Tourist Attractions
Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang)
Tiger Nest Monastery or the Taktsang Monastery should be the first destination among all the places to visit in Paro! A monastery that hangs across a scenic cliff at a towering height of 2,950m, this devout site is often revered as one of the most pious sites in the entire Himalayan Range! The monastery is only 12km away from Paro and is accessible only through an enthralling 2 hours’ trek!
Legends have it that by 8th century, Guru Padmasmbhava flew to this cliff on the back of a tigress and mediated here for around three years, three months, three days and three hours. The Guru later, chose a cave to meditate, and gradually appeared in eight different forms; thus, sanctifying the place. The monastery got its name as locals claim to have witnessed a tigress residing in one of the caves; Taktshang translates to Tiger’s Lair in Bhutanese language
Visitors’ Timing: 08:00AM – 01:00PM & 02:00 – 05:00PM (October to March), Until 06:00PM (September)
Entry Fee: Nu 500
Note:
Visitors need to deposit their bags and cameras (other electronic devices) at the security counter.
Photography in any form is not allowed within the monastery premises.
Chele La Pass
Bestowed with the miraculous beauty of the Himalayas, Bhutan boasts of many sky-high passes; Chele La Pass is the highest among all these! Reaching a towering height of 3,810m, this captivating pass connects the scenic valleys of Paro and Haa of the Land of Thunder Dragons. A much sought-after destination among the visitors, the pass offers panoramic views of Mt Jumolhari (22,00ft) and Jichu Drake.
Whether you wish to drive to this pass, or pump your adrenalines by hiking all the way, you will surely be rewarded with magical views all around! The snow-capped peaks surrounding Chele La Pass, the carpet of colourful rhododendrons, the meandering trails; everything makes the journey so exciting, magical, and memorable! Famed as one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Paro, the pass also offers promising options to the shutterbugs and bird watchers.
Best Time to Visit: April to June
Things to Do in Chele La Pass: Trekking, Hiking, Bird Watching, Photography
Zuri Dzong Fort
Zuri Dzong or the Zuri Fort is almost as old as the history of Bhutan! Dating back to 1352, this historic as well as scared fort is believed to be the abode of Paro Valley’s local protector Zaa (Rahulla). Built in traditional Bhutanese architecture, the fortress is characterised by its double walls, rustic bridge and an ancient cave that is believed to be the once a meditation ground of Lord Buddha.
The dzong has some of the finest preserved murals in its upper chapels that are dedicated to the valley’s protector. One of the oldest and sacred places to see in Paro, Zuri Dzong also has a vantage point, from where one can enjoy astounding views of the picturesque Paro Valley. One can reach the fort by undertaking a mild trek from Gönsaka Lhakhang or Ta Dzong. Almost an hours’ trek, it trails through captivating landscapes and offers great views of Paro Valley.
Visitors’ Timing: Throughout the Day
Entry Fee: No Charge
Tamchoe Monastery
Seating an elevation of 2,156m, Tamchoe Monastery or the Tachong Lhakhang, dates to the 15th century. Credited as one of the most pious and oldest monasteries in Bhutan, it is perched atop a hilltop between Paro Valley and Thimphu. Thus, the monastery attracts a large amount of crowd throughout the year and is also a major tourist place to see in Paro.
Built by Thangton Gyalpo who dedicated this monastery to spiritual horses, or the ‘Balaha’, Tamchoe is also known as the ‘Temple of the Excellent Horses’. Pictorial orchards and a serene atmosphere around the monastery make it an extremely peaceful place to visit in Paro. On a visit to Tachong Monastery, one can also witness a rustic iron bridge that once got washed away and was reconstructed in 2005.
Visitors’ Timing: 08:00AM – 05:00PM
Entry Fee: No Charge
Note: One should take permission from the monks to enter the monastery.
Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang Temple
While searching for some of the rare places to visit in Paro, you would surely come across the Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang Temple! Placed on hilly edge between Paro and Dopchari valleys, this Buddhist temple resembles much to a chorten, which makes it a rare or unusual place to visit in Paro, Bhutan.
Though there are many legends associated with Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang Temple, the most popular and commonly believed one states that it was built by a Tibetan Lama named Thangton Gyalpo. According the mythology, the lama built this temple to win over demons and signify Buddhism’s victory. Another intriguing aspect of Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang Temple is that is has three different floors that represents earth, hell and heaven!
Visitors’ Timing: 09:00AM – 05:00PM
Entry Fee: No Charge
Druk Choeding Temple
Druk Choeding is also considered as a major landmark in the Last Himalayan Kingdom. Built during the 15th century by Ngawang Chhogyel, this Buddhist temple is known for both of its religious and historical significance.
Also called ‘Tshongdoe Naktshang’, its main attraction point is the seated stature of Jampa; or the Future Buddha. Owing to its location, it readily offers a tranquil ambience and incites a sense of spirituality and devotion among the visitors. Thus, it has gained a prominence in the list of the most pious places to visit in Paro.
Visitors’ Timing: 09:00AM – 05:00PM
Entry Fee: No Charge
Rinpung Dzong
This Buddhist monastery is also a fortress that belongs to the Drukpa Lineage of Kagyu School. Rinpung Dzong also serves as the administrative office of Paro’s Monastic Body and might soon be included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
History of Rinpung Dzong would take you back to the 15th century, wherein a descendant of Pajo Drugom Zhigpo named Drung Drung Gyal built a small temple at the present site. Over the years, it gradually got converted into a five-storey fort, which was initially called the ‘Hungrel Dzong’. Housing a total of fourteen shrines and chapels, and a temple called Deyangkha, Rinpung Dzong also hosts an annual festival called ‘Tshechu’.
