The most historic and charming town of Paro lies on the banks of the Paro Chhu (Paro River). Its city centre is lined with colourfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants Paro valley is the home to the country’s sole international airport and is one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore its sacred ancient monasteries & places of historical interests.
Amazingly surrounded by beautiful valleys and mountains, tiny little Paro has many of interesting attractions to offer. Here is the list of 10 best places that we have hand picked for you to discover.
1. Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Lhakang)
An iconic landmark and a heritage symbol of Bhutan, Tiger’s Nest Monastery (or Taktsang Lhakhang) is a sacred site that offers a dramatic view as it appears to be clinging precariously to a granite cliff high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that during the 8th century, the great Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on the back of a tigress, and then meditated in a cave here. The temple was built around the cave, and it remains a hallowed shrine for pilgrims.
2. Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong literally translating as ‘The Fortress on a Heap of Jewels, built-in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district.
3. Ta Dzong (National Museum)
The National Museum is housed in the city’s ancient watchtower, the Ta Dzong. The museum contains not only works of art but also handcrafted objects of daily life, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts.
4. Kyichu Lhakhang
Located approx 7 km north of Paro town, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country. According to legend, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of 108 temples built in a single night by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in order to pin down an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism.
5. Drukgyel Dzong
A ruined fortress strategically built over the only passage into the Paro valley. So successful was it that it helped to repel numerous invasions all through the course of Bhutanese history.
6. Chele La
Chele La, the mountain pass approx 35 km from Paro sitting at an elevation of 3,988 meters is popularly known in Bhutan for offering mesmerizing views of the snow-clad Eastern Himalayan Mountain Range including the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Visitors can also enjoy here a view of wild roses, blue iris & several varieties of rhododendrons.
7. Kila Goenpa (Kila Nunnery)
Established as a meditation site in the 9th century, Kila Goenpa is the serene home of Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their life for spiritual fulfilment and leading undisturbed life of religious studies, prayer and meditation. Nestled in a craggy patch at an altitude of 3,500m on the forested mountainside is approx an hour pleasant walk from the Chele La.
8. Dzongdrakha Goenpa (Mini Tiger’s Nest)
A cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley, above Bondey village lies the sacred sites of Dzongdrakha Goenpa which is often called the mini Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Lakhang). The legend has it that when Guru Rinpoche first visited Bhutan, he came from Nepal, first landing at Drakarpo monastery, and then at Dzongdrakha (mini Tiger’s Nest) before arriving at Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) farther north up the valley.
Located approx. A 20-minute drive from Paro town followed by about a 30-minute easy walk (one way), the Dzongdrakha Goemba excursion is a good alternate for those who are unable to hike the more strenuous Tiger Nest monastery.
9. Farm House (traditional village house) excursion
A visit to a traditional village house is the perfect way to connect with real Bhutan. Away from all the chaos of the city, a visit to a traditional village not only offers you deep insight into the traditional ways of Bhutan’s rural lifestyle but also marvels you with intriguing decorations and authentic Bhutanese patterns.
10. Tamchog Lhakhang
Tamchog Lhakhang is a temple that is dedicated to the 13th-century saint Thangthong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (several of which are still in use today). The present bridge to Tamchog Lhakhang was restored in 2005 in the design of a traditional style with iron chains and crossing this iron bridge is a wonderful experience.
