Paro is often the first-place travelers fall in love with, as it is home to Bhutan’s only international airport. It is a wide, beautiful valley filled with golden rice paddies, willow-lined rivers, and some of the most sacred sites in the Himalayas with the Valley Floor Elevation around 2,200m (7,218 ft).
The descent into Paro International Airport is world-famous. Pilots have to weave through massive 5,000-meter Himalayan peaks to land on a short runway in a deep valley.
The Most Famous Landmarks
1. Kyichu Lhakhang
One of the two oldest temples in Bhutan (7th century). It is incredibly peaceful and feels “untouched” by time
2. National Museum (Ta Dzong)
Housed in a circular watchtower, it offers a deep dive into Bhutanese history and flora/fauna.
3. Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge
Located on the road between Paro and Thimphu, this is a 15th-century iron chain bridge. Walking across it while the river rushes beneath is a small but thrilling experience.
4. Chelela pass
About a 1.5-hour drive from Paro, this is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan (3,988 meters). On a clear day, you can see Mount Jomolhari. It’s draped in thousands of colorful prayer flags.
5. Paro Town Stroll
The main street is perfect for souvenir shopping. Look for hand-woven textiles, “singing bowls,” and local honey.
6. Paro Rinpung Dzong:
A massive fortress that houses both the district government and a monastic body. The wooden bridge leading to it, Nyamai Zam, is one of the most photographed spots in the country.
Best hikes to do in Paro
1. Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang)
This is the “bucket list” hike for every visitor to Bhutan. It is the most famous landmark, this monastery clings to a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. It’s a 2–3 hour hike uphill to reach the monastery.
2. Zuri Dzong Hike
A shorter, easier alternative to Tiger’s Nest. The trail starts from the National Museum and offers the absolute best bird’s-eye view of the entire Paro valley.
3. The Overnight Adventure – Bumdra Trek
If you have two days, this is the ultimate Paro hiking experience.
Day 1: Hike from Sang Choekor to the Bumdra Monastery (the “Cave of a Hundred Thousand Prayers”) and camp overnight in high-altitude luxury tents.
Day 2: Descend into the back entrance of the Tiger’s Nest, arriving at the monastery from above before the crowds arrive from below.
4. The “Second Tiger’s Nest”- Kila Goemba Nunnery
This is the oldest nunnery in Bhutan, built into a dizzying cliff face. Drive to Chele La Pass (3,988m) and hike down through the rhododendron forests to the nunnery.
Special Events in Paro
1. Paro Tshechu
Paro Tshechu (festival) is scheduled for 3 days. It is one of the most vibrant times to be in the district, featuring sacred mask dances and the unfurling of a giant silk thangka (tapestry).
2. Jhomolhari Mountain Festival
A relatively new and unique two-day event held at the base of Mt. Jomolhari. It celebrates the culture of the high-altitude communities and their coexistence with the elusive Snow Leopard.