Paro Valley - World Tour

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Paro Valley

Paro Valley is located on the banks of the river Paro in eastern Bhutan. It displays a stronger cultural connection with Tibet than any other region in the country as the trade route between Tibet and Bhutan passed through the valley, which was also later the way in for Tibetan invaders. It houses a rich collection of historical forts, ancient Buddhist temples and a stunning natural landscape, which makes the valley a delight to explore.

The charming Paro town is lined with colourful restaurants and cafes that serve authentic Bhutanese cuisine and traditional houses. You can visit the Paro Market, the best place for souvenir shopping in Bhutan and the archery ground nearby, where you can catch a game if you are lucky. If you are a beer lover, you must not miss checking out the Namgay Artisanal Brewery, a microbrewery which produces Bhutanese local flavours of craft beer.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Taktsang Monastery, more popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, located on a 900-metre high cliff overlooking Paro valley. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave for four months to purge the local demons.

It was built in the 17th century and contains four temples and eight caves. The walls of the temples are covered with murals of the Guru’s eight manifestations, the Guru’s disciples and various other deities with animal heads. There are multiple statues of Buddha, paintings of notable Buddhist monks and holy scriptures as well.

Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)

Just before you enter Paro town, an ancient wooden bridge will take you across a river to the magnificent Rinpung Dzong, a large monastery and fortress. The complex serves as the district’s administrative office and comprises a five-storeyed utse (central tower) and 14 temples. Rinpung Dzong meaning ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, was built in the 17th-century and stands as one of the best pieces of Bhutanese architecture till date. The stunning location of the Dzong with a mountainous backdrop, lush greenery and a riverfront, add to its grandeur. From the Dzong, you can see panoramic views of the entire town as it fades into the mountains.

National Museum Of Bhutan

This is Bhutan’s most important museum and is located in the Ta Dzong (watchtower) near Paro Dzong. It is a six-storeyed building that narrates the rich and colourful history of the country with artefacts spanning over 1500 years. It displays royal treasures, paintings, Buddhist relics, statues, weapons, stamps and cultural artefacts like costumes. In all, the museum contains over 3000 exhibits and is the best place to get to know more about Bhutan.

Kyichu Lhakhang

The 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and was one of the 108 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo. It displays beautiful architecture and the interior is adorned by intricate murals. The temple emanates peace and serenity and is said to be blessed by powerful monks including Guru Rinpoche.

Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang (Dungtse Lhakhang)

This 15th-century temple strongly reflects elements and beliefs of Bhutanese Buddhism and is among the most important temples in the country. Its chorten-style architecture is very unlike typical Bhutanese temples. It is believed that the temple was built over a demon’s head to subdue it. The three storeys of the temple are meant to signify heaven, earth and hell and they display a huge collection of ancient Buddhist paintings, iconography and deities.

Drukgyel Dzong

Drukgyel Dzong was a former fortress and monastery dating back to the 17th-century, located in upper Paro Valley. The Dzong is historically significant as it was built to mark the victory of Zhabdrung Namgyal (the unified of Bhutan) over a Tibetan invasion. Today, the complex lies in ruins after being severely destroyed by a fire in 1951. You can hike up to visit the ruins and also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Zuri Dzong Fort

This is one of the oldest forts in Bhutan dating back to the early 14th-century. It is a popular hiking destination which offers great views of the Paro Valley. The five-storeyed main building is surrounded by strong double walls and is believed to enclose a cave in which the Buddha meditated. The upper floor holds shrines that display ancient murals which are mainly dedicated to Za, the protector.

Druk Choeding (Tshongdoe Naktsang)

This 15th-century monastery was built by Ngawang Chhogyel, a Tibetan prince abbot and an ancestor of Zhabdrung Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. The monastery is located near the local market and houses Jampa, the Future Buddha, Gyenyen, the local protector and several ancient war relics.

Airport Viewpoint

The small Paro International Airport, nestled among the mighty Himalayan ranges on the banks of the Paro river features traditional Bhutanese architecture and is truly a sight to behold. Paro’s airport is one of the most beautifully located and challenging airports in the world. It is Bhutan’s only international airport and consists of a single runway. The peaks here tower upto 5000 metres high and it takes a great deal of mastery to land planes here. The viewpoint is just across the Paro river and the town and Paro Dzong serve as backdrop for the airport. 

Chele La Pass

Blessed with a scenic mountainous landscape, Bhutan has incredible passes and routes that deliver spectacular views. The Chele La Pass is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, 35 km away from Paro, that runs at a height of 13,000 feet, enclosed by pristine dense forests. The route will take you through beautiful valleys, gushing rivers and streams, native flora and fauna and stunning viewpoints lined with Buddhist prayer flags. The highlight view is that of Mount Jomolhari, the most sacred peak in Bhutan.

Why should you visit?

Packed with rich history, culture and nature, Paro valley is a paradise for every traveller and undoubtedly Bhutan’s best destination. The unparalleled landscape, stunning views and ancient structures of Paro, deliver the complete package of Bhutan’s experiences.

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