Paro the Aerial Gateway to Bhutan

Paro Experiences

Paro - The Northern Gateway to Bhutan

The historic center of trade with Tibet, Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Kingdom. It is home to the only international airport, thus making it an aerial gateway to Bhutan. Paro is situated about an hours drive from the capital Thimphu to the west. Majority of it's inhabitants are dependent on agriculture and tourism sector. Paro valley also contributes a large amount of fresh produce including, vegetables, rice and dairy to the Bhutanese palette. Hundreds of temples and monasteries can be found dotting over the hills and vales. One of them being the remarkably iconic Tiger’s nest monastery perched on a vertical cliff at 10,000ft.

The Paro chu (chu means river) meanders down the valley by the beautiful traditional farmhouses and terraced fields filled with rice and chilies. Large Weeping Willow trees and apple orchards can be seen stretching toward the road with a backdrop of lush green mountains rising up around the valley. This foreshadows a glimpse of a the vibrant yet tranquil life in Bhutan. One obvious sight from the valley is the Paro Dzong (fortress) which is home to the District administrative offices and the monastic body. Above the fortress lies Ta Dzong, the former watch tower housing the National Museum of Bhutan. From there we can get a magnificent view of the entire valley stretching across the ancient glacial valley.

There are numerous off the beaten trails for short hikes and walks to keep you away from the crowds. Most of the popular treks in Bhutan starts from / ends in Paro such as the Drukpath Trek, Jomolhari Trek, Laya Gasa and the legendary Snowman Trek taking over 25 Days to complete.

Attractions of Paro

Dzongdrakha Lhakhang

By Tashi Wangmo • 29 May, 2020

The charming Dzongdrakha Lhakhang is a complex of small temples and is a 20 minutes’ drive from the Paro main town towards Haa valley. Most people mistake the Dzongdrakha Lhakhang for the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery as it is also located on the steep cliff overlooking the valley. There are 4 shrines dedicated to the 4 main Buddhist saints - Drolma (Tara), Tsheringma (Goddess of long life), Jowo Jampa (Future Buddha) and Guru Padmasambhava (Patron saint of Bhutan). The visit and excursion of Dzongdrakha Lhakhang can be considered an off the beaten path experience as this is rarely visited by tourists and does not fall on the radar of popular tourist attractions. For hikers, there is an alternate route which is a 30 minutes’ hike from the valley below and is one of the best day hikes for nature enthusiast. On the hike you will be walking through the village and you can visit some traditional houses, interact with the villagers and if interested help them in their farming activities depending on the season. Rice cultivation, fruits and vegetable farming is the main source of livelihood of the villagers here. Bhutanese people love tourists so one is always welcome to help in the farm or share a home cooked meal or just a cup of tea while exchanging stories. From the temple, you can enjoy scenic view of Bondey and the surrounding villages.

Tachogang Lhakhang between Paro and Thimphu highway

Tachogang Lhakhang/temple

By Tashi Wangmo • 29 May, 2020

Tachogang lhakhang literally translates to the ‘Temple on the Hill of Excellent Horse’ and is located on a hill top opposite the Paro-Thimphu highway and enjoys a serene ambience with the river and the surrounding hills. The temple is dedicated to Thangtong Gyalpo, the Iron Bridge Builder also a renowned Buddhist saint, yogi, physician, blacksmith, architect, music composer and one of the most travelled person in the Himalayas back in the 14th Century. History relates that Thangtong Gyalpo was summoned by the local deities and upon arrival at the present site of the temple he meditated for 7 days. During his meditation he experienced visions of Balaha – a spiritual horse considered an emanation of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion) and that inspired him to establish a temple, hence the name Tachogang Lhakhang. The temple was built by the heart son of Thangtong Gyalpo and is still managed and cared for by his descendants who also lives in the premises. Since the temple is located across the Paro river, Thangton Gyalpo also built his signature iron bridge that adds on to the charm of visiting the temple. The 3 storied temple built in the style of a traditional house is considered sacred and houses many important statues and artifacts.

Dra Karpo Nye

By Sonam Dendup • 23 May, 2020

Dra Karpo Nye is a holy pilgrimage site (Nye) located above the Paro- valley, about a 15 minutes drive towards the mountains away from the Paro – Thimphu highway. This is also one of the sites visited and blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and is considered a must visit in one’s lifetime for a Buddhist. It is believed that just by visiting the site and circumambulating the rocky hill can cleanse one of all sins and defilement. While the best practice is to circumambulate the hill 108 times which takes about 4 days, one can also do it 13 rounds if pressed for time, and one can find redemption for any sins including the killing of one’s own parents which is considered the greatest sin. For the devout, circumambulating the Nye can provide the the highest level of spiritual satisfaction by accumulating the highest merit and absolution from the worst sins. The visit to Dra Karpo Nye can be enjoyed as a half day excursion with a picnic lunch overlooking the beautiful valley and villages below.

