Explore Paro Bhutan
Paro Bhutan
Paro is a small town located in the western part of Bhutan, nestled in a valley at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level. It is one of the most picturesque and popular tourist destinations in Bhutan, known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance.
Geography and Climate
Paro is surrounded by majestic mountains, including the famous Mount Jomolhari, which rises to a height of 7,314 meters (24,023 feet). The town is situated on the banks of the Paro River, which flows through the valley and adds to the beauty of the place. The climate in Paro is temperate, with cool winters and warm summers. The average temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year, making it a comfortable place to visit at any time.
Culture and Heritage
Paro is a cultural hub of Bhutan, with several ancient monasteries, temples, and landmarks that reflect the country's rich heritage. The most iconic landmark in Paro is the Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery, which is perched on a cliff 900 meters (3,000 feet) above the valley. The monastery is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan and is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, flew to this spot on the back of a tiger and meditated there for three months.
Another significant religious site in Paro is the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century. The temple is revered for its sacred relics and ancient murals and is an important pilgrimage destination for both locals and tourists.
Paro is also known for its annual Paro Tshechu festival, which is held in the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery built in the 17th century. The festival is a celebration of Bhutanese culture and features colorful masked dances, music, and traditional food. It is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
Tourism
Paro is a popular tourist destination in Bhutan and offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. Besides visiting the monasteries and temples, tourists can explore the town's markets, where they can buy traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Paro is also a great place for hiking and trekking, with several scenic trails that lead through the valley and the surrounding mountains.
One of the popular trekking routes in Paro is the Druk Path Trek, a six-day trek that takes visitors through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Bhutan, including forests, lakes, and mountain passes. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range and is a must-do for adventure enthusiasts.
Another popular attraction in Paro is the National Museum of Bhutan, which is housed in a 17th-century watchtower overlooking the Paro valley. The museum showcases the country's rich cultural and natural heritage and is a great place to learn about Bhutan's history and traditions.
What to do in Paro
Paro is a beautiful district located in the western part of Bhutan. Here are some tourist activities that you can enjoy in Paro:
Visit the Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery: This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. It is a Buddhist monastery that is located on a cliff, 900 meters above the Paro valley. The hike to the monastery takes around 3-4 hours, but the view from the top is breathtaking.
Explore the National Museum of Bhutan: The museum is located in a former watchtower and has exhibits showcasing Bhutanese art, culture, and history. You can learn about Bhutan's rich history and culture.
Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang: This is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and is believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The temple is located near the Paro airport and is a popular tourist destination.
Hike to the Dzongdrakha Temple: This temple is located on a cliff and is a popular hiking destination. The hike takes around 2-3 hours, and the view from the top is stunning.
Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong: This is a fortress-monastery that is located on the banks of the Paro Chhu river. The dzong is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular tourist destination.
Attend the Paro Tshechu: This is an annual festival that is held in Paro in the spring. The festival features traditional dances, music, and other cultural activities.
Enjoy Bhutanese cuisine: Paro has a variety of restaurants that serve traditional Bhutanese cuisine. Try the ema datshi, which is a spicy cheese and chili dish, and the momos, which are dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
Best Restaurants in Paro
Bukhari Restaurant: Located at the Uma Paro Hotel, Bukhari is a fine-dining restaurant that serves Bhutanese cuisine. The restaurant is known for its cozy ambiance and excellent food. Address: Uma Paro Hotel, Paro 12001, Bhutan.
Sonam Trophel Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant that serves authentic Bhutanese food. The restaurant is located in the heart of Paro town and has a friendly ambiance. Address: Main Street, Paro, Bhutan.
Mountain Cafe: This is a quaint little cafe that serves delicious coffee and light snacks. The cafe has a beautiful garden where you can enjoy your food and drinks. Address: Bonday Lam, Paro, Bhutan.
Champaca Cafe: This is a vegetarian cafe that serves healthy food options such as salads, smoothies, and juices. The cafe has a lovely outdoor seating area and is perfect for a quick bite. Address: Main Street, Paro, Bhutan.
Red Rice Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant that serves Bhutanese, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and delicious food. Address: Paro Main Street, Paro, Bhutan.
Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery, is one of the most iconic and revered tourist attractions in Bhutan. The monastery is located on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley and is believed to have been built in the 17th century. Here's a detailed article about the Paro Taktsang Monastery:
History and Legend:
The Paro Taktsang Monastery is believed to have been built in 1692 by the fourth Druk Desi Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. The monastery is built around a cave where Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, is said to have meditated in the 8th century. Guru Rinpoche is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan and is revered as a deity.
According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave on the back of a tiger and meditated there for three months. Hence, the monastery is also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery. The legend goes that Guru Rinpoche subdued the demons in the area and brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
Architecture:
The Paro Taktsang Monastery is built on a cliff and has four main temples and residential quarters for the monks. The monastery is built of wood and stone and has a traditional Bhutanese architecture. The temple has elaborate carvings and paintings that depict scenes from the life of Guru Rinpoche.
The monastery has a prayer hall, where monks conduct daily prayers and ceremonies. The prayer hall has a large statue of Guru Rinpoche, and the walls are adorned with frescoes and thangkas.
Hike to the Monastery:
The hike to the Paro Taktsang Monastery is a popular tourist activity in Bhutan. The hike takes around 3-4 hours, depending on your fitness level. The trail is well-marked and has rest stops along the way.
The hike is divided into three stages, and the first stage takes you through a pine forest. The second stage takes you to a viewpoint from where you can see the monastery in the distance. The third stage takes you down to the bridge over the Paro Chhu river and then up to the monastery.
Visiting the Monastery:
Visitors are not allowed inside the main temples of the monastery, but they can visit the prayer hall and other areas of the monastery. You can also visit the cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated.
The monastery is open from 8 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall.
The Paro Taktsang Monastery is an iconic tourist attraction in Bhutan that is steeped in history and legend. The monastery's stunning location and beautiful architecture make it a must-visit destination in Bhutan. The hike to the monastery is challenging but rewarding, and the experience of visiting the monastery is truly unforgettable.
Paro Travel Guide
Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang is an ancient temple that is situated in Paro, a picturesque town in Bhutan. The temple is one of the oldest and most revered in Bhutan and is considered to be a very sacred site for the Bhutanese people. The temple was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo and is believed to have been built on a demoness who was suppressing the spread of Buddhism. The temple is a beautiful example of Bhutanese architecture, with intricate wood carvings and murals.
Tamchog Lhakhang
Tamchog Lhakhang is another temple in Bhutan that is located on the Paro-Thimphu highway. The temple is renowned for its unique architecture and spiritual significance. The temple was built by Thangthong Gyalpo, a famous saint and bridge builder who is considered to be a legendary figure in Bhutanese history.
National Museum of Bhutan
The National Museum of Bhutan is a fascinating attraction that is situated in Paro. The museum is housed in a 17th-century watchtower that was converted into a museum in 1968. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, art, and exhibits that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan.
Paro Dzong
Paro Dzong is a fortress and monastery that is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Paro valley. The dzong is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, with intricate wood carvings and murals. The dzong serves as the administrative seat of the Paro district and is also a center of religious and cultural activities.
Dobji Dzong
Dobji Dzong is another historic fortress that is situated in the Punakha district of Bhutan. The dzong was built in the 16th century and served as a strategic defense post in ancient times. The dzong is a beautiful example of Bhutanese architecture and is renowned for its stunning views of the Punakha valley.