Located at an altitude of 2,248 meters (7,375 feet), Paro is perhaps one of the most beautiful valley in Bhutan. Pre-dominantly agrarian in nature, the valley is known for its red rice production and home to Bhutan’s only international airport.
The villages are dotted with traditional Bhutanese houses and vast expanse of rice fields. The long stretch of straight road from end of Paro town to Drugyel Dzong is popular trail for mountain biking. Some of the famous treks such as Druk Path Trek, Jumolhari Trek and Bumdra overnight camping also starts from Paro. One can also explore hiking and trekking, some of the most memorable sections of the recently minted Trans Bhutan Trail. Other attractions in Paro include the majestic Rimpung Dzong, TA Dzong ( National Museum) , Kyichu Lhakhang, Drugyel Dzong, and the famous Taksang Monastery ( Tigers Nest Monastery). Besides these tourist attractions, one can also engage in a wide range of other interesting possibilities such as the astrology session, meeting a reincarnated monk, hot stone bath, Bhutanese cooking classes and ceremonials weddings.
The National capital Thimphu is a smooth one and half hour drive and one can easily incorporate a day tour to Thimphu with Paro as a base. Optionally, the Haa Valley is also one and half hour drive from Paro via the Cheila Pass. The road meanders through pristine pine forest and flora and fauna. En route one can stop for picnic at Cheila Pass or a hike to Kila Gompa Nunnery or one may simply drive to Cheila Pass and bike freewheel to Paro, the choices are plenty. On a clear day one can also see the imposing Jomolhari Mountain (7300 Meters) in the backdrop.
There is wide choice of hotels in Paro, While the Six Sense Paro, Amankora and Uma Paro offers top of the line luxury experiences, other alternatives such as the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Zhiwaling Heritage and Le Meridian Paro are equally enthralling. You may explore our Hotels in Paro page to access a wide range of accommodation choices. Paro also plays host to the famous Paro Tshechu ( Paro Festival ) held annually in March or April. It is suggested to book hotels in advance for Paro Festival, as most hotels tends to get booked way ahead in advance. Check our events calendar for Paro Festival.
