Paro

Paro- Feel the magic of Bhutan with rich culture and history

Bhutan has an interesting history that attracts many tourists to visit here every year. Paro is a colorful town located in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. Whether it is agriculture or history, Paro is a developed town in every field. The topography of Paro town is a combination of lush green hills, meandering rivers, and ancient monasteries.

Traveling to Paro is generally considered a safe journey if you follow the right tips. You can plan a trip to this beautiful place by flight or by road. Paro has numerous spots to discover for any traveler or adventure junkie. This travel guide will help you to know how to travel to Paro, places to visit, culture, and so on.

About Paro

Paro is a town situated in the Paro district of Bhutan. This town lies at a height of 2250 m above sea level and is encircled by dense green forests. The Paro Chhu River passes through Paro town, which makes this region a perfect land for agriculture.

It has a nice history, which can be seen in sacred places and historic structures. Paro is home to many traditional buildings, such as the Dungtse Lhakhang and Paro Taktsang Buddhist monastery.

This town has an international airport known as Paro International Airport. The climate of Paro is pleasant throughout the year. Paro is an ideal place for trekkers, frequent travelers, solo trip lovers, and families.

When is the best time to visit Paro?

Before booking your flight tickets to Paro, you must choose the ideal time to travel to this town. The beauty of Paro can be viewed at its best during the spring and autumn seasons. You can plan to visit Paro between March and May in the spring season. Another time to visit Paro is between October and November.

• Spring season - From March to May, the weather in Paro is good with clear skies and a bit of snow at a high altitude. The average temperature during summer is around 20 degrees Celsius. Spring is a peak season for traveling to Paro, due to which the demand for flight tickets is high. So, you can plan the trip and book the tickets to avoid any hassle.
• Autumn season - Autumn is another ideal time to visit Paro. From October to December, the weather is cool with an average temperature between -1 degree Celsius and 13 degrees Celsius. Avoid traveling to Paro between June and August because of heavy monsoons. The region experiences heavy rains, which cause roadblocks and landslides. You cannot explore the nearby places due to the humidity.

Places to visit in Paro

When it comes to sightseeing, Paro has ample things to offer tourists. You can explore some of the best places in Paro on your visit, such as:

1. Rinpung Dzong Paro

Rinpung Dzong is an ancient fortress with amazing architecture. This place has illuminating lights that blink at night. A special feature of Rinpung Dzong Paro is the different images describing the life of Buddha. The scenic views around this dzong make it an ideal photography location.

You can enjoy the views of Paro Chhu River and Paro Valley by visiting this dzong. The annual festival Paro Tshechu makes it the most-visited place in Bhutan.

2. Tiger's Nest Monastery

Paro Taktsang is one of the best places to visit in Paro. It is situated at a distance of 9 km from the center of the city. The temple lies above the upper cliff in Paro valley. The architecture of Tiger's Nest monastery makes it more beautiful for the visitors. A hike to this monastery will offer a pleasant experience to enjoy the panoramic views.

3. National Museum

The National Museum of Bhutan is a must-visit place for every tourist. The museum has 6 floors that tell a unique story of Bhutanese culture. The National Museum includes many antiques such as animal masks, paintings, and art pieces. The surroundings of this museum give a peaceful touch to your mind and soul.

4. Kyichu Lhakhang

Kyichu Lhakhang is an old temple located in the stunning landscapes of Paro Valley. The temple has an interesting history, which many people love to hear. Many travelers visit Kyichu Lhakhang to listen to the tale of Gyaza (Bhrikuti), who was a visionary. This temple is a perfect combination of Himalayan tapestry and Bhutan's rich heritage. The walls of this shrine contain beautiful paintings which show the stories of Buddha's life and Bodhisattvas.

5. Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge

This bridge is also called as Iron Chain Bridge. This bridge crosses the old Paro River to the Dzong. Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge offers mesmerizing views of the surroundings. This is the oldest bridge in the country. Many visitors come here to feel the nature of the place.

6. Paro weekend market

If you are a shop alcoholic person, visit the weekend market of Paro. The market bustles with many sellers and buyers each day. From organic products to fresh produce, the market sells many things for daily life. You can also get a wide range of antiques and artworks from Bhutan in this market.

7. Chele La Pass

Another must-watch place in Paro is Chele La Pass. This pass offers breathtaking views to the visitors who travel by car. You can also witness the huge Paro valley at this point with the views of Mount Jhomolhari. The weather is pleasant throughout the year at this place, which attracts many travelers.

8. Ugyen Pema Woedling Zangthopeiri

Do not miss this beautiful spot while traveling to Paro in Bhutan. This monastery has elegant artworks and intrinsic designs with ancient sculptures of Buddha. You can view the large statue of Guru Tshen Geyed in the monastery. This monastery is surrounded by the beautiful mountains covered with green trees.

