Top Places to Visit in Paro

Paro is a beautiful valley town in Bhutan, known for its historic sites, including the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) perched on a cliff. The town is also home to Bhutan's only international airport, making it a gateway for travelers. Paro offers a blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and historic charm.

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Tour Itinerary

Paro Takshang

Taktshang Monastery, commonly known as Tiger's Nest, is a sacred site and iconic landmark in Paro. Perched on a cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley, it is surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Renowned as one of the world's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, it attracts thousands of visitors annually.

According to legend, Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, flew to this site on the back of a tiger in the 8th century to meditate for three months. During his stay, he is believed to have subdued local demons and introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. The monastery was later constructed in the 17th century around the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated.

The Taktshang Monastery comprises four temples, interconnected by staircases and bridges, adorned with beautiful murals, statues, and carvings. Visitors must trek up a steep and narrow trail to reach the monastery, but the breathtaking views of the valley and the monastery itself make the journey worthwhile.

National Museum

The National Museum of Bhutan, or Ta-dzong, is a historic museum in Paro housed in a 17th-century watchtower built to defend the Paro Dzong. Converted into a museum in 1968, it showcases Bhutan’s cultural heritage with exhibits including textiles, paintings, weapons, stamps, and coins, along with rare artifacts dating back to the 6th century. It also features galleries with photographs and paintings of Bhutan's royal family. Located on a hill overlooking Paro Valley, the museum offers stunning views and is a key destination for learning about Bhutan’s rich history and traditions.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

Rinpung Dzong, or Paro Dzong, is a historic fortress-monastery built in the 15th century on a hill overlooking Paro Valley. It serves as the district’s administrative center and is renowned for its stunning Bhutanese architecture.

This dzong features a central tower, courtyards, temples, and offices, surrounded by high walls and a moat, accessible via a traditional wooden bridge. Its interiors are adorned with intricate murals, thangkas, and statues that showcase Bhutanese culture and Buddhist traditions.

Beyond its architectural and cultural significance, Rinpung Dzong is a key community hub, hosting events like the vibrant Paro Tsechu festival and home to over 200 monks who live, study, and practice there.

Drukgyel Dzong

Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress in Paro Valley, translates to "the fortress of the victorious Drukpas," honoring Bhutanese triumphs over Tibetan invaders. Built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong was a key defense point and showcases classic Bhutanese architecture with its thick walls and wooden galleries. It houses several temples, including one for Bhutan's guardian deity, Gyaltshen.

Though it was severely damaged by a fire in the 1950s, restoration efforts are ongoing. Today, visitors can explore the ruins and appreciate its historical and cultural significance amidst stunning views of the Paro Valley and snow-capped mountains.

Kyichu Lhakhang

Kyichu Lhakhang, or Kyerchu Temple, is a revered Buddhist temple in Paro, Bhutan. Built in the 7th century by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, it’s one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan.

The temple holds immense religious and cultural significance, housing ancient Buddhist artifacts, statues, and murals that reflect Bhutanese art and culture. Its serene atmosphere makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking spiritual solace. Visitors can admire its architecture, learn about its history, and participate in daily prayers led by resident monks.

Kyichu Lhakhang is also a pilgrimage site where Buddhists from around the world come to offer prayers and seek blessings, believed to bring good health and protection from negative energies.

Dumtse Lhakhang

Dumtse Lhakhang is a unique 15th-century temple renowned for its striking architecture and detailed murals. Built by the Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo, the temple resembles a stupa and features elaborate carvings. Inside, vivid murals showcase various Buddhist deities and stories, including the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and the 21 Taras. The temple's serene atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery, offers stunning valley and mountain views.

Chele La Pass

Chele La Pass, situated between the Paro and Haa valleys, is one of Bhutan's highest motorable passes, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys from an altitude of 3,988 meters. The pass, surrounded by lush rhododendron forests, is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the rare snow leopard.

Visitors are drawn to Chele La Pass for its breathtaking view of Mount Jomolhari, a sacred Bhutanese peak. The area also offers hiking trails with fresh mountain air and scenic vistas. Additionally, birdwatching is a highlight, with species like the Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, and Satyr Tragopan often spotted, guided by local experts.

Bumdra Temples

Bumdra, a sacred site above Paro valley, is famed for its natural beauty and religious importance. It features a temple, meditation huts, and prayer flags. The trek starts at Sang Choekor Monastery, passing through forested ridges and offering glimpses of Bhutan's pristine nature. After about two hours, you'll reach Chhoe Tse Lhakang temple, the first landmark. The trek culminates in a stunning clearing with views of the Paro and Do Chhu valleys. Visitors can enjoy beautiful sunrises and watch wild birds feeding in the morning and evening.

Tachogang Lhakhang,

Tachogang Lhakhang, located about 10 kilometers from Paro town, is renowned for its unique architecture and historical importance. Built in the 15th century by Thangtong Gyalpo, a celebrated architect and iron chain bridge builder, it features an iconic iron chain bridge that he constructed. This bridge, still in use, provides a thrilling walk with views of the Paro Chhu river below.

The temple is also noted for its detailed wall paintings and statues of Guru Rinpoche and other key Buddhist figures. Surrounded by picturesque scenery, Tachogang Lhakhang offers a serene retreat and a chance to learn about its rich history from resident monks.