Places to Visit in Paro

Located in the cliffside of the upper valley in Bhutan, Paro Taktsang is an eminent Buddhist sacred site and is also known as Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. This temple has become the folk icon of Bhutan which Hangs at an uncertain cliff at 10240 feet above the Paro valley, reaching the temple is only possible through a mountainous route. The remote location makes it difficult to reach but also makes it beautiful, unique and an unforgettable destination at the same time and it is one of the best places to visit in Paro.

The glistering lights, golden dome and idols make its interior even more amazing. A large statue of a tiger is located in the hall of a thousand Buddhas, which is carved out of a rock. The buildings are interconnected and the stairs are carved out of the rocks, and there are windows in every building which gives a glorious view. To mark the beginning of a new day, the monks rotate the prayer wheel everyday at 4 AM which is located at the courtyard of the temple and is the main shrine of the temple.

The rock slopes are almost vertical on the right side of Paro Chu. 'Chu' here refers to rivers or water in Bhutanese. The temple is devoted to Padmasambhava which is also known as Gu-Ru mTshan-bragyad Lhakhang which translates as 'the temple of the guru with eight names'. During March or April, a festival called Tsechu is celebrated in the Paro valley in the honor or Padmasambhava. 

The weekend market is one of the major Paro tourist attractions because of the colourful sights and sounds and smells that you encounter when you are there. It is a hub for tourists and locals alike and is a place where you can find anything imaginable- from fruits and vegetables to religious artefacts and Bhutanese stamps.

If you are looking for souvenirs to take back home with you, you can even find traditional dresses of Bhutan, authentic, hand-crafted prayer wheels and Kira. The market also has several food stalls where you can enjoy Bhutanese delicacies such as chugo (yak cheese), khoo (jellied cow skin) and Tsirang honey. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan

Price: INR 500 approx.

You wouldn’t expect to find a microbrewery in Paro, which makes the Namgay Artisanal Brewery is one of the most exciting places to visit in Paro. Established by Dorji Gyeltshen, the microbrewery serves local drinks such as apple cider and beer like the pale and dark ales, pilsners, red rice lager, milk stout wheat beer and craft beer. 

The brewery was established to create an active local beer culture in the country and to that purpose, it holds the Bhutanese Beer Festival every year. You should definitely try out the place for their unique beers and local flavours. 

Location: Dumsibu, Paro, Bhutan

Price: INR 2,500 approx.

The Zuri Dzong in Paro is the oldest in Bhutan and is, therefore, one of the most important places to see in Paro. Built in the early 14th century, it is not only a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan and Paro but also the art, architecture and lifestyle of the people back then.

The structure, despite being so old, looks as good as new, without any wear or tear, and is supported by a double-wall as well as bridge. There are several murals on the walls of the Dzong which are dedicated to the Buddhist protector- Zaa. It is also a great view-point, and you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings from this 5-storey structure. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan 

Price: Free entry

If you are on a mission to go sightseeing in Paro, you must check out the Rinpung Dzong monastery, another ancient monastery you can find in Paro. It is located on the face of a hill and overlooks the gorgeous valley surrounded by sprawling green hills on all sides, allowing you to take some breathtaking pictures.

The name of the monastery translated into “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels” and the structure itself has played a pivotal role in protecting Bhutan from foreign invasions in the past. Even today, you can witness some mind-boggling art and architecture that has withstood the test of time when you visit the Dzong. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan 

Price: Free entry

Drukgyel is one of the most interesting places to see in Paro because of its history and notoriety. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the area and despite being the victim of a massive fire accident in the 1950s, it has withstood and survived for all to witness it today.

The fort has been renovated and rebuilt, with some new murals and frescoes being added to the plethora of existing ones. Visitors can get a wonderful view of the surrounding Chomolhari mountains from the summit of the Monastery. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan 

Price: Free entry

The Dasho Nishioka Chorten museum was set up to honour Dasho Kaiji Nishioka, who was a pioneer in the world of irrigation and agriculture in Bhutan. The museum outlines the life, contributions and achievement of Dashi Nishioka and shows how he revolutionized the agriculture process in Bhutan, making it more economical and the region more independent and modern.

The museum itself overlooks large rice paddies and agricultural fields which make for some stunning places to see in Paro.

Location: Paro, Bhutan 

Price: INR 500

The Tamchoe Monastery is one of the most representative Paro tourist attractions and rightfully so. The monastery is locally referred to as Tachog Lhakhang which means “temple of the hill of the excellent horse.” The temple is located on the highway that connects Paro with the capital city of Thimpu.

The temple was built in 1420 by the architect Thangtong Gyalpo. It is believed that he had a vision of the Buddhist figure of Avalokiteshvara in the form of a Balaha-an or a spiritual horse, which inspired him to make the temple. You can get a gorgeous view of the Paro Chhu as well as the surrounding valleys from the monastery. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan 

Price: Free entry

The Samtengang Winter Trek is one of the most exciting Paro tourist attractions and a unique way to explore the Paro valley. You can embark on this 4-day trek that takes you through the villages of Chungsakha and Sha, as well as through forests and valleys where you can see the Paroo river and rhododendron and oak trees lining the roads and hills. 

