Paro
Tourist Attraction Places in Paro
Paro is the best place to visit in Bhutan. The popular Tiger Nest temple is located in Paro. Paro, a picturesque town in Bhutan, boasts several enchanting tourist attractions. Visit the iconic Paro Taktsang, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest” monastery, perched on a cliffside. Explore the historical Paro Dzong, a majestic fortress-monastery with stunning architecture. Stroll through the quaint streets of Paro town, filled with traditional Bhutanese shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the National Museum of Bhutan, showcasing the country’s rich culture and heritage. Paro’s natural beauty and cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for travellers. Bhutan also have Other best places to visit that will amaze the clients
Paro Rinpung Dzong. Approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and an attractive wooden cantilever bridge roofed with shingles and abutted by two guard houses, the Dzong is the administrative seat of the district of Paro. It also houses the state monastic community of about 200 monks. Paro Dzong also called Paro Rinpong Dzong ( Heap of Jewels) is another popular Dzong in western Bhutan.
The popular legend of the Taktsang monastery is embellished with the story of Tenzin Rabgye, who built the temple here in 1692. It has been mentioned that the 8th-century guru Padmasambhava had reincarnated again in the form of Tenzin Rabgye. The corroborative proofs mooted are: that Tenzin Rabgye was seen (by his friends) concurrently inside and outside his cave; even a small quantity of food was adequate to feed all visitors; no one was injured during worship (in spite of the approach track to the monastery being dangerous and slippery), and the people of the Paro valley saw in the sky various animal forms and religious symbols including a shower of flowers that appeared and also vanished in the air without touching the earth.
The ancient ruin of Drukgyel Dzong restored to its former glory, considered the most beautiful and famous archaeological site in Bhutan, is situated on a ridge in the upper Paro valley. Since its construction in 1649, Drukgyel Dzong had served as an important base for defense in the region until 1951 when it was destroyed by fire. Even after the destruction, the ruins of the Dzong continued to be protected as an important monument linking the people of Bhutan with the great events that contributed to maintaining the sovereignty of the country.
Drukgyel Dzong is one of the Dzongs built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the linage holder of Drukpa-Kagyud Buddhist School and the unifier of Bhutan who came to Bhutan in 1616 escaping the conflict over recognition of the principal abbot of the Drukpa-Kagyud School in Ralung, Tibet. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and his successors constructed several fortresses called Dzong in the process of gaining control over different regions of the country, which were dominated by clergies and leaders of different Buddhist schools. These Dzongs were designed as a fortress at the time of power struggles as well as a court of clergies and administrators after Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal established the unique dual government system headed by Je Kenpo (the Head of religious affairs) and Desi (the Head of temporal affairs).
Paro’s weekend market isn’t very large but it has a traditional feel and is a fine introduction to some of Bhutan’s unique local products, from organic Tsirang honey to the squares of dried jellied cow skin known as Khoo (a local snack). The market is busiest on Sunday mornings but the vegetable stalls remain open throughout the week.
As you wander the stalls, look for strings of chugo (dried yak cheese), either white (boiled in milk and dried in the sun) or brown (smoked). The fruit that looks like an orange egg is actually fresh husky betel nut, imported from India. The jars of pink paste contain lime, which is ingested with the betel nut. There is also plenty of powdered juniper incense and patties of datse, the cheese used in almost every Bhutanese dish.
After visiting the market check out the action in the archery ground to the southeast, especially on weekends. Also check Thimphu Weekend Market
Paro Taa dzong was set up in 2012 on the ground floor of the Temporary Exhibition Building with technical and financial assistance from DANIDA. The museum has a rich collection of preserved specimens and trophies of animals such as Takin, Budorcas taxicolor (Bhutan’s national animal), snow leopard, deer, crocodile, butterflies, birds, and mineral wealth of Bhutan and most of them were donated by the Department of Forestry and Park Services, MoAF and Department of Geology and Mines, MoEA, Bhutan. Be sure not to miss the ‘Bhutan Glory’, a species of butterfly unique to Bhutan in the world. The Building also houses a souvenir shop in the ground floor, selling authentic Bhutanese handicrafts to the visitors.
Paro Taa Dzong the only Museam in BhutanTshering Farmhouse is located a little more than 2 km from Paro town. To reach this house, you can hire a taxi and be there in 10 minutes or take a walk and reach there in about 20 – 25 minutes. If you try to find Tshering Farmhouse on the map with its name, though, you might not be able to do so. ‘Homestay – 100 years old.’
The house is a few steps away from the Paa Chu (river) and you have to cross a wooden bridge to reach there. The beauty was spread all over the place decorated with Bhutanese architecture. The mountains are covered by clouds at a distance.
According to a local legend, the Lhakhang was built by the saint Thangtong Gyalpo to subdue a “serpentine force” that was located at the foundation of the chorten. Another legend says that Lhakhang was built on the head of a demoness. According to a Bhutanese source it was built “on the nose of a hill that looks like a frog in order to counteract a Sadag (earth-owning spirit) and Lunyen (powerful naga spirit). It is said that the hill, by which the temple is built, is a black vicious snake moving downwards.
