Paro
Gateway to Bhutan · Home of Tiger's Nest
Bhutan's Most Iconic Valley
Paro is the first thing most visitors to Bhutan experience — its dramatic valley is home to the kingdom's only international airport, and the approach by air, threading between towering Himalayan peaks, is itself one of the most thrilling experiences in aviation. But Paro offers far more than just a landing strip.
Set at 2,280 metres in a lush river valley, Paro is a district of extraordinary beauty. Ancient rice paddies stretch across the valley floor, prayer flags flutter from every hilltop, and the imposing Rinpung Dzong fortress guards the entrance to the town. And above it all, clinging impossibly to a 900-metre cliff face, sits the most photographed site in all of Bhutan — the sacred monastery of Taktsang, better known as Tiger's Nest.
Paro is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is also a comfortable base for day trips to other parts of western Bhutan. Whether you are arriving for the first time or returning for the tenth, Paro never fails to take the breath away.
Must-See Places in Paro
From sacred cliffside monasteries to ancient fortresses and hidden valley temples — Paro rewards every kind of traveller.
Taktsang Monastery — Tiger's Nest
The jewel of Bhutan. Taktsang Palphug Monastery perches at 3,120 metres on a sheer granite cliff above the Paro Valley, reachable only by a strenuous 4–5 hour hike (or mule ride to the halfway point). The monastery was built around the cave where Guru Rinpoche — the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan — is believed to have meditated for three months in the 8th century, arriving on the back of a tigress. The complex houses multiple temples, each more ornately decorated than the last, and the panoramic views of the valley below are unforgettable. Arrive early to beat the crowds and catch the monastery in the morning mist.
Rinpung Dzong
The "Heap of Jewels" fortress monastery dominates the entrance to Paro town, rising dramatically above the Pa Chhu river on a rocky promontory. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal — the unifier of Bhutan — the dzong serves as both an administrative centre and a seat of Buddhist learning. Inside, monks study, pray, and conduct ceremonies in beautifully frescoed courtyards. The fortress is connected to the town by a traditional cantilever bridge (Nyamai Zam), one of the most photographed bridges in Bhutan. It is also the venue for the spectacular Paro Tsechu festival held each spring.
National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)
Perched above Rinpung Dzong in a circular watchtower known as Ta Dzong, the National Museum is the finest repository of Bhutanese art, culture, and history in the country. The collections span thangka paintings, textiles, arms and armour, religious masks, stamps, and natural history exhibits — offering an excellent introduction to Bhutanese civilisation before you explore the rest of the country. The building itself, a spiralling circular tower, is architecturally remarkable and offers sweeping views of the valley.
Kyichu Lhakhang
One of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang dates to the 7th century and is believed to have been built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo as one of 108 temples constructed across the Himalayan region in a single day to pin down a demoness. The temple houses a rare self-manifest statue of Jowo Jamba (Maitreya) and a revered statue of Guru Rinpoche. The orange tree in the courtyard is said to bear fruit year-round. The peaceful atmosphere and sacred significance make it one of the most moving sites in all of Bhutan.
Drukgyel Dzong
Located at the upper end of the Paro Valley, Drukgyel Dzong is a ruined fortress built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders. Although mostly in ruins following a fire in 1951, the dramatic skeleton of the dzong against the backdrop of Mount Jomolhari (7,326m) on a clear day is one of the finest photographic compositions in Bhutan. On crisp mornings, the snow-capped peak rises majestically behind the ancient walls — a scene that has graced countless travel magazines and travel guides.
Paro Tsechu Festival
Held annually in spring (March or April, dates vary by the lunar calendar) in the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong, the Paro Tsechu is one of Bhutan's most celebrated and attended festivals. Over five days, sacred Cham (mask) dances are performed by monks and laypeople in elaborate costumes, re-enacting stories from the life of Guru Rinpoche and Buddhist scripture. On the final morning, a massive Thongdrel — a silk appliqué thangka several stories tall — is unfurled at dawn and displayed briefly before the sun's rays touch it. Witnessing the thongdrel is believed to bring liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Getting to Paro
By Air
Paro International Airport (PBH) is Bhutan's only international airport and one of the most dramatic in the world. Only Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate flights here, from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore, and Dhaka. The approach between Himalayan peaks is an experience in itself — only a handful of certified pilots in the world are qualified to land here. Book flights well in advance, especially for spring and autumn travel.
From Thimphu
Paro is approximately 65 km from Thimphu — roughly a 1.5-hour drive on scenic mountain roads. Your licensed tour operator will provide a private vehicle and driver for all transfers throughout your trip, including the airport pickup. The road follows the Pa Chhu river valley through charming villages and offers wonderful views of the surrounding peaks.
Where to Stay
Paro has the widest range of accommodation in Bhutan, from budget guesthouses to world-class luxury lodges. Notable options include the Six Senses Paro, Amankora Paro, Uma Paro by COMO, and Zhiwa Ling Heritage. Mid-range farmhouse stays are also available and highly recommended for an authentic Bhutanese experience — waking up to rice paddy views and home-cooked ema datshi.
Weather & Best Time
Paro's best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and the Paro Tsechu festival, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. Autumn offers crystal-clear skies and stunning visibility to the surrounding peaks. Winters are cold (down to -5°C at night) but beautifully clear and peaceful. The monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rains but lush greenery and lower tourist numbers.
Trekking from Paro
Paro is the starting point for some of Bhutan's finest and most celebrated trekking routes, ranging from day hikes to epic multi-week expeditions.
Druk Path Trek
The most popular trek in Bhutan runs from Paro to Thimphu, crossing high-altitude passes (up to 4,210m) and passing through alpine meadows, ruined dzongs, and pristine glacial lakes. A perfect 5–6 day introduction to trekking in Bhutan with spectacular mountain views throughout.
Jomolhari Trek
Starting from Drukgyel Dzong in Paro, this classic high-altitude route climbs to the base camp of Mount Jomolhari (7,326m). You'll pass through remote yak herder camps, ancient fortresses, and dramatic glacial scenery en route to the 4,890m Jomolhari base camp.
Snowman Trek
Often called the world's most difficult trek, the legendary Snowman Trek begins (or ends) in Paro, crossing 11 high passes above 4,500m over 25–30 days. Only a small number of trekkers complete it each year due to its extreme remoteness and altitude challenges.
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