Off the Beaten Path Activities in Paro

Go on a hidden trails, to the camp, enjoy the view of the mountain lake, discover Himalayan exotic flowers...

Dragay Phangtsho

By Sonam Dendup • 30 May, 2020

The mysterious and remote Dragay Phangtsho Lake at 4,300 masl rests at the lap of towering cliffs and a spectacular view of the never-ending undulating valleys below. Located north of Paro valley it is a two-hour drive on dirt road and from the Drana Samten Choling Goemba (Temple) a strenuous 7 hours hike to reach the Lake and back to the road-point. Despite being one of the toughest short hikes in Bhutan with the mountains literally glaring at your forehead, the hike is absolutely beautiful with sightings of various birds and animals and the mountains covered with colorful highland flowers. Lakes in Bhutan are considered sacred and holy and abode of the Dharma protecting deities; and pilgrimages to such lakes prepare the pilgrims for the after-death to overcome obstacles created by the Water Force (Chu Gi Jigpa) when one is lost in the Bardho, a state after death and before next life. Dragay Phangtsho or the Lake at the Lap of the Cliffs is one of the most sacred lakes and a must visit in one’s lifetime. One story relates that Yongdra Gyatsho, the fifth Dharma Master went into the Lake with a lit butter lamp, remained inside the lake for seven days and miraculously returned with various treasures, with the lamp still burning and his clothes as dry as the day he went in. Many religious stories abound the Lake and hence, is considered one of the holiest lakes in Bhutan. There are also few smaller lakes in and around the main lake and one can also see in the far off distance the Jele Dzong, Dongkola, Chidu Goemba and Mendrup Goemba (temple).

Zuri Dzong Hike

By Sonam Dendup • 29 May, 2020

The Zuri Dzong hike is a leisurely 1 ½ hour hike with the most picturesque view of the Paro valley. Starting from the National Museum, it is a gradual and leisurely hike through cypress and pine trees with spectacular and almost aerial views of the Rinpung Dzong and the valley. The views of the valley is even more beautiful after crossing the Zuri Dzong. Though considered one of the oldest Dzongs in the country, the Zuri Dzong is not an administrative center, however houses the finest collection of ancient murals and paintings. Due to its location on a hill top the spot is a photographer’s paradise for the valley and the mountain vistas especially during sunrise and sunset. It is another short gradual climb downhill till the road point.

Chelela Pass Excursion

By Sonam Dendup • 29 May, 2020

Bhutan is located in the interior Himalayas with steep high rise mountains, therefore there are numerous mountain passes that divide the valleys and a visit to Bhutan is not complete without crossing over these passes either on foot (while trekking) or by vehicle (for a usual cultural tour). One such pass is the Chelela Pass at about 3,988 meters (13,083 ft) located between the Paro and Haa valleys and is also the highest motor-able pass in Bhutan. The Pass is a little more than an hours drive from the Paro valley through the dense spruce and larch forest and depending on the season you will see various types of flowers like the Rhododendron and the occasional Yaks freely grazing in the meadows along the way. There are many interesting things to see and do at the Pass so a full day excursion with a picnic lunch is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the peace and serene environment with a few short hikes. The Blue Poppy (national Flower of Bhutan) along with different types of Rhododendron and high altitude flowers are grown nearby the Pass. From the road, it is another one-hour hike till the top of the Pass from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Paro and Haa valleys on either side, mountain ranges like the Mt Jomolhari, Mt Jichu Drakey and other snow capped Himalayan mountains. There are colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind all the way from the road till the top of the Pass and you can also hoist your own prayer flags assisted by your tour guide. As per your birth year, an astrologer will consult the Divination Charts and accordingly you can purchase the appropriate prayer flags that most benefit and protect you. Another 1 hour hike downhill from the Pass will lead to the Kila Goemba Nunnery, one of the oldest nunneries in Bhutan. While most of the nuns live in self imposed isolation, however the nunnery is looked after by the nuns so you can definitely meet and interact with them. Few of the nuns may speak English so you can exchange stories and also learn about their spiritual lives. This nunnery is least visited by tourists and it will be an off the beaten path experience for you. For the adventurous travelers cycling or biking from Paro to the Pass is an exhilarating experience instead of driving. The highway does not have much traffic as there is an alternate highway from the other side of the valley, so one can enjoy the ride along the lush green landscape.