Paro Travel Guide - Sightseeing, Hotels, Transfer, Maps
Located in the western part of Bhutan and 50km away from the capital city Thimphu, Paro is attractive with a perfect mixture of history, culture and nature. Holding the seat of government for most of the 19th century, Paro once was the political, commercial and cultural heart of Bhutan. Till now, a visit to Paro will still guide you back to several centuries ago. On your road to Paro, you will get a visual feast on this tranquil and organic whole created by the forested hills, green terraced fields, whitewashed farmhouses and temple constructions. The charming town of Paro lies on the two banks of Paro Chhu. There is only one main street in the small town, but the checkerboard-like lanes and alleys can lead you to the surrounding attractions directly, including landmarked Rinpung Dzong, which can be reached by walking.
Paro - Gateway to the Kingdom of Bhutan
Paro owns the only international airport in Bhutan, and it becomes the gateway to other cities of Bhutan and tourist center distribution without doubt. It is connected with Kathmandu, New Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata, Dhaka, Bangkok and Singapore by international flights. From Paro, traveler can take a Bhutan tour directly to Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa, Bumthang or the eastern Bhutan by driving.
Places to Visit in Paro
As one of Bhutan’s loveliest destination, Paro enjoys stunning valley landscape as well as many must-be-visited cultural attractions. Before your flight landing on the Paro Airport, you can appreciate the green valley with idyllic views from a high level. When you travel in Paro Valley, lots of traditional farmhouses with elegant decorations will be seen. In addition, visits to the top attractions in Paro will make your journey more unforgettable. The most popular attractions include Taktsang Monaster, Rinpung Dzong, Bhutan National Museum etc. Check All Places to Visit in Paro>
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Taktsang Monastery - Landmark of Bhutan
Type: Religious Sites, Landmarks
Recommended Length of Visit: one day
Perched on the side a shape cliff 900 meters above the floor of Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is Bhutan’s most miraculous monastery as well as one of the most venerated Buddhist sites. It goes a legend that Guru Rinpoche once flew to this site on a tiger to overpower a devil and then he mediated in the cave for three months, so Taktsang Monastery is also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. 2 hours trekking to this monastery is necessary for superb views.
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Paro Sunday Market - Bhutanese Real Life Experience
Type: Vegetable Market
Recommended Length of Visit: .0.5 ~ 1 hr
Just as its name suggests, Paro Sunday Market is an outdoor market located in central town only open on Sunday. Not famous and large as Thimphu Weekend Market, it shows much thicker traditional feelings. On every Sunday, the local people will come here to purchase for the food materials and vegetables. It gives travelers a good time to learn the local products and experience the local life. If you want to feel the busiest atmosphere, visit the market during 6:30 ~ 10:30 am.
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Rinpung Dzong - Bhutan’s Most Classic Architecture
Type: Sights & Landmarks
Recommended Length of Visit: 1 ~ 2 hours
Rinpung Dzong, also called Paro Dzong, was constructed in 1644 on the original foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. Standing on steep hillside next to Paro Chhu, this magnificent dzong holds a prominent site in the Paro Valley. You can see its massive buttressed walls throughout the whole valley. People always regard Rinpung Dzong as the finest model of Bhutanese architecture and travelers are always impressed by its brilliant stones and wood structures.
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Kyichu Lhakhang - One Ancient Monastery
Type: Sacred & Religious Sites
Recommended Length of Visit: 1 hour
Kyichu Lhakhang is a small but old monastery with a lot of history. Just like world-famous Jokhang Temple in Tibet, it was also built under the order of Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness in 659. Now, it is one of the most ancient monasteries in Bhutan. In the outside garden of the monastery, you can see beautiful prayer wheels. While entering Kyichu Lhakhang, you can enjoy many delicate murals. One statue of Sakyamuni has attracted many pilgrims to get blessings.
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National Museum - Exhibition of Bhutan's History & Culture
Type: Museum
Recommended Length of Visit: 2 hrs
Located at the top of the hill above Paro Dzong, Bhutan National Museum is a unique rounding building in a shape of a conch shell. Though the museum is compact, it is very interesting. There are many sections that show the history and culture of Bhutan. You can learn various animals which symbolize different emotions in first section, different Buddhist gods in the second section, statues by some famed sculptors in the fourth section and statues of animals in the fifth section.
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Chele La Pass - View Point of Snow Peaks
Type: Scenic Drive
Recommended Length of Visit: 20 minutes
Chele La Pass, about 40km to Paro, is a high pass with an elevation of almost 4,000 meters above the sea level. If you get to the Haa Valley, you can a stop at the Chele La Pass. This pass offers a breathtaking view of snow-covered ranges in distant. The rows of fluttering colorful prayer flags in front of the snow peaks look very enchanting as well. The blueish sky allowed for great photos on both sides of the pass. The wind might be strong, so make sure you take enough warm clothes.
How to Get to/around Paro
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Owning the solo international airport of Bhutan, Paro is very convenient to be reached from some Asian countries by flights. As the gateway city located in western of Bhutan, it is popularly chosen as the first destination from which you can drive to other tourist spots in Bhutan.
