The Magic of Paro: Discover Bhutan’s Hidden Gem

Paro is one of the most historic places in Bhutan. It is a small town with a rich culture, sacred places filled with myths and amazing green valleys. Paro stands as a home to top attractions which includes many temples, monasteries and the country’s sole international airport. The airport itself is one of the major tourist attractions because of its location amidst the mountains. Interesting, isn’t it? Paro apart from offering an awe-striking landscape has traditionally built houses dotted in the green valleys and beautifully decorated buildings with so many shops and restaurants. This town together with Punakha and Jakar makes the golden triangle of Bhutan.

Top attractions to visit in Paro

Despite being surrounded by beautiful valleys and mountains, what makes Paro well known is its ancient monasteries that talk about Bhutanese and Buddhist art and architecture. This little town has some of the top-visited attractions to offer. Here is the list of 5 best places that we have hand picked for you.

1. Taktsang Lhakhang

Taktsang Lhakhang, popularly known as The tiger’s nest is located over a cliff in Paro. Are you curious to know why people call it Tiger’s nest? As we know, Paro is full of myths. It is said that Guru Rinpoche rode to this monastery on a tigress’ back while he was on the way to Tibet. In this place, he meditated for three months with evil spirits subduing him. The locals named the monastery as Tiger’s Nest based on this. As the place is located in a secluded location, there is no vehicle to take you to the monastery. You can either hire a horse from the locals or start hiking. Sounds fun right? With such amazing mountains surrounding you, why not hike and witness the monastery blessed with picturesque views and some rarest artefacts inside it?

2. Chele La Pass

Chele La Pass is located two hours drive away from Paro valley at an altitude of 13,000 feet above the ground. It is one of the highest motorable roads passes in Bhutan which is famous for the Himalayan views one can witness, especially the sacred mountain of Bhutan, Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. A drive to this botanical paradise can be so beautiful that it has many sightings. Out of which, frozen rivers are the best. The place has hundreds of flags on the way which makes it look colourful. For adventurous lovers, the place also is perfect for you to hike. Happy hiking!

3. The national museum of Bhutan

The National Museum of Bhutan is probably one of the main tourist attractions in Bhutan. With amazing arts and traditions, it has totally six floors, each of them narrating a unique tale from the past. You can find paintings, animal masks and many more arts of rich culture. It was first constructed as a watchtower in 1649 and converted to the National Museum in 1968, retaining the history of Bhutan within its walls since then. The main interest of the museum is the Egg of a Mule which will surely leave you puzzled.

4. Rinpung Dzong

Rinpung Dzong is said to be portraying the life of Buddha. Also called Paro Dzong, this place is located in the heart of the city just two kilometres away from Paro airport. The Dzong greets you with an amazing view of Paro valley and Paro Chu river. Every year, Paro Tshechu is celebrated in the second month of the Bhutanese calendar. Thinking to click some pictures? You have the picturesque Nyamai Zam wooden bridge below the Dzong. Witness this amazing beauty while you are there in Bhutan.

5. Drukgyel Dzong

Drukgyel Dzong is a fortress built in 1649 to mark one of Bhutan’s victory. The structure of the Dzong that remains is the left out of the fire that broke in 1951. In spite of flames engulfing the place, it still has managed to maintain its grandeur. You will witness the mesmerizing views of valleys while making it to the top of the ruins. Though the place has lost some major components, it still is one of the top-liked attractions. If you want the stoneworks from the past to fascinate you, make sure to add this to your list.

If you are someone who wants to spend some peaceful time getting spellbound by the beauty of nature and looking at the green valleys, choose these top attractions in Paro for your trip. It is a magical town for a variety of reasons and knows exactly how to make your soul refreshed. It’s now time to stop just reading and start exploring this amazing little town with Pickyourtrail.