PARO (ALTITUDE: 1,800 - 5,400M APPROX.)
Paro Bhutan (2,200m/7,218ft)
Paro is a gorgeous valley that encompasses incredible culture, breathtaking natural splendor, and tons of myths and folklores. There are many places to visit in Paro Bhutan. It is the place that holds some of the most ancient temples and monasteries of Bhutan and the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery. It is home to the country’s only international airport and the National Museum.
The Mountain Jomolhari reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its crystalline glacial waters plunges through deep gorges to form Paro river. Paro valley is the Rice Bowl of the kingdom and it grows the famous red rice of Bhutan from its terraced verdant fields.
It is one of the top places to visit in Bhutan.
Top 7 Interesting Facts about Paro, Bhutan
- The picturesque region of Paro is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom
- There are over 155 temples and monasteries in the area, some dating as far back as the 14th century
- The famous Tiger Nest is located in Paro
- It is considered as the Rice Bowl of Bhutan with its annual bounties of paddy
- The only International Airport is located at Paro Airport
- The five-day Paro Festival is one of the biggest Festivals of Bhutan.
- Has lot of place to explore for day hikes.
Below are the list of the best places to visit and things to do in in Paro Bhutan.
Taktsang Monastery
The Paro Taktsang, popularly known as the “Tiger’s Nest Monastery” is a monastery perched on the side of a cliff at a height of 900 meters above the Paro valley floor. It is considered the signature spot for tourists visiting Bhutan. Taktsang monastery is a Gem of the Paro Valley. Nestled up in a cliff, it is considered one of the twelve wonders of the world.
Taktsang is a place of pilgrimage which Bhutanese try to visit atleast once in a lifetime.
It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave for 3 months, hence its name ‘Tiger Nest’.
The site, which has long been recognized as a most sacred place ,was visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646. The principal lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory.
The excursion up to the cafeteria, which is situated on a rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery, takes about five hours round trip. Though the climb up through the pine forest is steep, the journey is most worthwhile on account of superb views en route and especially from the cafeteria view point itself.
Paro Rinpung Dzong
Paro Rinpung Dzong is a large monastery and stronghold of the Kagyu school of Buddhism.
It translates as the Fortress on a heap of jewels. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) . And then up to the paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls.
The location of Paro Rinpung dzong was handed to the Buddhist Lamas in the 15th century, where a modest temple was built. In the 17th century, the temple was granted to the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. He dismantled the existing construction and created the dzong that still stands today. In 1646, it was re-consecrated.
It is one of Bhutan’s “tentative” sites on the UNESCO inclusion lists for future World Heritage Sites.
The valley’s annual springtime religious festival, the Paro Tshechu, takes place at the courtyard of the Paro Dzong .
The Paro Rinpung Dzong is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. The Dzong has no blueprints or use of nails . Its five storey central tower with outstanding wood work. There are a total of fourteen shrines and chapels in the dzong. However all of these are not open to the general public. Another exceptional feature is that the temple is built against the base of one of the eastern tower’s walls and the ceilings are adorned with beautiful Mandalas.
Paro Rinpung Dzong is used both for religious and administrative purposes.
Paro Ta Dzong
The newly consecrated Ta Dzong , Paro Bhutan museum gives a glimpse of Bhutan in the last 100 years with two galleries showcasing the history of Bhutan .
Description
On a ridge immediately above Paro Dzong is Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower to protect Paro Dzong. ‘Ta’ means ‘to see’ in Dzongkha, so the watchtower of Dzong is always called a ‘Ta Dzong’. On account of their function , watchtowers are always round in shape. It was converted into a national museum in 1968. Ta Dzong holds a fascinating collection of the finest specimens of Bhutanese art, masterpieces of bronze statues, and paintings. It also displays Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection.
Ta Dzong Paro, Gallery
The first gallery on the ground floor of Ta Dzong, Paro showcases the Guardian of the four directions, which protects the entrances to monasteries and temples . It wards off evil influence from all directions. The second gallery describes the foundation of Trongsa Dzong. A special feature of the third gallery is the Raven crown worn by King Gongsar Wangchuck. The fourth gallery has silk Kira and Tego of the first Queen Ashi Choden, the oath allegiance that was signed on 3.5m scroll, the second king’s prayer book and silver box. It also has third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk amulet, ivory flask, container for betel and a Zenith Radio.
The fifth gallery show cases the messages of sacred dances including the wheel of life, mask and costumes while six gallery is about Buddhism and rituals. On seventh gallery of Ta Dzong are Khesar Ling Lhakhang and statues of Guru Rinpoche The ninth gallery houses Guru Rinpoche’s eight manifestation and Maitreya Buddha Lhakhang.The Five Tathagata Buddhas sit in tenth Gallery of Ta Dzong . The top gallery showcases the body, the speech and the mind of Adi-Buddha.
The best time to visit Ta Dzong, Paro in Bhutan would be in the evening as you can watch the sunset.
Paro Dra Karpo
Perched on a small hilltop of Paro valley lies a small monastery “Dra Karpo” (split Rock), one of the holiest sites in Bhutan. It is believed that even the deadliest of your sins will be washed away if you can circumambulate 108 times around Dra Karpo.
To reach Dra Karpo you have to take a dirt road and drive about 5Km from the small town of Paro, Shaba. Shaba is about 7Km from Paro town. The view of Paro valley from Dra Karpo is awesome.
The atmosphere of Dra Karpo is filled with divine energy. The site is perfect for the weekend getaway for those who are seeking solace. It is also one of the least touristy places to visit in Paro.
Main Attraction
Guru Rinpoche , the Tantric Guru who had brought Buddhism to Bhutan had meditated in this cave. Many of his body prints still stand on testimony.
