Paro
Paro is Bhutan’s most picturesque valley and the country’s main gateway for international travellers, as it is home to Bhutan’s only international airport. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush pine forests, and traditional farmhouses, Paro beautifully blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. The valley is famous for iconic attractions such as the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), the historic Rinpung Dzong, and the National Museum of Bhutan. With its peaceful atmosphere, scenic landscapes, and well-preserved Bhutanese architecture, Paro offers visitors an authentic introduction to the Kingdom of Bhutan and is an essential stop on every Bhutan itinerary.
Tourist Attractions in Sigiriya
Tiger’s Nest
Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and one of the world’s most spectacular Buddhist monasteries. Perched dramatically on a sheer cliff about 900 metres above the Paro Valley, the monastery is believed to be the sacred site where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) meditated in the 8th century after arriving on the back of a tigress. Surrounded by pristine forests and breathtaking Himalayan scenery, Tiger’s Nest is a symbol of Bhutan’s deep spiritual heritage. The rewarding hike to the monastery and its stunning location make it the country’s most visited and unforgettable attraction.
- Timings: 0800 hrs to 1300 hrs & 1400 hrs to 1800 hrs
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Entry Fees: Nil
Tamchog Lhakhang
Tamchog Lhakhang is a historic 15th-century temple located between Paro and Thimphu, renowned for its traditional iron chain suspension bridge built by the legendary engineer and saint Thangtong Gyalpo. Surrounded by picturesque river and mountain scenery, it is a fascinating stop that combines Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage with remarkable architectural craftsmanship.
- Timings: 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Entry Fees: Included in SDF for Bhutan
Ta Dzong – National Museum of Bhutan
Ta Dzong National Museum of Bhutan is one of the country’s finest cultural attractions, housed in a historic 17th-century watchtower overlooking Paro Valley. The museum showcases an impressive collection of Bhutanese art, ancient artefacts, traditional costumes, religious relics, and natural history exhibits, offering visitors a fascinating insight into Bhutan’s rich heritage and traditions.
- Timings: 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs
- Duration: 1 hour
- Entry Fees: Included in SDF for Bhutan
Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong is one of Bhutan’s most iconic fortress-monasteries, majestically overlooking the Paro Valley. Built in the 17th century, it is renowned for its magnificent Bhutanese architecture, intricate woodwork, sacred temples, and panoramic views. Serving as both a religious and administrative centre, Rinpung Dzong is also the venue for the vibrant annual Paro Tshechu festival, making it one of Bhutan’s most important cultural landmarks.
- Timings: 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs
- Duration: 1 hour
- Travel Tip: Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered
Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century. Built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, the temple is revered for its rich history, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful Bhutanese architecture. Surrounded by prayer wheels and tranquil gardens, it remains an important pilgrimage site and a symbol of Bhutan’s deep Buddhist heritage.
- Timings: 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs
- Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
- Travel Tip: Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering the temple, and maintain silence
Dungtse Lhakhang
Dungtse Lhakhang is a unique chorten-shaped temple located in Paro, built in the 15th century by the renowned Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo. Unlike most Bhutanese temples, its distinctive three-storey structure symbolizes the Buddhist path from hell to heaven and houses beautiful ancient murals, sacred relics, and intricate Buddhist artwork, making it one of Bhutan’s most fascinating spiritual sites.
- Timings: 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs
- Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
- Travel Tip: Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering the temple
Paro International Airport
Paro International Airport View Point offers one of the best panoramic views of Bhutan’s only international airport, set amidst the breathtaking Paro Valley. Visitors can watch aircraft perform one of the world’s most spectacular landings and take-offs while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains, traditional villages, and lush green landscapes.
- Best Time to Visit: Arrival & Departure timings of airplanes
- Duration: 30 – 60 minutes
- Travel Tip: Carry a light jacket as the viewpoint can be cool and windy.
Typical 2 nights itinerary for Paro
DAY 1: PARO | Arrive in Paro. Drive to the hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2: PARO | Enjoy sightseeing of Paro covering Dungtse Lhakhang, Bird Eye View Point (Valley & Airport view), Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong & Kichu Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3: PARO | Drive to Paro Airport to connect onward journey
Important Distances
Thimphu 52 km | Phobjikha 205 km | Trongsa 265 km | Bumthang 335 km | Punakha 125 km | Chele La Pass 38 km
Global Travel Consultants 
You must be logged in to post a comment.