Built in 1646 by Shabdrung 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. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (summer), 8 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m. (winter)

One time watch tower built to safeguard Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was constructed in 1649. And since 1967 it is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (summer) & 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (winter) Closed on National Holidays

This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when its was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.

It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern.

The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of quaint farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

Built in 1525, this town temple was formed by Ngawang Chhogyel, one of the prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet and an ancestor of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The temple is also known as Tshongdoe Naksang with its main statue of seated Jampa (seated Buddha) and local protector Gyenyen, surrounded by collection of ancient war artefacts.

To the west of the road is Dungtse Lhakhang, a chorten-like temple. This unusual building was built in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven and the paintings inside are said to be some of the best in Bhutan. Beyond Dungtse Lhakhang, to the east of the road, the tiny Pana Lhakhang is quite old and is believed to have been built in the seventh century.

Ugyen Pelri Palace is in a secluded wooded compound on the south side of the river just west of the Dzong. This Palace was built by the Paro Penlop, Tsering Penjor, in the early 1900s. It is designed after Guru Rinpoche's celestial paradise, Zangto Pelri, and is one of the most beautiful examples of Bhutanese architecture.
 

Located behind Paro Dzong, this small temple is home to a magnificent statue of Sakyamuni Buddha that was carried all the way from Lhasa and also houses the protector deity of Paro. Legend has it that the statue of Sakyamuni was destined for Paro Dzong and merely placed in the temple for overnight safe keeping. However, when the time came to move the statue, it proved impossible to lift. As a result, it became a permanent feature of the lhakhang.

It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Located at Dumsibu, overlooking picturesque Paro airport and the lovely valley, Namgay Artisanal Brewery produces different types of beer; Red Rice Lager, Dark Ale, Wheat Beer, Indian Pale Ale, Milk Stout, Pilsner, Pineapple Gose and Apple Cider. While visit to the Brewery, one can learn the entire process of creating beers using local ingredients. Visitors can also get a taste of freshly brewed beer here while enjoying the serenity of Paro valley and the restaurant situation within the complex offers range of Continental, Bhutanese and Indian cuisine in a delightful atmosphere.

High above the north bank of Paro Chhu river, Sangchen Choekhor Buddhist Institute commands fascinating view of Paro valley below. Located on the top of the hill north west of Paro town and about 12 km (7 miles) from city centre, Sangchen Choekhor is picturesquely situated. This beautifully located temple is home to community of about 100 monks who study here Buddhist philosophy. Sangchen Choekhor was originally built in 18th century but later rebuilt after damage due to massive fire. The original temple was built by the first speech reincarnation of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The lower altar room has a striking statue of Guru Rinpoche and unique 30-year old wall paintings created under the supervision of the Chief Abbot. The upper altar room is dedicated to the Zhabdrung lineage. While the monastery is of particular interest to Buddhist scholars however people also visit it to enjoy fascinating valley view below, with road access brining it within reach of travelers.

Tachog Lhakhang meaning ‘temple of the hill of the excellent horse’, is a private temple where the supreme horse of Guru Rinpoche, Tachog Balaha said to have rested. That is why the place is named ‘Tachog’. Story has it that Guru Rinpoche prophesied the arrival of Thangtong Gyalpo (the Iron Bridge Builder) at this place. Accordingly in the late 13th century, Thangtong Gyalpo visited this place and built the magnificent iron bridge leading towards the Lhakhang (temple). The present suspension bridge to temple was restored in 2005, following the traditional style.

Dasho Keiji Nishioka, a horticulturist, came to Bhutan in 1964 as a Colombo Plan expert and contributed immensely towards cultivation of variety of vegetables in Paro. He also established small manufacturing unit in 1977 for production of quality farming tools which later developed in agricultural machinery centre and is also the location of museum now.  His other achievements in Bhutan include the introduction of modern farm production methods, skill transfers and training, farm road and suspension bridge construction, better irrigation technologies, etc. For his contributions, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo awarded him the title of Dasho in 1980.