9. Dasho Nishioka Chorten

Dasho Nishioka Chorten is a marvelous point of attraction in Paro. It was built in honor of Dasho Nishioka, who was a Japanese man. Dasho brought modern agricultural methods and tools to Bhutan. This stupa makes people remember his great deeds for the country. His role is large in making Bhutan a prosperous country.

10. Archery Ground

This is one of the best places in Paro to visit for tourists. The Archery Grounds in Paro conduct traditional archery games every year. Many great archers take part in the games. You can view the skills of these professional archers who can shoot the target perfectly.

Things to try in Paro

Apart from sightseeing, Paro is also a good place for trying various things. You can try some of the best things at this place, such as:

• Trekking to the Snowman - This is one of the most exciting treks in the Himalayas. The trek is difficult and can be done only by experienced trekkers. You have to cross through the deep snowline and rocky trails in this trek. The snow all around the trekking spot makes it a perfect winter land for the trekkers.
• Try local cuisines - A trip to Paro is incomplete without tasting its delicious cuisine. You can try the best foods in Paro on the local streets. Some tasty cuisines to try are Jasha Maroo, Ema Datshi, Phaksha Paa, and momos. You can also try the special red rice at any local food joint in Paro.
• Enjoy cultural performances - Paro hosts some amazing cultural performances and dances every year. You can visit the Festival grounds to witness the folk dances of Bhutan with musical tunes. Dancers wear colorful masks and vibrant outfits, which is a must-watch scene at this festival. You can witness the magic of Bhutanese culture and traditions in this festival.
• Biking trails - A biking tour from Ta Dzong to Khasadrapchu is a thing you must try in Paro. This biking trail gives the delight of cycling around the beautiful terrains and mountains. You can view the small villages, valleys, and ridges throughout your biking ride.
• Rafting - Rafting in the Paro Chhu River is something you should not skip on your trip. Carry the safety equipment and get ready for an adventurous journey amidst the white water rapids. The crystal clear waters of the Paro River with breathtaking scenery will enhance your senses at once.
• Taste local beer - You can enjoy a romantic night with your partner by visiting Namgay Artisanal Brewery. It is situated at a height of 2195 m in Dumsibu. You can try the different varieties of local beers, from milk stout to wheat beer, at this brewery.
• Meditation at monasteries - Meditating at any local monastery is a thing you must do in Paro. Meditating in the natural surroundings relaxes your mind as well as your body.

Ideal Stay duration in Paro

The ideal stay for Paro is between 3 to 5 days. You can explore all the famous spots of Paro, such as the Airport viewpoint, Paro Dzong, and the National Museum, in 5 days. If you want to explore the place more with some other offbeat destinations, get a package for 6 to 7 days.

Cultural festivals in Paro

Paro Tshechu is the most famous festival of Paro. It is a beautiful festival of 5 days held in March or April at Paro Dzong. This festival is celebrated to honor Guru Rinpoche, who is the saint of Bhutan.

At this festival, you can see the dances with masked monks. Some spiritual rituals are performed in this festival by the local dancers.

Cultural dress of Paro

The traditional dresses in Paros are the Gho for males and the Kira for women. Ghos is a dress for men worn with a fabric belt. The Kira is a long dress with a rectangular shape for women. Males wear a scarf known as a Kabney on the Gho. The Kira is worn with a top known as a Wonju and a traditional jacket.

FAQs

1. How to reach Paro?

You can travel to Paro in various ways, such as:

• By flight - Direct flights from cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Gaya, and Kolkata to Paro airport. From Paro airport, you can hire a cab or taxi to reach the main city.
• By Road -Bhutan connects India through West Bengal. From the Jaigoan-Phuentsholing border, you can get private taxis and buses to reach Paro.
• By Train - You can travel from Kolkata to Hasimara by train. From Hasimara railway station, you can take a bus or taxi to visit Paro.

2. Which electric plugs are used in Paro?

You can carry the British Plug, the European plug, and the Indian Plug while going to Paro. These electric plugs work throughout Bhutan with sockets of Types C, G, and D.

3. How do Indians apply for a permit to enter Bhutan?

Indians will need an Indian passport or a voter ID of India. With these documents, they can enter the country.

4. Are credit cards used in Paro?

Yes, the credit cards are used in many large hotels, restaurants, and stores in Paro. However, it is necessary to carry enough cash to purchase things from the local shops.

5. Where to stay in Paro?

You can get a wide range of stay options at Paro from luxurious hotels to guesthouses. The town has homestays with traditional Bhutanese architecture and décor to get a rich experience.

6. What is the local currency in Paro?

The local currency in Paro is the Ngultrum (BTN). Travelers can exchange currency at the airport, hotels, and banks.