| Duration: | 1 Day(s) - 0 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Full Day Tours |
Paro is a valley of religion and myth. The most famous landmark, the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), stands on a granite cliff about 3,000 m above the Paro valley. The hike to Taktsang would take us around two and half hours. To reach a cafeteria, a point from which one can enjoy a great view of the monastery is more than an hour's walk from the road-head uphill.
Those interested can walk further 45 minutes uphill to get a closer view of the monastery and return to the cafeteria for lunch. The journey downward to the road-head would take us less than one and a half hours.
Places to Visit in Paro:
Tiger’S Nest Monastery
Located on the cliffside of the upper valley in Bhutan, Paro Taktsang is an eminent Buddhist sacred site and is also known as Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. This temple has become the folk icon of Bhutan which Hangs at an uncertain cliff at 10240 feet above the Paro valley, reaching the temple is only possible through a mountainous route. The remote location makes it difficult to reach but also makes it beautiful, unique and an unforgettable destination at the same time and it is one of the best places to visit in Paro.
Zuri Dzong Fort
The Zuri Dzong in Paro is the oldest in Bhutan and is, therefore, one of the most important places to see in Paro. Built in the early 14th century, it is not only a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan and Paro but also to the art, architecture, and lifestyle of the people back then.
The structure, despite being so old, looks as good as new, without any wear or tear, and is supported by a double wall as well as a bridge. There are several murals on the walls of the Dzong which are dedicated to the Buddhist protector- Zaa. It is also a great viewpoint, and you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings from this 5-story structure.
Rinpung Dzong Monastery
If you are on a mission to go sightseeing in Paro, you must check out the Rinpung Dzong monastery, another ancient monastery you can find in Paro. It is located on the face of a hill and overlooks the gorgeous valley surrounded by sprawling green hills on all sides, allowing you to take some breathtaking pictures.
Drukgyal Dzong Monastery
Drukgyel is one of the most interesting places to see in Paro because of its history and notoriety. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the area and despite being the victim of a massive fire accident in the 1950s, it has withstood and survived for all to witness today.
The fort has been renovated and rebuilt, with some new murals and frescoes being added to the plethora of existing ones. Visitors can get a wonderful view of the surrounding Chomolhari mountains from the summit of the Monastery.
Paro Weekend Market
The weekend market is one of the major Paro tourist attractions because of the colorful sights and sounds and smells that you encounter when you are there. It is a hub for tourists and locals alike and is a place where you can find anything imaginable- from fruits and vegetables to religious artifacts and Bhutanese stamps.
If you are looking for souvenirs to take back home with you, you can even find traditional dresses of Bhutan, authentic, hand-crafted prayer wheels, and Kira. The market also has several food stalls where you can enjoy Bhutanese delicacies such as chugo (yak cheese), khoo (jellied cow skin), and Tsirang honey.
