A picturesque valley that describes and glorifies Bhutan’s rich history, Paro Valley is a veritable paradise for trekkers!
One of the most expansive and scenic valleys in the ‘Land of Thunder Dragon’, this slice of heaven spreads its contagious beauty where the enchanting Wang Chu River meets the Paro Chu River; From here, the magical beauty of Paro reaches the towering Mount Jomolhari.
Dotted with numerous monasteries , temples, scenic spots and tourist spots, this majestic valley offers its visitors plenty of exciting options.
Here is a list of the most beautiful places to visit in Paro that will add more to your next Bhutan trip.
And if you’ve ever visited the happiest country on earth, this list of Paro places to visit will give you new Bhutan goals!
Surrounded by deserted desert and willow trees, Paro is a quaint little town in Bhutan’s picturesque Paro Valley. This beautiful town is a true Bhutanese gem with something in store for all visitors.
From historic forts and ruins, to the sacred sites of monasteries to the beautiful sights of Farchand Gardens, there is absolutely no dearth of places to visit in Paro. The quaint town is popular for its significant sites. A visit to the picturesque Paro will surely enchant you on your trip to Bhutan!
1. Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang Temple – A Popular Buddhist Temple
Do folktales drive you crazy? Not just one but numerous folklores are associated with this Buddhist temple. A local legend says that Lhakhang was designed to defeat the serpent power .
Another story says that it was erected on the head of a demon.
A visit to Paro is not complete without a visit to this stupa-temple built in 1421 by Saint Thangtong Gyalpo. The special feature of this temple is that it is in the form of a chorten which is rare in Bhutan.
The chorten depicting beautiful Buddhist sculptures will mesmerize you and is one of the best places to visit in Paro, Bhutan .
2. Chele La Pass – Hike, ride or drive
Bhutan is a region of dramatic terrain with towering mountains adorned with snow-capped peaks and beautiful cities nestled in its lush green valleys. Its mountainous landscape is connected by several passes.
Chele La, Paro in Bhutan at 3810 meters above sea level and is the highest road in these picturesque valleys.
You can hike, cycle through dense forests of spruce and larch to reach the vantage point of Chele la Pass, which is undoubtedly one of the most incredible places in Paro .
Enjoy magnificent views of Mt Jomolhari and Mt Jichu Drake and complete panoramic views of both the Paro and Ha valleys from here.
3. Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) – Enjoy magnificent mountain views
Bhutan is a land of myths and legends and here’s another one! It is one of the Paro tourist attractions and one of the most famous attractions of Bhutan. Paro Taktsanga is said to have been appointed to subdue the tiger demon.
Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew from Kurto Singe Dzong on the back of a tigress. The guru then meditated here and the rest you can hear from the locals as you walk or cycle through the pines to this breathtaking cliffside monastery.
It is a 2 km climb to reach the monastery. Enjoy magnificent mountain views and lush green valleys as you are drawn into the exciting stories of ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
4. Airport View Point – Amazing scenic spots
Did you know that not everyone is allowed to land at Paro? Yes, you read that right. Landing at Paro is not a piece of cake and only a few pilots are certified to land at Paro’s challenging airport.
This makes the journey exciting even before you land here. Enjoy stunning scenery as you land at this small airport nestled in the Himalayan mountain range.
And once there, head to the Paro Airport Bird’s Eye Viewpoint which is one of the major observation points of Paro and enjoy the views from above this vantage point.
5. Paro Weekend Market – A must visit for shopaholics
Wondering where to buy souvenirs for those waiting to return home? Head to Paro’s magnificent Sunday market and find interesting items such as kira, traditional costumes and customary prayer wheels.
Enjoy local Bhutanese flavors while perusing local products such as organic Tsirang honey, khu (dried cowhide), and chugo (dried yak cheese).
6. Namge Artisanal Brewery – Savor the local flavors of Paro
Paro’s local flavors are savored in its own microbrewery. Don’t forget to try the new craft – Bhutan Dark Ale and Bhutan Red Rice Lager, which are now very popular among tourists and a change from traditional tastes.
Bhutan Red Rice Lager is made from red rice obtained from Paro rice paddy.
The dark ale is made from roasted charred grains and is a little less trippy than Bhutan’s Dragon Stout.
7. Zuri Zhong Fort – Enjoy panoramic views of the Paro Valley
This valley is a sweet spot in Bhutan and one of Bhutan’s oldest dzongs, built in the mid-fourteenth century, should be visited on a northeast trip.
This five-storied structure is an example of a structure built in ancient times and still protected by double walls and a bridge.
Paro is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. Don’t miss the frescoes in the upper chapel of Zuri Zhong, one of which is dedicated to the Buddhist patron Za.
Locals believe that there is also a cave here where Buddha once meditated. The peak of this zong is another vantage point to enjoy panoramic views of the Paro Valley.
8. Rinpung Zhong Monastery – Place of beautiful Bhutanese architecture
Paro Dzong or Rinpung Dzong Monastery is home to beautiful Bhutanese architecture. It was built with amazing precision, as the structures still stand today.
An interesting aspect of these structures is that they are firmly attached to each other without the use of nails! Rinchen Pung Dzong is shortened to ‘Fortress on the Jewel Mound’.
The fort has proved its mettle by protecting the Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions on several occasions in the past. Today, it is adorned with rich wood carvings, beautiful paintings and statues of the period.
You can click the most breathtaking pictures from Nyamai Zam wooden bridge just below the Dzong. Add this to your list of Paro attractions.
9. Drukgyal Dzong Monastery – Witness the wonderful views of Mount Chomolhari
Drukgyal Dzong, once a fortress and Buddhist monastery, was destroyed for some time after a fire in the 1950s. It is being reconstructed to bring back its original glory and dignity.
Situated in the upper reaches of Paro district, this former fort offers a great view of the Chomolhari mountains.
10. Dasho Nishioka Chorten Museum – Dedicated to the efforts of Japanese agriculturalists
The museum is a tribute to the late Dasho Keiji Nishioka, a Japanese agricultural expert who helped Bhutan modernize agriculture.
A museum built in his memory is one of the best ways to pay tribute to this singing hero who brought knowledge to Bhutanese farmers about various farming methods and tools.
11. National Museum of Bhutan – Learn about the ancient glory of the country
If you are hungry for more myths and legends of Bhutan, visit the National Museum of Bhutan and learn more about the ancient glory of this country.
The museum is called Ta Zhong which means Watchtower. Shaped like a conch shell, this building is circular and has seven floors.
The structure was reopened as a cultural museum in 1968 and preserves Bhutanese architecture, values and lifestyle.
12. Tamchoe Monastery – Outstanding Horse Hill Temples
This monastery is built between Paro and Thimphu, also known as Tachog Lakhang. This 15th century monastery is located on a small hill and was built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the builder of the Great Iron Bridge.
You can reach this beautiful temple by crossing the huge iron bridge that was once washed away in the 1969 flood and restored in 2005.
13. Kitchu Lakhang – Ancient, beautiful and peaceful temple
A very important beautiful monastery, Kitchu Lakhang is one of the best places to visit on a trip to Paro. The monastery dates back to the 7th century.
If you are looking for peace of mind and soul, this is the place to go! This monastery is blessed by prominent Buddhist saints. Apart from praying here, you can also learn about the Himalayan Kingdom.