Paro is a beautiful valley in Bhutan, nestled in the Himalayas and surrounded by lush green forests, towering mountains, and crystal-clear rivers. It is a paradise for nature lovers, with its stunning landscapes, cultural attractions, and amazing wildlife. Paro is home to some of the most spectacular sights in the world, and here are the top 20 places that you must visit in Paro.
1. Taktsang Monastery: Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bhutan. It is a sacred Buddhist site perched on a cliff at an altitude of 3,120 meters. The monastery was built in 1692 and is believed to be the place where Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, landed on a tigress’ back.
2. Rinpung Dzong: Rinpung Dzong is a fortress-like monastery located in Paro. It was built in 1646 and is one of the most important religious and administrative centers in Bhutan. The Dzong is a popular tourist attraction and is home to the annual Paro Tsechu festival.
3. Kyichu Lhakhang: Kyichu Lhakhang is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Paro. It was built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. The temple is home to two large statues of Guru Rinpoche and is a popular pilgrimage site.
4. Drukgyel Dzong: Drukgyel Dzong is a ruined fortress located in Paro. It was built in 1649 to defend the valley from Tibetan invasions. The fortress is now a popular tourist attraction and is home to the annual Paro Festival.
5. Paro Airport: Paro Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. It is located in a valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most challenging airports in the world to land at. The airport is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
6. National Museum of Bhutan: The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro and is home to a large collection of artifacts and artworks related to Bhutanese culture and history. The museum is a popular tourist attraction and offers insight into the country’s rich heritage.
7. Chele La Pass: Chele La Pass is a mountain pass located in the Himalayas. It is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The pass is a popular tourist attraction and is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild yaks, blue sheep, and snow leopards.
8. Taktsang Goemba: Taktsang Goemba is a Buddhist monastery located in Paro. It was built in 1692 and is home to the sacred Guru Rinpoche statue. The monastery is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
9. Ugyen Choling Palace: Ugyen Choling Palace is an 18th-century palace located in Paro. It was built by the first king of Bhutan and is now a museum. The palace is a popular tourist attraction and is home to a large collection of traditional Bhutanese artifacts.
10. Druk Wangyal Chortens: Druk Wangyal Chortens are a series of 108 stupas located in Paro. The stupas were built in the 17th century and are dedicated to the memory of the first king of Bhutan. The chortens are a popular tourist attraction and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
11. Paro Town: Paro Town is the main town in Paro. It is a charming town with traditional Bhutanese architecture and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and markets. The town is a popular tourist attraction and offers insight into the local culture and lifestyle.
12. Jigme Dorji National Park: Jigme Dorji National Park is a protected area located in Paro. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, red pandas, and blue sheep. The park is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
13. Tango Monastery: Tango Monastery is an important Buddhist monastery located in Paro. It was built in 1688 and is home to a large collection of ancient Buddhist artifacts. The monastery is a popular tourist attraction and offers insight into the country’s religious history.
14. Paro Valley: Paro Valley is a stunning valley located in Paro. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including blue poppies, rhododendrons, and snow leopards. The valley is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
15. Druk Path Trek: The Druk Path Trek is a popular trekking route located in Paro. It is a 5-day trek that passes through some of the most stunning landscapes in Bhutan. The trek is a popular tourist attraction and offers insight into the country’s traditional culture and lifestyle.
16. Kila Nunnery: Kila Nunnery is a Buddhist nunnery located in Paro. It was built in the 17th century and is home to a large collection of ancient Buddhist artifacts. The nunnery is a popular tourist attraction and offers insight into the country’s religious history.
17. Chhuzom: Chhuzom is a picturesque village located in Paro. It is home to a variety of traditional Bhutanese houses and is a popular tourist attraction. The village offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great place to get a glimpse of rural Bhutan.
18. Dzongdrakha Temple: Dzongdrakha Temple is an ancient temple located in Paro. It was built in the 17th century and is home to a large collection of ancient Buddhist artifacts. The temple is a popular tourist attraction and offers insight into the country’s religious history.
19. Paro River: Paro River is a beautiful river located in Paro. It is home to a variety of fish species, including the endangered golden mahseer. The river is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
20. Tachog Lhakhang: Tachog Lhakhang is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Paro. It was built in the 14th century and is home to a large collection of ancient Buddhist artifacts. The temple is a popular tourist attraction and offers insight into the country’s religious history.