Paro valley extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom up to Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Accentuating the natural beauty are the many elegant, traditional-style houses that dot the valley and surrounding hills.
Paro town has been growing rapidly in recent years and there are plenty of restaurants, bakeries, and cafes to choose from. One of the distinctive features of Paro town is that it is situated in a flat valley bottom and follows a grid-like pattern. The central plaza is adorned with a large prayer wheel and a small amphitheater at which events such as concerts are often organized.
Visitors often spend several days in Paro as there are over 155 temples and monasteries in this area, some dating as far back as the 14th century. Among them is the temple that is considered Bhutan’s most iconic landmark Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest.
This awe-inspiring temple was constructed upon a sheer cliff face, hundreds of meters above forests of oak and rhododendrons and the valley floor. Dzongdrakha Temple and Kila Gompa are secondary examples of cliff-side temples that are also located in Paro Dzongkhag.
what to see & Attractions in Paro, Bhutan
- Rinpung Dzong
- Kaja Throm, Paro
- Ta Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Farm House (Traditional village house)
- Druk Choeding
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Ugyen Pelri Palace
- Jangsarbu Lhakhang
- Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Temple)
- Haa valley
- Kila Goemba
- Chelela pass
The country’s first international airport is located in Paro. Due to the proximity of the airport and the many historical and religious sites in the region, there are a large number of luxurious, high-end tourist resorts in Paro.
Paro is also home to the National museum. The museum is set in Paro Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artwork including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.
Another site worth visiting Paro is Drugyel dzong or The Fortress of the Victorious Bhutanese. This dzong was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate his victory over marauding Tibetan armies. Though the fortress was destroyed by fire in 1951, the ruins remain an impressive sight.