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In Communion with Nature at Serene Paro valley

Located at an altitude of 2,250m above sea level, the enchanting Paro valley is located in north-western part of the country and renowned for its natural beauty, home to several sacred shrines & monasteries and Bhutan’s sole international airport. Extending from the confluence of Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom, this picturesque valley is one of the widest and fertile valleys in the Kingdom and produces the bulk of famous red rice grown in the country.

The recommended sites within Paro valley and its vicinity are listed below to visit but apart from these, the valley offers plenty of opportunity for short walks & hikes to absorb its natural splendour, experiencing village life or simply enjoying the pristine character of Paro valley.

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
The most famous touristic and spiritual destinations of the country, Taktsang is a Buddhist temple complex which clings 3,120m above sea level, on the side of upper Paro valley. The monastery is one of most venerated places of pilgrimage in the Himalayan region and visiting this cultural icon is indeed an unforgettable experience owing to its unique location amidst the views of surrounding majestic mountain and emerald, green valleys. 

Ta Dzong (National Museum)
Originally built in 1649 on the promontory of the eastern spur of Paro valley for defensive purposes, as watchtower for protection from invading Tibetan armies, since 1968 this fortress is serving as the national museum of the country and holds interesting collection of art, relics, thangkha paintings, weaponry, bronze ware and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.

Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)
Standing magnificently on a hillock in the centre of the valley and also known as ‘Fortress on the Heap of Jewels’, Rinpung Dzong is one of the fine examples of classical Bhutanese architecture. This 17th century majestic fortress houses monastic body of Paro and also serves as administrative centre of the district alongside being the venue of famous Paro Tshechu (festival).

Kyichu Lhakhang        
One of the sacred jewels of Bhutan and linked with the introduction of Buddhism in the country, the Kyichu temple is located north of Paro town and established in 7th century by the Buddhist King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that is said to laid
across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. Initially built-in small size the temple later expanded both in grandeur and size.

Dzongdrakha Geonpa
Located half-an-hour walk from the main road at Bondey village, it’s a group of four temples complex dedicated to Buddhist deities Tara, Tsheingma (Goddess of Longevity), Guru Rinpoche and Buddha of Future, Maitreya. Resembling famous Taktsang Monastery, it’s also a cliff side temple complex but an easy walk of only 30-minutes amidst panoramic view of the valley.

Dungtse Lhakhang
It’s a unique 15th century temple, in stupa style built by the famous iron bridge builder of Bhutan, Thangtong Gyalpo. The temple has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven and the paintings inside are said to be some of the best in the country.

Drukgyel Dzong
Currently under restoration, this historically significant fortress got burnt by fire in 1951 and soon going to return to its original splendour. On a clear day, one can have commanding view of Mount. Jumolhari from the village nestled below the Dzong.  

Sangchen Choekhor Buddhist Institute
Picturesquely situated, this temple complex is home to about 100 monks who study here Buddhist philosophy. The monastery is of particular interest to Buddhist scholars however people also visit it to enjoy fascinating valley view below the road.

Neyphug Monastery
Perched majestically atop a lush green hill at 3,000 meter (9,800 ft) in the side-valley of Paro, Neyphug Monastery with its 450 year of Buddhist history holds high reverence among Buddhist communities all over the world. It also houses a charitable organisation that supports a monk community across the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Chele la pass & Kila Goenpa
At an altitude of 3,988m, Chele la is one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan and located about an-hour’s drive from Paro town (27km) along a thickly forested road. On a clear day, the pass provides stunning view of sacred mountain Jumolhari (7,314m) and Jichu Drake (6,714m) in background of hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Kila Goenpa, is serene, pristine home for Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their lives to spiritual fulfilment and lead undisturbed life of religious studies, prayer and meditation.  It is reputedly the oldest nunnery of Bhutan and perched precariously along the rock face at an altitude of 3,500m.

Apart from visiting these prominent cultural sites, Paro valley is also an ideal destination for  experiencing array of local activities for deeper understanding of Bhutanese culture & traditions like, visiting a traditional farmhouse for exposure of village life, playing Archery, Bhutan’s national sport, try traditional hot stone bath, meditation at a village monastery, witness cultural performance showcasing mask dances displayed during annual religious festivals, learning Bhutanese cooking and wearing of national dress, ‘Gho’ for mean & ‘Kira’ for ladies. Its all going to enhance one’s experience of Bhutan trip and making it even more memorable.