Things to do and places to visit in Paro Bhutan

Paro, a gorgeous valley in Bhutan, is one of the most attractive tourist locations of this mountainous nation.

One of the most stunning of Bhutan's valleys, it was also historically the centre of 2 of the most essential trade routes to Tibet.

Today the brand-new road to Phuentsholing on the Indian border runs through the valley, in the middle of a patch work of rice, paddies, wheat fields, trout filled streams and spread settlements.

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Here the Paro Chu (Chu means River) flows south from its watershed in the chomolahri variety. Above it in a rocky outcrop of the drowsy hillside stands the Paro Dzong, at an elevation of simply over 7000 feet, overlooking both sides of the valley this dzong was historically among Bhutan's strongest and most strategic fortresses. Prior to the rebuilding of the Tashi Chho Dzong at Thimphu, it was likewise the seat of the National Assembly.

Reaching Paro

Paro can be reached quickly by roadway from India through the Jaigaon - Phuentsholing boarder. The distance in between Phuentsholing and Paro is about 175 km and takes about 6 hours. The only global airport of Bhutan is likewise located here. This airport is connected with Major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Guwahati, Bagdogra and Kolkata along with neighbouring nation capitals such as Kathmandu in Nepal and Dhaka in Bangladesh. The town is a few kilometres north of the Airport

Range from Paro to other locations

From Paro to Thimphu - 65 kms - 1 hour

From Paro to Haa - 65 kms - 2 hours

From Paro to Phuentsholing - 175 kms - 5.5 hours

From Paro to Punakha (Via Thimphu) - 140 kms - 4.5 hours

List of Sightseeing places to visit in Paro Bhutan

Paro Dzong (Fortress)

The Dzong has a long and remarkable history. A monastery was very first build on the site by Padma Sambhava at the start of the tenth century.

In the coming years, the legend goes, a lama entered into the forest to prepare slabs for a chapel, he uttered the mantra "Hun" and the planks amazingly moved on their own to create the planks of Hungrel Dzong. The building work was continued by the villagers by day, and was continued at night by the spirit, and the hoof marks left by their horses are still visible today as proof for the unbelieving.

In 1646 Ngawang Namgyal developed a bigger monastery on the old structures, and for centuries this imposing 5 floor building acted as an effective defence against various intrusion attempts by the Tibetans. Developed with stones rather of clay, the Dzong was called Rinpung, implying "heaps of jewels". Unfortunately Rinpung and all its treasures were damaged by the fire in 1907. Only one thangka, called Thongdel, was conserved. Painted in remembrance of Padma Sambhavna the bringer of Buddhism, the Thongdel is a big and elegant example of the Bhutanese art of fashioning spiritual scroll paintings from silk and cotton. It is believed that by going to the abbey and paying tribute to the Thongdel, the faithful can obtain nirvana. It is shown just once a year, for a couple of hours during the five-day spring tsechu of the Dzong.

The Paro Dzong was reconstructed by the penlop dawa Penjor right after the fire. Housed within its walls is a collection of sacred masks and outfits. Some date back numerous centuries; others were contributed by Dawa Penjor and his successor Penlop Tshering Penjor in recent times.

On the hill above the Dzong stands an ancient watchtower which has been, because 1967, the National Museum of Bhutan.

Inside the Dzong, at the entrance to the Paro Lhakhang, is discovered a Kunrey, or terrace, where the states of paradise, earth and hell are graphically portrayed. Across a medieval bridge below the Dzong stands the Ugyenpelri palace, a royal house built by penlop Tshering Penjor and made after the incredible abode of the revered Shabdung Rimpoche.

Paro Tsechu

The ground above Dzong hosts the most significant festival of Paro, referred to as Tsechu. The Tsechu is held every year in the month of March or April. Bhutanese people take a trip from far and wide to participate in the festival. The locals come to the Tsechu in crowds with their household and pals and in their standard outfit of Gho and Kera.

The Tsechu celebration continues for five days and throughout the day different spiritual efficiencies such as dances are held at the festival ground. The festival is likewise an outstanding picture chance for visitors who come to Paro especially to cover the event.

The word Tsechu literally suggests the tenth day. The festival is arranged on the 10th day of different Lunar months. Different districts of Bhutan hold the Tsechu at various months. The Paro Tsechu is kept in March or April every year and is among the biggest festivals in Bhutan. A large fair is likewise arranged in an open ground next to river Paro Chu and listed below the Paro Dzong.

Taktsang Monastery

About 15 Kilometres North of Paro Dzong and half an hour drive away is Taktsang Monastery. Like an outgrowth of the surface itself, the gem-like Taktshang abbey clings to a sheer, 3000 foot rock face. The name of this gravity defying cluster of structures means literally "The Tiger's nest," an allusion to the popular legend that Padma Sambhava flew here from Tibet on the back of a Tiger. The Monastery shares its name with another abbey in North West Arunachal Pradesh which likewise shares really similar legend.

Today pilgrims and visitors reach Taktsang in a more earthbound but no less dramatic fashion by getting on horseback up a high and winding track. You can likewise trek to Taktsang which takes about three hours on foot. About midway through there is a cafeteria where you can take a break. It is also an exceptional place for taking photos of the Monastery. The trek provides really great view of the Paro Chu and its valley.

Even greater than Taktsang, poised on a projecting rock spur, the Sang-tog Peri monastery ignores the whole Paro valley. Integrated in consistency with the natural functions of its site, this 300 year old retreat is, in name along with by virtue of its lofty elevation, "the temple of heaven.".

Kyichu Lhakhang

About 6 kilometers north of Paro Dzong, neglecting the Paro Chuu, is found the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's two ablest and most spiritual monasteries, dating from the intro of Buddhism in the 18th century (The other is the Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang). The main temple was set up in 1830 and golden roofing contributed to the monastery itself. A brand-new extension was constructed by the present Queen Mother.

Drukgyel Dzong

Even more up the Paro valley, the Drukgyel Dzong, now in ruins, recalls the days when Bhutan was often, and effectively, attacked by armies from the north. The Drukgyel Dzong was built by in 1649 by Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate a success over an intrusion from Tibet.

The word "Druk" indicates Thunder Dragon and symbolically refers to Bhutan whereas "Gyel" suggests triumph. The Dzong was developing perched on top of a hill, it can be entered just from one side and this is safeguarded by 3 tall towers. A unique turreted passage, deigned to make sure water supplies in times of war, links the fortress to the far riverbank. The Drukgyel Dzong was laid to squander by fire in 1954 and is in ruins now. Still, the erstwhile magnificence of the fort can quickly be pictured when you are there.

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