Puna Lhakhang (also spelled as Pena Lhakhang) is small monastery and said to have been founded by Songtsen Gampo in 7th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Located en route to Ta Dzong (national museum), just past Dungtse Lhakhang on the east side of the road, its main inner sanctum has an ancient feel, dominated by statue of Jowo Nampar Namse that apparently has the power to fulfil wishes. The red-faced protector Pehar lurks in the corner, while to the left of the chapel is the stone footprint of former Zhabdrung.

Start the day early for drive to Haa via Chele-la pass. 4 Km away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverts towards the right hand side and ascends towards the chele-la pass starts. After driving through blue pine & rhododendron forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass ( 4200 meters). From this point one can have a superb views of Mt. Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view. Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (under an hours drive), finally reaching Haa. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by military, but the view from outside is stunning. After picnic lunch visit to the famous Monastery of Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) followed by visit to Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple).

The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to have no difference with that of Lhasa JOWO in Tibet. The construction of the Lakhang Karpo is believed to have been assisted by the locality. As a result the place came to be locally known as "Hay" meaning" surprise" which later became "Haa" due to the differences in interpretations and pronunciations of different people over time.

The three giant hills looming over the fringes of Haa valley were called "Me Rig Puen Sum" especially after the incidence of the Lhakhang Karpo construction. Today the three hills are popularly known as "Rig Sum Goenpa" signifying three deities-Jambayang Chana Dorji and Chenrizig.

Later, other Buddhist saints like Guru Rinpoche and "Machi Labdorn" came to the Jungney Drag in Haa and blessed the locality. The principal religion followed is Drukpa Kagyupa. After the arrival of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the chief guardian deity of Haa became, Ap Chundu.

Later in the afternoon drive to Paro same way back. The drive will be under 3 hours.

It 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. The goenpa is nestled in a craggy patch on mountain side below the Chelela pass and perched precariously along the rock face at an altitude of 3,500m. Built in 9th century, Kila Goenpa is reputedly the oldest nunnery of Bhutan and is an hour’s pleasant walk downhill from the Chele la pass amidst magnificent, wooded area.

Chele la (pass), at an elevation 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour's drive along a thickly-forested road, is this Pass-a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Here, visitors can see cascades of wild roses; purple and yellow primulas; and swathes of deep blue iris covering the forest floor. The top of the pass bloom with rhododendrons in a variety of colours-pale pink, deep pink, burnt orange, mauve, white and scarlet.

Often called as mini Takstang, Dzongdrakha is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley, above Bondey village.  Four shrines make up the complex, dedicated to Drolma (Tara), Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity), Guru Rinpoche and the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya. Local oral tradition states that when Guru Rinpoche first visited Bhutan, he came from Nepal, first landing at Drakarpo monastery, and then at Dzongdrakha before arriving at Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) farther north up the valley.

Dzongdrakha also hosts an annual Tshechu (festival) that takes place the day before and the day after the larger Paro Tshechu held at Rinpung Dzong, in the main town. During the festival at Dzongdrakha, one of the main blessings takes place when the chorten (stupa) of the past Buddha is opened and the attendees are blessed by the relic held within.

The Dzongdrakha village is also known for most of their men being either fully ordained monks or gomchens (lay monks who don’t take vows of celibacy). In this village, the women are the one who work in the fields and are the bread earners of the family unlike in any other part of the country. 

Located approx. 20-minute drive from Paro town followed by about 30-minute easy walk (one way), Dzongdrakha Goemba excursion is a good alternate for those who are unable to hike more strenuous Tiger Nest monastery. 

Chumphug is situated at about 3100m, on a steep mountain slope. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage places in the Himalayas. With its towering cliffs and waterfalls, it revered as a Second Pemako, in reference to Guru Padmasambhava’s "Hidden Land", situated along Tsangpo gorge in remote part of Aurunachal Pradesh. 