It would also be a unique experience for the visitors to check out a special cave where one has to pass through a narrow hole between the rocks to assess one’s acts as pious or sinful.
Within the cave, one can see the miraculous footprint of Guru Rinpoche.
Around the vicinity of Dra Karpo , you will see a lot of Hermitages. Some of the Hermits have dedicated their life in search of truth and have closed themselves from outsiders for lifetime.
Visit Dra Karpo in Paro for divine spiritual experience.
Drukgyel Dzong
Drukgyal Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below its ramparts, was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese over the allied Tibetan-Mongolian forces.
Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, the towering outer walls remained an imposing sight till it got fully renewed in just recent time. The Drukgyel Dzong as a defense fortress is said to have housed the finest armory in the country.
On a clear day , you can get the splendid view of Mountain Jomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong.
Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan located in Paro. The construction of the temple dates back to the 7th century before the arrival of Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan. The legend has it that Emperor Songtsen Gampo built 108 such temples over the Himalayan ranges within one day through his supernatural power to suppress a giant ogress that was preventing the spread of the Buddha Dharma.
Kyichu Lhakhang , Paro is believed to have been built on the left foot of the lying giant ogress.Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples. The first temple was built in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged for a second temple to be built alongside the first one , in the same style.
Apart from the fascinating legends connected to the construction of the temple; the temple attracts many pilgrims chanting mantras and prayers in deep devotion while circumambulating the temple.
Jangtsa Dumtse Lhakhang Temple
Dumtseg Lhakhang lies just out of Paro town, with the backdrop of a majestic hill. It is possibly the only ancient temple built in the shape of a Chorten and is chained down since local belief holds that it will otherwise fly off to heaven!
Background
Dumtseg Lhakhang was constructed in 1412 by Thangtong Gyelpo who came to Bhutan in search of iron ore to be used for constructing bridges in his homeland Tibet. He was also known as Drubthob, “The Realized one” or Chazampa (Builders of Iron Bridges). At that time a demoness had risen from deep within the earth and was terrorizing the inhabitants of the valley. He built the temple in chorten form to overcome her, located on a small hill which was in reality her head.
A massive restoration effort was undertaken in 1841 under the order of 25th Je Khempo and paintings inside the temple were redone.
Interior
These paintings are possibly the most extraordinary collection in all of Bhutan. The Dumtseg lhakhang was conceived as a mandala with three different levels of initiation. The ground floor is dedicated to historical figures, bodhisattvas, and other protective deities. Various representations of Avalokiteshvara and the five Buddhas of Meditation are located in the inner sanctum.
On the first floor are scenes from the Bardo (the intermediary stage between life and death) and also many forms of Mahakala, the main protective deity of the country. Images on the second and third floors belong to the highest tantric cycles and depict the main teachers of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage.
On the top floor do not miss the splendid lacquered wood image of the great twelfth-century saint, Milarepa. You need to carry a torch and allow yourself a good hour to absorb the magnificent interior of this building.
Namgay Artisanal Brewery
Bhutan is not all about monks and monasteries. Check out the varieties of Bhutan produced beer at Namgay Artisanal brewery to see the other dimension of Bhutan . Set in a traditional Bhutanese style, the place is beautifully located overlooking the Paro valley. This place brews different flavors of Bhutanese Beer to suit one’s palette.
The outdoor setting of Namgay Artisanal brewery is equally awesome. They will light the Bonfire in the winter where you can enjoy the grand view of Paro Rinpung Dzong over a pint of beer and snacks. If you are visiting there with your friends or family then you should order tower beer .
If you like you can also take a tour in the beer producing house located adjacent to it. They mainly produce Indian Pale Ale, Apple Cider, Wheat beer, Dark ale, and Red rice lager
Chelela Mountain Pass
Chele La Pass (3,988 meters or 13,084 feet) has the highest road point in Bhutan and offers a breathtaking view of Haa Valley on one side and snowcapped Himalayan peaks like Jomolhari(7326meters) & Jichu Drake(6,714meters) on the other. The trail which goes down the pass introduces us to the lush valley, spruce, pine, primula, and Rhododendron forest and we can also get a good view of Paro Valley. However, if we hike through the trail going upward then we can hunt for BluePoppy, the rare & National flower of Bhutan.
If lucky we can also come across beautiful and exotic bird species like Himalayan Monal and Kalij Pheasant.
Dzongdrakha Lhakhang
If you cannot hike to Tiger Nest, the other option is to visit Dzongdrakha which sits precariously at the edge of the mountain top and is visually as splendid as Tiger Nest. It is one of the several local sites where Guru Rinpoche had subdued the local demons and has the aura of another dimension. The monastery houses four shrines devoted to Tara, Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity), Guru Rinpoche, and the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya.
Dzongdrakha is 20 minutes drive from Bondey toward Paro-Haa highway. After parking your car , you may need to walk for another 15 minutes through some traditional houses. You can also get a good view of Paro Bondey valley from here.
A crystal stupa (chorten) which is as long as an arrow and egg-shaped relics of Sangay Youelsum (karshapa) are the main treasure of Dzongdrakha Lhakhang.It is believed that the relic used to shake on the auspicious days, because of which the people named the crystal stupa Chorten Karmogyel.It also houses the immovable statue of Buddha Sakyamuni.
Dzongdrakha has many tales to tell. This is one place to visit in Paro in case you cannot make it for Tiger Nest.
Don’t forget to visit the cave where Drubthog Gyonpo Dorji , the founder of the Lhakhang has meditated. It has a spiritually healing ambience. The place is also not so touristy so you can enjoy the serenity and tranquility at utmost on your own.