Amongst many places, Paro Bhutan has become one of the most popular places tourists visit. Until recently, the entire town of Paro consisted of two-story, traditionally built homes that had been beautifully painted, lined up on either side of the 100-meter main street. Since then, the town has expanded laterally with the addition of modern structures, but Paro town's appeal still comes from its oldest street, which features restored stores with western architectural influences. Numerous handicraft stores and cafes offer good coffee and international cuisine along the street.
The Paro International Airport is a kilometer away from the town. As a result, the town continues to serve as a major entry and exit point for travelers. What distinguishes Paro from Thimphu is the community's commitment to protecting its agricultural land throughout the valley and the restraint of the town's growth. The entire valley is converted into a sizable organic farm due to the lush green hue of the plantation activity beginning in the spring and the paddy turning golden during the harvest season.
Top attractions in Paro
Paro Taktshang – Hike to The Tiger’s Nest
The trek to the monastery at Tiger's Nest is what every visitor to Bhutan looks forward to the most. The historic temple, constructed in 1692, is positioned 900 meters above the Paro valley on a rocky cliff. The landmark was named Tiger's Nest because, according to mythology, Guru Padmasambhava arrived at this location to meditate and bless the region in the seventh century while flying on the back of a tigress.
The hike to the monastery and back will take about 4 hours total. The strenuous trek is well worth it for tourists to see this feat of architecture that defies gravity and the expansive vista of the Paro valley from the top. It is one of the most revered Buddhist sites and draws visitors from around the world and locals. The Tiger's Nest Monastery is now unquestionably recognized as the face of Bhutan.
Paro Rinpung Dzong
The Paro district's administrative hub is a fort from the 17th century. A traditional cantilever bridge spanning the Paro Chhu leads visitors to the Dzong, and a slow ascent of a cobblestone route leads them to the fort. The Ugyen Pelri Palace and the Paro valley are visible from the Dzong, built on a ridge.
The Dzong is distinguished by a five-story central tower (Utse) and an open courtyard surrounded by high-rise walls. Built-in windows with showy traditional woodwork and the typical white and red stripe painting are present on the walls. The guardian deity shrine and temples honoring Drukpa Kagyupa saints, the state religion, is located in the Utse.
Paro National Musuem (Ta Dzong)
Its collection of old and priceless items includes swords of all shapes and sizes, clay, copper, bronze pots from the 17th century, and contemporary and ancient scroll paintings (Thangka). There are displays of Bhutanese insects and animals, historical guns and weapons, and agricultural implements.
An egg deposited by a mule, a horse horn, the original iron links used to construct the Tamchog suspension bridge, and a stone axe (Namchag) used in battle and hunting is some of the highlights of the museum's collection. The Stone Age is when this monolith was created.
Drukgyel Dzong
A fortification fort was constructed in 1649 to honor Bhutan's triumph over an assault by the Tibetan and Mongol allies. The military carefully considered the fort's structural layout and position to prepare for a potential invasion from the north. A terrible fire occurrence in 1951 left the magnificent stronghold in ruins. Finally being returned to its former splendor, Drukgyal Dzong has been damaged by fire for more than fifty years.
Norbu Bhutan Travel has formed as a travel agency Bhutan. Norbu Bhutan Travel Pvt. Ltd. (NBT) offers travel services that promote "value, responsible, and sustainable tourism." Bhutan has distinguished itself as a unique island in the Himalayas region. The society, the culture, the economy, the polity, and the environment are preserving a harmonious relationship in a world struggling to design change and implement eco-friendly tourism. The fundamental tenet of NBT is that Gross National Happiness, not Gross Domestic Product, should be used to gauge a country's growth.