Flights to Paro
At present, there some international cities providing flights to Paro, including Kathmandu (1 hour), Kolkata (1 hour), New Delhi (2.5 hours), Guwahati (55 minutes), Siliguri (30 minutes), Bangkok (3 hours), Singapore (5 hours) and some other cities in India in peak seasons. Kathmandu (capital of Nepal) is the top recommended city for travelers, because there are 11 weekly flights to Paro which takes only 1 hour. Besides, many travelers choose to fly to Paro from Kolkata in India, which also provides 11 weekly flights with duration of 1 hour. Read more>
Generally, many travelers choose to start a Bhutan tour from Paro after their Nepal trip. Check our best-selling Nepal Bhutan Tours:
☞ 9 Days Nepal Bhutan Highlights Tour
☞ 12 Days Nepal Bhutan Leisure Vacation Tour Package
Driving Journey from Paro
Since there is no available railways system in Bhutan, driving is the only way to travel around Paro. Starting from Paro, it takes about 1.5 hours to Thimphu – the capital of Bhutan. Then it takes another 2.5 hours from Thimphu to Punakha where you can see Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong. The road between Paro and Thimphu is always in fine condition, but the road to Punakha is a bit rough. If you want a deeper tour to central Bhutan, you are suggested to take stops in Phubikha and Trongsa for accommodation.
Best Time to Visit Paro
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With an elevation of 2,000~ 3,000 meters, Paro valley enjoys a mild, warm and temperate climate. The average annual temperature is around 12℃ and the average rainfall is about 1820mm. The best time to visit Paro must be spring (March ~ May) and autumn (September ~ October).
Spring is the best time to enjoy the beautiful nature, especially in April and May when you can see many wild flowers. In autumn, the weather is always clear, so you can enjoy the cloudless sky and snow peaks.
The 5-day Paro Tshechu – most significant festival in Paro is a good time to visit Paro as well. It always takes place in early April and it is the best chance to meet the King of Bhutan for he often makes his appearance to the festivities between the 3rd and last day. Paro will be teeming with travelers from different corners of the world, so the hotels will be overwhelmed and the flights would be in short supply. If you want to experience Paro Tshechu, book your tour and flights in advance.
Recommended Hotels in Paro
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As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan, Paro is able to offer you a large variety of hotels from luxury ones to economical ones. There are several 5-star hotels in Paro available, including Uma Resort, Le Meridien Riverfront, Amankora Resort and Hotel Zhiwaling. They not only satisfy your basic needs to have a comfortable accommodation, but also provide you great view of the outside scenery.
Uma Resort
Just located Paro Town, Uma Resort is a fabulous hotel with exceptional location, tasty food and serene environment. Every staff in the hotel is friendly, knowledgeable and always on their way to help you as much as possible. Choosing a valley-viewing room, you are able to savor a mind-blowing view of Paro Valley.
Le Meridien Riverfront
Le Meridient Paro is also a 5-star hotel but less formal and more modern some other hotels in Bhutan. The rooms are generous in size, with tasteful modern doctor and comfortable beddings. The restaurant has a great buzzy atmosphere and the food is excellent. The amazing service and humble hospitality from the stuff also make your stay an enjoyment.
In additional the 5-star hotels, there are also many budget but comfortable accommodation available. If you want to experience the traditional Bhutanese style hotel, choose Tenzinling Resort.
Useful Bhutan Travel Notes
- 1. How to Get Bhutan Visa
- Bhutan Visa is a must to travel to Bhutan, which can only be applied by authorized travel agency on behalf of independent travelers. You just need to send us clear scanned photocopy of your valid passport. As we receive your passport information, we will apply it from Tourism Council of Bhutan. When we get your visa (a visa clearance letter), we will send the photocopy to you by Email, with which you are able to border a flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival on Paro International Airport, the visa will be given to you.
- 2. How to Plan a Bhutan Tour
- A classic Bhutan tour always takes about 6 days involving Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Apart from the arrival and departure days, you get four full days to explore the landmarks in Bhutan – three days in the towns of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, and another day in Traktsang Monastery. If you want an in-depth tour to central Bhutan, you are suggested to spend extra 4 days to Bumthang via Wangdu Phodrang and Trongsa. In fact, many travelers prefer an overland tour in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. If you time permits, you can take a one-hour flight from Bhutan to Nepal, where you can admire the medieval architectural wonders and marvelous landscape of Himalayan Peaks. After that, take an overland driving journey to the holy city Lhasa via Mount Everest.
- 3. How to Get to Bhutan
- There are two choices to get to Bhutan – by international flights from some Asian countries (Nepal, India, Thailand, Singapore and Bangladesh) and by overland driving from India. Since Paro is the only international airport, all the flights to Bhutan lands on Paro. There are three accessible ports connected Bhutan and India, including Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu. Phuentsholing is the primary one which connects Chhukha of Bhutan and West Bengal of India. From Phuentsholing, it takes about 6 hours to drive to Paro or Thimphu. The other two ports are located in central and eastern Bhutan.
- 4. Other Destinations in Bhutan
- Apart from Paro, there are many other destinations worthy of your visit, including Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa, Bumthang etc. As the capital city with natural and cultural glamour, Thimphu is a must-be-visited city in Bhutan. Its National Memorial Chorten is an important holy site. Besides, there are many interesting and significant museums and institutes to catch a view of Bhutan’s rich history and culture. Punakha has the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan – Punakha Dzong. Extending your trip to central Bhutan, you will get amazed by the valleys with distinguished scenery and historical sites.
Most Recommended Pokhara Tour Packages
Following are some other recommended Paro Bhutan tour packages that you may be interested in. All tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.
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9 Days Bhutan In-depth Natural and Cultural Tour
Paro / Thimphu / Punakha / Phobjikha / Trongsa / Bumthang / Wangue Phodrang / Paro
