Western Bhutan - Paro Attractions and Sightseeing

Altitude 7,000 feet

Paro valley is one of the most fascinating valleys in Bhutan. As you disembark at Bhutan’s International Airport at Paro, you will be enthralled by the pleasant atmosphere, the absence of noise and scenic beauty of the valley. A unique tourist destination of its own, Paro valley is home to many venerated monasteries, oldest temples, National Museum and Bhutan’s most impressive and well known Dzongs in the country. Paro is also known for producing the bulk of our famous red rice from its fertile terraced fields.

Places to visit in Paro - Paro Attractions and Sightseeing

Drukgyel Dzong: About 14 km away from Paro town, stands the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, which was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders, led by the Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644. Drukgyel Dzong captured the eyes of western visitors when it was featured on the cover of the National Geographic magazine in 1914. Above the ruined fortress, appears the towering peak of Mount Jomolhari, "mountain of goddess" which is about 7,315m high.

The fortress served as an administrative centre until 1951, when a fire caused by a butter lamp destroyed it. The ruins still attract lot of tourists for its rich history and glorious past.

Ta Dzong: On top of the hill above the Rinpung Dzong is the Ta Dzong, originally built as a watch tower of Paro Dzong in1951. Unlike the rectangular shape of the Dzongs, Ta Dzong is round and is said to be in the shape of a conch shell or more like the parts of a European castle. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. It has a unique and varied collection of ancient paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, bronze statues, old household objects, exquisite postage stamps, jewellery and many other decorative arts.

Paro Dzong: Also known as Rinpung Dzong, which means ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’. It was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and is one of Bhutan’s most impressive Dzongs in the country which depicts the finest examples of Bhutanese unusual architecture. It serves as the administrative centre of the Paro district and also houses the state monastic community. The courtyard of the Dzong serves as a venue of Paro Tshechu (festival), held annually in spring.

Kyichu Lhakhang: It is one of the two oldest monasteries built in the seventh century by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in Bhutan. The other one is Jambay Lhakanhg in Bumthang. It is believed that a giant demoness lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples in one day which would be placed all over her bodies to pin the ogress to the earth forever and at the same time, to convert Tibetan people to Buddhism. Kyichu Lhakhangs holds the left foot and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang pins the left knee.

Excursion and Hikes around Paro

Taktsang Monastery: Literally meaning ‘Tiger’s Nest’ because Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress and then meditated in a cave for three months in the eighth century.  It is precariously perched on the right side of a cliff, at 2950 metres above sea level and is considered one of the holiest places of pilgrimage for the Buddhist world today. In April, 1998, a fire destroyed the main structure of the monastery. The present king commanded the government that Taktsang be constructed to its original structure and architectural splendor.  Accordingly the reconstruction was commenced in March, 2000 and finally completed and restored to its original splendor in early 2005. A visit to this monastery is challenging and amply rewarding. It is about 5 hours round trip including a lunch stop at the view point where there is a cafeteria.

Kila Goemba: Perched precariously along the rock face on the mountain side below Chele La pass. It is a home to many nuns who have renounced their worldly life and have chosen to dedicate their life for spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment. The monastery is about half an hour’s walk from the road.