 2-3 hours
- 20. What is a significant animal in Bhutanese culture that is also the national animal?
A) Elephant
B) Takin
C) Tiger
D) Snow Leopard
- 21. Which body of water is near the Paro region?
A) Bumthang Chhu
B) Wang Chhu
C) Mo Chhu
D) Paro Chhu
- 22. What is the main purpose of the hike to Paro Taktsang?
A) Physical fitness
B) Spiritual pilgrimage
C) Adventure
D) Leisure
- 23. What materials were predominantly used in constructing the monastery?
A) Concrete and steel
B) Wood and stone
C) Bamboo and mud
D) Glass and plastic
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