Guru Padmasabhava is said to have mediated in Chumphug for about 3 months in 8th century. There are numerous caves associated with Guru. Many important Buddhist masters said to have followed the footsteps of Guru and mediated here. Among other, many Bhutanese teachers such as Terton Drukdra Dorji, Jey Shakya Rinchen, Jey Yonten Thaye, Jey Kuenga Gyeltsen  said to have spent time here. The main relic in the temple is self-arisen image of Vajravarahi or Dorji Phagmo, a form of Varja Yogini, the highest female tutelary deity in Himalayan Buddhism. There are lots of unusual shaped rocks and imprint of Guru Rimpoche in the area. 

From Paro town, it is about 45 minutes drive on the farm road, on side valley, following Dochu river, which flows into Pa chhu. From the road head, it is about 3 hours trek through dense oak, conifer and bamboo forests. First two hours hike is a gentle gradual ascend, crossing rivers few times and well maintained small wooden bridges. The final 45 minutes trek is a steep ascend to reach the main temple. Along the way, one can make de-tour, visiting caves and waterfalls.

Hike to Drangzhegoem monastery just above the Hotel Olathang takes about one hour walk from this hotel. The gradual climb passes through village houses and apple orchards. Travelers can return the same way back or continue walk further to Kyichu temple which takes about another two hours.

Set off towards the Sagala Pass, following the dirt road until reaching the charming and petite Choedin village. From here a trail moves upwards through dense pine forest until reaching the ruins of Choedin Lhakhang at the top of the hill. Take time to admire the perfect views of Paro Valley, revered Tiger’s Nest and the thousands of pine trees. From here the trail leads down to Tshento village just by Drukgyel Dzong.  This loop can be completed in about three hours.

Perched on a mountain top, Jele Dzong is a small fortress built by Drukpa Kuenley’s brother Lam Ngawang Choegyal (1464-1540) when he arrived in Paro during 15th century. In ancient times, this Dzong was the important monastic center for the dual system of Governance in Bhutan. The impressive main temple here houses Buddha Shakyamuni statue in the center, Maitreya Buddha in the right, Buddha of the light statue in the left. To the right of Buddha is the standing Manjushri and to the left is two-armed Avalokiteshvara. 

The 8 km walk (one way) to the Dzong takes about 3 hours with altitude gain from 2,300m to 3,450m through pristine forests and valleys traversed by yak herders with mesmerising view of Paro valley, Mt. Jumolhari (7,314m) and snow-capped mountains behind the valley.

Perched majestically atop a green hill at 3,000 meter (9,800 ft) in the side-valley of Paro, Neyphug Monastery with its 450 year of Buddhist history holds high reverence among Buddhist communities all over the world. The monastery is also known by its another name Heyphug (named after the village where the monastery is located) was founded in 1550 by the first Neyphug Trulku, Terton (Treasure Revealer) Ngawang Dragpa (1525-1599). It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava personally set foot on this land during the 8th Century and tamed local evil spirits and left imprints of his hands and feet on the rock. He is also believed to have hidden several teachings, Samaya substances and other precious materials here in a small cave hence the place is called Neyphug “the sacred hermitage cave”.

Neyphug Monastery consists of several shrines, the main shrine has the life-size statue of Guru Padmasambhava and the golden statue of Buddha Vajrasattva. The monastery also houses the highly sacred Five Envoy-Statues of Guru Padmasambhava which is believed to have been erected to represent him before he left for his journey towards southwest. It is believed that whoever pays a visit to all five statues is equal to getting blessings from the Guru Padmasambhava himself. The monastery also has the shoes believed to have been worn by Guru Padmasambhava. Disciples and devotees are granted audience of this sacred monastery during the annual puja ceremony of the monastery which is observed in the second month of Bhutanese lunar calendar.