Visitors’ Timing: 08:00AM – 06:00PM
Entry Fee: No Charge
Drukgyal Dzong
A soon-to-be renovated dzongs in Bhutan, Drukgyal Dzong is also one of the most historic places to visit in Paro! Though there is still a confusion about who founded this dzong, the locals highly consider that it was built to glorify the victory of Bhutanese forces over Tibet-Mongol forces. Thus, the dzong is often revered as the ‘Fortress of Victory’ by the locals.
Once a summer retreat of Ringpung Rabday, Drukgyal Dzong got burnt down in 1951 leaving almost nothing behind! Though on ruins, it is still being considered as a sacred spot by Bhutanese, and would soon be rebuilt to its ancient glory!
Visitors’ Timing: Throughout the Day
Entry Fee: No Charge
Kila Goempa
Have you ever wondered what makes Bhutan one of the happiest places on earth? Well, if not, you must know that it’s the simplicity that prevail here, makes this country a happy one! And to witness this, you must visit Kila Goempa or the Kila Goemba in Paro. Located at an elevation of 3,350m, this is traditional nunnery that serves as an abode to around ninety female monks aged between 8 and 83.
Dating back to 9th century, the outer world came into its contact only in 1986 after its primitive foundation got burnt down. Accessible through lush and dense thickets, it is a meditation ground of the female monks who have isolated themselves from all worldly desires and materialistic pleasures. The sense of devotion that exists here is second to none in the entire of Bhutan. Whether you are seeking mental peace or want to leap deeper into your own self, Kila Goempa would answer all your prayers!
Visitors’ Timing: 09:00AM – 04:00PM
Entry Fee: No Charge
Dra Karpo
Located only 15minutes away from the meeting point of Paro-Thimphu Highway, Dra Karpo is an esteemed pilgrimage site in Paro. Unlike most of the other Bhutanese religious or pilgrimage sites, this one is known for its simple architecture. However, the site is believed to be extremely miraculous by the locals. Devotees usually swarm Dra Karpo to seek merit and to vindicate their sins by walking 108 times around it.
According to the legends, this is the site where Guru Rinpoche subdued a demon by splitting a rock. Thus, it got its name Dra Karpo; translating to ‘loosely into split rocks’. Be it the religious significance, the simplicity that exists here, or its natural surroundings, one simply cannot afford to miss this place while searching for the most peaceful Paro places to visit!
Visitors’ Timing: Throughout the Day
Entry Fee: No Charge
Dzongdrakha Goemba
Roosted on a breath-taking cliff and overlooking the Paro Valley, Dzongdrakha Goemba is a 16th century goemba built by Chogay Dragpa, the first local king of the region. Locals believe that after founding the Taktsang Monastery, Guru Rinpoche arrived at the site of Dzongdrakha Goemba and subdued a local demon known as Jangsarbu Lhakhang.
Fondly called the ‘Mini Taksang’ due to its resemblance with Taksang Monastery, Dzongdrakha Goemba has four chapels – Guru Rinpoche, Maitreya (Buddha of the Future), Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity), and Drolma (Tara). To reach this sacred spot, one needs to hike through an enthralling trail that courses across colourful rhododendron forests, evergreen oak trees, and exciting terrains. Dzongdrakha Goemba’s fascinating architecture, rich history, and sacredness makes it a wonderful place to visit in Paro!
Visitors’ Timing: 09:00AM – 05:00PM
Entry Fee: No Charge
Kyichu Lakhang
Located only 5km from the valley, Kyichu Lhakhang is yet another captivating places to see in Paro! An esteemed and one of the oldest religious sites in the Last Himalayan Kingdom, this temple was built during 7th century by a Tibetan ruler named Songtsen Gampo. Though initially, it was a small structure, it was later expanded till the late 18th century.
Kyichu Lhakhang is one such Paro place to visit that is believed to be visited by renowned Buddhist saints over the centuries. Guru Rinpoche, Lam Kha Nga, and Phajo Dugom Zhigpo are some of the saints who blessed this temple with their celestial presence. Housing several ancient religious relics, Kyichu Lhakhang also features a 7th century statue of Jowo Sakyamuni, a 5m high stature of Guru Rinpoche along with Red Kurukulla.
Visitors’ Timing: 09:00AM – 05:00PM
Entry Fee: No Charge
National Museum of Bhutan
The National Museum of Bhutan is definitely one of those places to visit in Paro that you should not miss! A place that unravels many windows to get acquainted with the diverse culture of Land of Thunder Dragons, this museum has a collection of no less than 3,000 traditional Bhutanese art pieces, ancient scriptures, gears, costumes, applique, relics, antiques, and several other collectives that showcase a timeline of more than 1,500 years.
Located within the Paro Valley; in Ta Dzong building, this museum was set up in 1656. Visitors to the National Museum can also enjoy free guided tours and gallery talks on certain topics. Students to this historical landmark can attend lectures on the timeless history and culture of Bhutan.
Visitors’ Timing: 09:00AM – 04:00PM (Tuesday to Saturday), 11:00AM – 04:00PM (Sunday)
Entry Fee: Nu 10 (Locals), Nu 50 (SAARC Nationals), Nu 200 (Foreign Nationals), Nu 5 (Students)
Note: Entry to the museum is allowed only till 03:30PM
Source: esikkimtourism
