Surrounded by picturesque landscapes of the Himalayas, the serene town of Paro blends its historical tapestry with its evolving urban fabric. It evolved from a tranquil valley settlement into a blossoming town that preserves and embodies its heritage through authentic architectural styles. Paro’s charming streets and bylanes offer a portal into its rich, cultural and captivating history while it weaves itself into modernity with quaint cafes, restaurants and shopping centers. Paro was established as a district in the 17th century and has since played a vital role for trading and preserving the border due to its proximity with the Tibetan border.
Taktsang Palphug Monastery: Perched dramatically on a cliff side in Paro, Taktsang Monastery or as the famously known Tiger’s Nest is a revered Himalayan Buddhist site. The monastery holds immense cultural and spiritual significance and requires a trek through scenic paths to reach its breathtaking location.
National Museum of Bhutan: Housed in a traditional watchtower-like building, the National Museum of Bhutan provides a comprehensive look into the country’s heritage through a collection of artifacts, historical objects and artworks. The building was originally built in 1649 as a watchtower against Tibetan invaders and was converted to the country’s national museum in 1968.
Kyichu Lhakhang: This serene temple, adorned by intricate art and surrounded by colorful prayer flags, offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s enduring devotion to its spiritual traditions. Kyichu Lhakhang is celebrated for its antiquity, dating back to the 7th century and holding a central place in Bhutanese religious history.
Rinpung Dzong: This 17th century fortress-cum-monastery, also famously known as the Paro Dzong is a historic site that functions as a religious center and an administration quarter. Captured within the Rinpung Dzong are 14 intricately adorned chapels and shrines, each a testament to Bhutan’s artistic finesse.
Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang: This religious temple stands out as a unique and striking instance of Bhutanese architecture featuring a three-storey, chorten-shaped structure where it is believed that each storey represents different levels of initiation, namely hell, Earth and heaven. This 15th century Lhakhang or temple is covered with intricate paintings and sculptures from the Drukpa Kagyu school.
Paro is also known for its panoramic views of its lush valleys and sacred mountains and Paro Airport’s Bird's Eye View Point is one such site where visitors get a direct view of one of the most beautiful air strips in the world. Other fortresses and monasteries worth a visit in Paro are Dobji Dzong which is considered to be the first model dzong and was built in the 14th century and Tachogang Lhakhang which is known for its iconic iron bridge and festooned with colorful prayer flags. A mere 38.5 km (24 mi) away lies the highest motorable road in Bhutan - Chele La Pass - which can be covered in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Paro. Chele La Pass is especially enjoyed by tourists because of its stunning views of the Himalayas including Mt. Jumolhari, which is considered Bhutan’s most sacred peak and is at 24,035 ft (7,326 m).
Paro offers a delightful fusion of traditional Bhutanese flavors and international cuisines, set amidst beautiful backdrops of breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Cozy local eateries like Lhayabling Restaurant in downtown Paro & Sonam Trophel Restaurant located near the Paro Craft Market, provide an authentic experience of various Bhutanese dishes. On the other hand, Paro also has restaurants like Tou Zaiga run by the Bondey Institute of Hotel Tourism have young 5-star chefs preparing culinary delights from around the world and Bukhari fine dine restaurant that has a changing menu based on the local organic produce available.
Shopping in Paro is a charming and immersive experience with its local markets providing an array of Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles and traditional Bhutanese artifacts. In the heart of the city, visitors can explore vibrant stalls intricately woven in Bhutanese textiles like kira and gho, as well as, crafted thangka paintings and hand-carved wooden masks. Chencho Handicrafts has an interesting selection of local handicrafts and woolen carpets and is also a great place to see weavers at work. The weekend market and Sunday market also have a range of interesting souvenirs and produce including Bhutanese boots and dried yak’s milk cheese. Lama Tshering Dorji’s General Shop and Yuesel Handicraft Shop sell traditional religious items like incense sticks, prayer flags, divination dice and butter lamps as well.
Paro's nightlife has a tranquil and subdued ambiance, reflecting the town's serene surroundings. While it's not known for its bustling nightlife, there are a few cozy bars and lounges where visitors can unwind with a drink and enjoy conversations. During season, places like Club K and Millenium Club offer a glimpse into Paro’s vibrant nightlife clubbed with traditional dance performances as well. One can find a more relaxing setting in cafes like Brioche Cafe and Thermion’s Cafe for some good coffee and food while enjoying the scenic surroundings of mountainscapes.
Paro experiences a temperate highland tropical climate and has a diverse range of weather due to its varying elevations. Spring brings mild temperatures between 17°C and 4°C (62.6℉ - 39.2℉), blooming flowers, and clear skies making it the ideal time to visit. The summer experiences warmer temperatures between 19°C and 14.5°C (66℉ - 58℉) and occasional rainfall with lush greenery covering the landscapes. Autumn which extends up until November is characterized by crisp air, clear views of the mountains, and vibrant foliage making it another favorable time for visitors. Winter naturally brings colder temperatures between 6°C and -1°C (42.8℉ - 30℉) and snowfall in higher elevations. While this period offers a unique charm with snow-capped peaks and frosty landscapes, visitors are advised to be prepared for drastic change in the weather, even within a single day. Regardless of the season, Paro’s weather contributes to the breathtaking beauty of the region and offers a different experience throughout the year.
Registered Office:
Ground Floor, 38/ 5 Bagbazar Street,
Kolkata 700003, West Bengal, India
Operations Office (India):
First Floor, 17Q Dover Terrace,
Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
Operations Office (Bhutan):
Tshalu Lam, Babesa,
Thimphu, Bhutan
Phone: +91 (0) 9560 033 043
Email: bookings@eastern-escapes.com