Neyphug Monastery also houses a charitable organisation that supports a monk community across the Kingdom of Bhutan. The funds raised by the monastery through various generous sources are used to meet day to day expenses of resident monks and maintenance of the monastery.

The Monastery is located approx. one-hour drive on a bumpy gravelled road from Paro town. The drive is scenic with several switchbacks that leads to the scenic mountain top which can be taken as a day trip while you are in Paro. 
 

Situated on Zur (side) hill overlooking Paro valley, Zuri Dzong was built in 1352 as a fort and the five-storey main building is still well protected. There is a two-storeyed temple here housing some fine murals and paintings in the upper chapel, one of which is dedicated to Paro valley protector Zaa (Rahulla).

Starting from Ta Dzong (national museum), it’s about two hour leisurely hike to Zuri Dzong through cypress and pine trees amidst stunning view of Paro valley and magnificent Rinpung Dzong.Owing to its location on a pine forested hilltop, the top of the dzong is perfect spot for bird’s eye view of Paro valley while scenic trail and mesmerising views all along offer immense photo opportunity. 

Hiking Info:
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Season: Jan – Dec
Maximum elevation: 2,600m
Elevation gain: 320m
Walking distance: 6 km (round trip)
Walking time: 3 hours (round trip)

Drakarpo monastery is considered very holy and sacred. The 8th century revered saint, Guru Padmasambhava accompanied by his consort Dakini Yeshey Tshogay and many other Yogis and great masters down the ages have blessed and sanctified this particular place. One must visit the main altar room in the monastery which has an interesting story that how Guru Rinpoche broke the rock and made a cave for his meditation in the mid-8th century. Here, one can see miraculous footprint of Guru Rinpoche in the cave while walking along the mountain on kora (circular journey), there are foot and hand prints and many other auspicious signs and symbols can be observed those are believed to have manifested by themselves through some supernatural forces. It is also believed that if one circumnutates the mountain 108 times he or she can get rid of all sins.   

The monastery can be reached by 30-minutes’ drive to Shaba from Paro town, followed by two hours walk on a high cliff and round-trip walking excursion to the monastery is of approx. 3-hours.

Situated approximately 1 kilometer from the quaint village of Bondey in Paro, this family-run incense factory provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe the fascinating and intricate processes involved in incense production. The various stages, such as boiling, dyeing, extruding, and drying, unfold before your eyes, offering a firsthand experience of the craftsmanship that goes into creating these aromatic and culturally significant products.

Located beside the Ugyen Pelri Palace grounds, Ka Ja Throm Market in Paro is a vibrant hub of local commerce and culture in Bhutan. Nestled in the middle of picturesque town, this bustling market space offers a rich tapestry of traditional Bhutanese life, where visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the region. It’s a delightful community space where vendors can showcase and sell their produce in a colourful community space.  Local vendors, with their warm hospitality, provide a glimpse into Bhutan's heritage and daily life, making Ka Ja Throm not just a place to shop, but a cultural experience that highlights the country’s emphasis on community and tradition.

Nestled on the ridge along the national highway connecting Thimphu to Haa in Paro District and located about 30-minute drive from Chuzom towards Haa, Dobji Dzong is a storied relic of Bhutanese history, built in 1531 by Ngawang Chogyal, the brother of Drukpa Kuenley popularly known as the ‘Divine Madman.’

Over the centuries, Dobji Dzong faced numerous challenges, leading to periods of decline and deterioration. It was modified into a central jail in 1976, while on local’s appeal discontinuation in 1997.  Despite the wear of time and the ravages of the elements, it endures as a powerful symbol of Bhutan's rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

In recent years, dedicated efforts have been undertaken to preserve and protect this historic fortress, ensuring its legacy will be cherished for future generations. Today, Dobji Dzong stands not only as a testament to the resilience of Bhutan's past but also as a beacon of the nation's commitment to honouring and maintaining its heritage.