Explore Paro

🏞️ Paro Travel Guide

Known for: Ancient monasteries, stunning Himalayan scenery, Bhutan’s only international airport, and the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Location: Paro Valley, western Bhutan, ~50 km from Thimphu

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

• March to May (Spring):
  ✅ Rhododendrons bloom, pleasant temperatures, clear skies

• September to November (Autumn):
  ✅ Crisp air, clear mountain views, ideal trekking conditions

• December to February:
  ❄️ Cold, possibility of snow, but fewer tourists

• June to August:
  🌧️ Monsoon season, frequent rains, less popular for travel

🛣️ How to Get There:

• ✈️ By Air:

  • Paro International Airport (Bhutan’s only international airport)

  • Flights from Kathmandu, Delhi, Bangkok, and several regional hubs

• 🚗 By Road:

  • 1.5-hour drive from Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital

🌟 Top Attractions:

🐅 Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang):

• Iconic cliffside monastery perched 900 meters above the Paro Valley floor

• 4–5 hour round-trip hike, steep but rewarding

• Sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated

🏯 Rinpung Dzong:

• Majestic fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro River

• Houses government offices and monks

• Architecture and murals are exquisite

⛩️ Kyichu Lhakhang:

• One of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples (7th century)

• Peaceful spot with beautiful prayer flags and views

🌿 Paro Valley & Paro Town:

• Quaint market streets, traditional Bhutanese houses, cafes, and shops

• Local handicrafts, souvenirs, and Bhutanese textiles

🏔️ Drukgyel Dzong (Ruins):

• Historic fortress destroyed by fire in 1951, now ruins to explore

• Offers panoramic views of the Himalayas

🎨 Activities to Do:

• Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

• Explore Dzongs and temples

• Visit local markets for Bhutanese crafts and textiles

• Attend traditional festivals (Tshechu) if visiting during season

• Try Bhutanese cuisine in local restaurants

🏨 Accommodation:

Luxury:

• Uma Paro – Luxury resort with Himalayan views

• Taj Tashi Bhutan (nearby Thimphu, but excellent for Paro visitors)

• Naksel Boutique Hotel

Mid-range:

• Tenzing Resort

• Zhiwa Ling Heritage

• Hotel Gakyil

Budget:

• Paro Guest House

• Pelican’s Guest House

• Hotel Druk

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

Must-Try Bhutanese Dishes:

• Ema Datshi (chili and cheese stew)

• Phaksha Paa (pork with red chili)

• Momos (dumplings)

• Red rice and buckwheat dishes

Top Dining Spots:

• Sonam Trophel Restaurant – Authentic Bhutanese food

• Sala Restaurant – Mix of local and continental dishes

• Dekhichu Restaurant – Cozy, traditional cuisine

• Mountain Cafe – Popular with tourists, offers a variety of dishes

🧑‍🌾 Local Culture:

• Deeply Buddhist with strong monastic traditions

• Respectful etiquette expected (dress modestly, remove shoes in temples)

• Tshechu festivals with mask dances are major cultural events

• Traditional Bhutanese dress (gho/kira) encouraged especially during festivals

⚠️ Travel Tips:

• 🧳 Visitors must book Bhutan tours through licensed tour operators (tourism is regulated)

• 🥾 Bring comfortable hiking shoes for Tiger’s Nest trek

• 🎒 Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather can change quickly

• 📸 Photography allowed outside temples but often restricted inside

• 💵 Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN) and Indian Rupees accepted; ATMs limited

Booking information