The beautiful valley of Paro is among the greenest regions of Bhutan. It produces the locally famous red rice in bulk. The international airport is located in Paro, thus lending the region a degree of importance. Paro is characterised by rice fields and the turbulent Paro river, locally referred to as Pa Chhu, which flows in the valley. Paro can be easily explored on foot since it is a small town and most of the popular tourist attractions are within proximity of each other. Paro, along with Jakar and Punakha, forms the golden triangle on Bhutan’s map. The best time to visit Paro is from October to November when the weather is pleasant and sunny with some snow at higher elevations. You can also visit Paro in the months of March to May when the valley comes alive with rhododendrons in full bloom.
4 Best Places To Visit In Paro
Paro’s cultural and natural beauty attracts travelers from far and wide. It is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. There are many myths and legends associated with the attractions in Paro. Let’s decode some of them:
1. Tiger’s Nest
Tiger’s Nest, Paro’s most iconic attraction, is a UNESCO world heritage site. The monastery’s remote location and stunning view makes it a place worth visiting. It requires a trek of 3-4 hours through mountainous paths to reach the monastery. The difficulty level of the trek is moderate. This monastery was built in 1692 in a cave. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated here in the 7th century to subdue the demon dwelling inside the cave.
2. Rinpung Dzong
In English, Rinpung Dzong translates to the fortress on a heap of jewels. The dzong once served as the meeting hall for the National Assembly. Now, it houses the offices of the district government and local courts. It was built in 1644 for the purpose of protecting Paro from the invasions by tibet. Below the dzong is a traditional wooden bridge which was reconstructed after the original one was washed away.
3. Drukgyel Dzong
In English, Drukgyel Dzong translates to the fortress of victory. It was built in 1649 to mark Bhutan’s victory over Tibet. The dzong was burnt in 1951 and is now in ruins. It continues to be a famous landmark in Bhutan which serves to remind the Bhutanese people of their bloody history. It used to be the summer residence of Ringpung Rabdey.
4. Druk Choeing Temple
It was built by Ngawang Chogyel, the prince of Ralung in Tibet in 1525. The temple is home to ancient war artefacts such as the deity and local protector Gyenyen. You can catch the Bhutanese archery show while you’re around.
At an altitude of 2200 metres, Paro is naturally blessed with stunning landscapes and beautiful rice fields. It is dotted with temples that can be dated back to centuries. In the olden days, Paro was the center of the most important trade route to Tibet. You can choose to stay in a homestay or budget hotels in the region. It is a 5 hours drive away from Phuentsholing. The nearest railway station is Hasimara. From Hasimara, it takes 5 hours to reach Paro. The best time to visit Paro is winter or spring. Avoid visiting Paro in the monsoon as the season is marked by sudden roadblocks and occasional landslides. Without any further delay, book your trip to Paro and enjoy the beauty of this idyllic place.
4 Best Places To Visit In Paro
Paro’s cultural and natural beauty attracts travelers from far and wide. It is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. There are many myths and legends associated with the attractions in Paro. Let’s decode some of them:
1. Tiger’s Nest
Tiger’s Nest, Paro’s most iconic attraction, is a UNESCO world heritage site. The monastery’s remote location and stunning view makes it a place worth visiting. It requires a trek of 3-4 hours through mountainous paths to reach the monastery. The difficulty level of the trek is moderate. This monastery was built in 1692 in a cave. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated here in the 7th century to subdue the demon dwelling inside the cave.
2. Rinpung Dzong
In English, Rinpung Dzong translates to the fortress on a heap of jewels. The dzong once served as the meeting hall for the National Assembly. Now, it houses the offices of the district government and local courts. It was built in 1644 for the purpose of protecting Paro from the invasions by tibet. Below the dzong is a traditional wooden bridge which was reconstructed after the original one was washed away.
3. Drukgyel Dzong
In English, Drukgyel Dzong translates to the fortress of victory. It was built in 1649 to mark Bhutan’s victory over Tibet. The dzong was burnt in 1951 and is now in ruins. It continues to be a famous landmark in Bhutan which serves to remind the Bhutanese people of their bloody history. It used to be the summer residence of Ringpung Rabdey.
4. Druk Choeing Temple
It was built by Ngawang Chogyel, the prince of Ralung in Tibet in 1525. The temple is home to ancient war artefacts such as the deity and local protector Gyenyen. You can catch the Bhutanese archery show while you’re around.
At an altitude of 2200 metres, Paro is naturally blessed with stunning landscapes and beautiful rice fields. It is dotted with temples that can be dated back to centuries. In the olden days, Paro was the center of the most important trade route to Tibet. You can choose to stay in a homestay or budget hotels in the region. It is a 5 hours drive away from Phuentsholing. The nearest railway station is Hasimara. From Hasimara, it takes 5 hours to reach Paro. The best time to visit Paro is winter or spring. Avoid visiting Paro in the monsoon as the season is marked by sudden roadblocks and occasional landslides. Without any further delay, book your trip to Paro and enjoy the beauty of this idyllic place.
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