Paro

Paro is the gateway to the last Shangri-La on earth if you come by air because the only international airport in Bhutan is located here.

Paro on Bhutan Map

Paro is located in the north-western part of Bhutan at an altitude of 2,250 m above the sea level. It is one of the districts with a huge Dzongkha speaking community. The district is spread over an area of 1259.5 sq km with 7,118 households.

In summer the temperature ranges from 26 to 14 degree Celsius and in winter 14 to minus five degree Celsius. It is one of the most beautiful districts in the country with lush rice fields and meadows creating a magical view. The people of Paro are referred to as Parops and the district is famous for growing red rice, apples and peaches.

The main town of Paro is colourful and it is worth taking a stroll from one end to the other. It has many handicraft shops from where Bhutanese souvenirs can be bought.

Paro has beautiful fortresses, monuments, religious sites and several astonishing places worth exploring.

Attractions in Paro

Bhutanese Farmhouse

Staying in a Bhutanese farm house is altogether a different experience. It is an opportunity to get a firsthand experience of typical village life in Bhutan. Except for some modifications done to farm houses' hygiene and sanitation facilities, the … View details

Drugyel Dzong

Eighteen kilometres from the town stands the burnt ruins of Drugyel Dzong. The dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the route to Tibet. It is said that the dzong had a false entrance which was deliberately designed to lure … View details

Dungtse Lhakhang

Constructed by the great iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo in 1421, it is believed to have been built on the head of the demoness who was causing illness to the inhabitants, to subdue her. The lhakang contains a good collection of Buddhist … View details

Kila Goenpa

The Sanskrit meaning of Kila is subjugating spiritual dagger that destroys the negativities. A hike uphill will take you to a magnificent cluster of temples on the cliffs, a home for the nuns. Some refer to the group of seven temples built on a … View details

Kyichu Lhakhang

Just a short drive from Paro lies one of Bhutan’s oldest lhakhangs (temple), Kyichu. The temple is believed to have been built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet to pin the left foot of a giant demoness who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism in … View details

Paro Rinpung Dzong

From the airport towards Paro town there is a traditional wooden bridge, some two kilometres away, called Nyamai Zam, leading towards a huge fortress (dzong) built with stones. It is white washed and is known by the name of Rinpung Dzong. The … View details

Paro Ta-Dzong (National Museum)

Ta-Dzong, the first National Museum located above the Rinpung Dzong, on top of a hill, attracts a good number of tourists as well as locals. It is defined as a “must-visit” by most who have visited it. This is the best place to learn about the … View details

Tachog Lhakhang

Before reaching Chhuzom, after crossing Isuna village, Tachog Lhakhang also known as Tachogang becomes visible. It is is located on the base of a mountain along the Paro-Thimphu highway. To visit the temple one has to cross the Pachhu (Paro river) … View details

Taktsang/ Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Towards the north of Paro town, clinging from a cliff 3,000 feet high, stands Taktsang - the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Taktsang literally means “Tiger’s nest.” Legend has it that in the early eighth century Guru Padma Sambhava flew from Tibet … View details