KYICHU LHAKHANG (ALSO CALLED LHO Kyerchu and Kyerchu) is a majestic seventh-century temple revered as one of the most magnificent sites of worship in Bhutan. Located in the town of Paro, some sources reference the temple as one of the oldest in the nation; others name it the oldest.
The original temple is said to have been built overnight on the left foot of a colossal ogress—otherwise referred to as a demoness—who intercepted the spread of Buddhism as she lay across the land. It’s thought to be one of over 100 temples established to overpower her so Buddhism could flourish far and wide.
March-May (Spring) is the best time to visit Paro in Bhutan. Also Check Bhutan in April.
During this time, the hills come alive with the most beautiful blooms. October and November are the autumn months in Bhutan. During these two months, the weather in Paro it’s usually sunny during the day with a bit of snow in the higher elevations. Paro lies at an altitude of 2300m above sea level and considered Spring and Autumn as the best time to visit.
Summer (June to August): The best time to watch the greeneries of Paro valley. This time of the year is a busy time for farmers to plant paddies and tourists visiting Paro can enjoy the farmers planting paddies while singing
The Best Things to do in Paro Bhutan
Both day hike and Long trekking is available in Paro Bhutan. You can choose from Paro Tiger Nest Hike to the popular Druk Path Trek and 14 Days Jomolhari Round Trek which starts from Paro and ends at Paro.
Paro’s weekend market isn’t very large but it has a traditional feel and is a fine introduction to some of Bhutan’s unique local products, from organic vegetables and fruits to handicrafts made by the locals around. Its a joyful place to visit to witness the people from around the city mingle and visit for weekly shopping.
Birding in Paro. Bird watching tour around Paro Chhu or Paro River. The scenic forests around the Paro River remain home to Himalayan birds such as the Ibis bill, black-tailed Crake, Common Sandpiper, Olive-backed Pipit, and Dark-throated Thrush. Overnight in Paro.
The hike takes between 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace. Some parts are quite steep so go slow and be sure of your footing – especially when you make the return trip downhill which can be quite slippery. The hike is about 6 km (4 miles) in length round trip.
One of the biggest and most popular festivals of Bhutan, Paro Tshechu is held at Rinpung Dzong to celebrate the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche. Holding a religious significance, the festival lets the tourists witness a unique dance form of Bhutan i.e., the Mask Dance inside the courtyard, the unfurling of Thangka, and many cultural activities inside of the dzong.
Experience the authentic local hot stone bath at the farmhouse. this is a local Jacuzzi experience but with medicinal herbs. It has lots of benefits. Local belief is that it heals the bodyache, back pain and many internal injury.
Enjoy the delicious meals with music at Le Meridian Hotel at Paro. The hotel is about 15 minutes drive from Paro town and offers a great view of the Paro river and the village across the river. The dinner starts at 7 in the evening and goes beyond midnight. The program comes with local artist performing music and songs and if need be the hotel can also organise traditional Cham dnace and folklore upon request.
Bumdra Trek in Paro is two days and shortest trek in Bhutan. The trek will take you to the 3800m level campsite area finally to get a glimpse of Taksang. The trail passes through pine forest and the view of Paro on the valley floor below is breathtaking. The trek is romantic in the sense that hikers can soak. Find Details
Hike the remote Kiligoenpa temple from chelela pass.
How to Reach Paro Bhutan?
By Air: Paro International Airport lies about 6 km away from Paro City. Surrounded by 5000 m high peaks and with a single runway, Paro International Airport is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. DrukAir and Bhutan Airlines are the only two airlines that fly directly from New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangkok, Mumbai, Gaya, Guwahati, Kathmandu, and Dhaka. From the Paro International Airport, you can hire taxis or advance book your trip with us.
By Road: Bhutan connects with West Bengal in India at the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing Border. If you fly to Bagdogra Airport or take a train to Siliguri or Hasimara in West Bengal, there are buses and private taxis that will take you to the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing Border. You would be expected to submit documents and get entry passes into the country at the Border. From Phuentsholing you can reach Paro in about 4 hours. The easiest way to reach Phuentsholing is by road from Hasimara, which lies about 17 km from the Border. By Train: You can board a train from Kolkata to Hasimara. You will find plenty of taxis or regular buses to take you from the Hasimara railway station to the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing Border.
Shopping in Paro
Miniso Shopping Center: Paro has the biggest miniso shopping center at the middle of town.
Weekend Market: If you are a lover of organic fruits and vegetable, weekend market at paro is best to explore and enjoy the fruits. During season you get delicious Paro apple and cucumber
Enjoy the best meal at Tshering Farm House. You can also visit other cafes and restaurants for the best local cuisine experience.
Best luxury hotel in Paro:
- Le Meridian Paro River Front
- Amankora
- Uma by Como
- Six Senses Hotel in Bhutan
Paro is very popular for two things. One being the only International airport of Bhutan which is the main gateway to enter and secondly because of popular Tiger Nest temple monastery. The must visit place in Bhutan.
Paro is the only international airport where tourist can enter Bhutan by flight. No other place in Bhutan have airport. This makes Paro very important place for business and International traveller.
Paro is very popular for below monuments.
- Tiger Nest Temple
- 6th Century Kichu Monastery.
- Taa Dzong, the only museam of Bhutan.
- Drugyel Dzong.
Thimphu is another City beside Paro to explore. Check what you can do in Thimphu