The trek starts from Punakha and ends in Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag. It is a relatively easy trek consisting of a 54km trail that takes you through easily navigable terrains. 

Location: Punakha

Price: INR 16,500

Nyamai Zam is a wooden bridge, which is one of the most picturesque Paro tourist attractions. Even though a bridge has existed in this spot for hundreds of years, the original version was destroyed by a floor in 1969. A replica was built in its place which still stands today and is visited by many tourists every year.

Apart from being an interesting structure in itself, it is also a great viewpoint from where you can see the mighty Paro river flowing underneath. The bridge is 20m long and situated just below the Paro Dzong. It is an example of fine Bhutanese craftsmanship and woodwork. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan

Price: Free entry 

The Ugyen Pelri Palace is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Paro because of its relevance today and its rich historical significance as well. Today it serves as the residence of the QueeN Tahoe n Mother of the current king of Bhutan. However, it has existed since the 1900s and is an example of the beautiful Bhutanese architecture and handicrafts.

The structure is a replica of the Zangto Pelri, which used to be known as Guru Rinpoche’s Paradise. Even though the public is not allowed inside the palace, they can always observe it from outside and visit the nearby attractions of the Five Chortens of Paro. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan 

Price: Free entry 

Paro is home to some of the most spiritual temples in the country. Most of these temples serve as attractive tourist places in Paro apart from centres of spirituality and a testimony to the vibrant history of the place. Gonsaka Lhakhang is also no different, located at a slight elevation from the main town of Paro.

It is from this temple that you can get a view of the famous meditation cave of Pha Drun Drung who was the founder of the Dzong. Another irresistible reason you should visit the Gonsaka Lhakhang is that it offers unparalleled views of the Paro valley and is at a very convenient walking distance from the famous Zuri Dzong. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan

Price: Free entry

A lot of tourists overlook this quaint little temple when they are in the area, possibly because it is one of many monasteries in the area and is located in the fringes of the village. However, the Pena Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most unique monasteries in Paro and should definitely be part of your list of places to visit in Paro. Although it might not be very evident from its simple exterior and plain appearance, it is very intricately designed inside.

It was built in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The main attraction of the structure is the giant statue of Jowo Numbar Names. It is also located adjacent to the Dumtse Lhakhang. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan

Price: Free entry

Of all the places to visit in Paro, this is perhaps one of the most spiritually rewarding. It is the oldest nunnery in Bhutan that was established in 1986 by Anim Dratshang, a Buddhist nun who resides at the Kila Goemba even today. It is home to over 60 nuns who stay there all the time and who have chosen the life of silence and seclusion voluntarily.

Even though there are a lot of places to see in Paro, there are few places where you can see all of Paro itself, and this is one amazing viewpoint from where you can do just that. You can see the entire valley spread out under you from the summit of this nunnery. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan 

Price: Free entry

One of the lesser-known tourist places in Paro is the Ugyen Pema Woedling Zangthopelri, another quaint monastery which is located in the less frequented corner of Paro. Despite not being very well-known, it is one of the most well-constructed structures and Buddhist monasteries in the area.

You can find a giant statue of the Buddha as well as a huge likeness of Guru Tshen Geyed where locals come to offer their prayers and respects. Even though photography is not allowed inside the monastery, you are guaranteed to get some great photographs of the intricately crafted exteriors as well as the surrounding scenery. 

Location: Bonday Lam Rd, Paro, Bhutan

Price: Free entry

If you travel a little distance from Paro, to the western side of the valley, you will find some lesser-known tourist places in Paro, such as the Dzongdrakha Goemba. The temple which is also known as Mini Taktsang is a cluster of four shrines that locals believe have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche. The structure is very different from any of the other temples and monasteries in Paro.

The four shrines are that of Maitreya (Buddha of the Future), Guru Rinpoche, Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity) and Drolma (Tara). It is a place where you can learn about the stories, folktales and urban legends and myths of Bhutan. 

Location: Bondey Village, West Paro, Bhutan

Price: Free entry

The Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang is an ancient Buddhist temple that was built a saint by the name of Thangtong Gyalpo in the year 1421. Since its construction, it has been the centre of many folk tales and tales of spirituality and superstition, which still remains one of the main attractions of the temple. Locals claim that this is one of the most notorious tourist places in Paro because the temple is said to have been built over the headstone of a demoness.

Some also believe that the original intention of the temple was to get rid of the negative serpentine forces. Whatever the reason for its construction, it is bound to be an interesting visit for you when you are in Paro. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan 

Price: Free entry

Kichu Lhakhang, also known as Lho Kichu Temple is a historically significant temple located in Lango Gewong of Paro, a city in Bhutan. It is one of the oldest temples in the country dating back to the 7th century. The history of this monastery is riveting and was ministered by a great deal of popular figures such as Guru Rinpoche and it is one of the famous places to see in Paro.

Kichu Lhakhang is actually composed of twin temples. The original one was built by the first Buddhist King of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and the other was built in the year 1968 under the jurisdiction of Queen Mother of Bhutan, Ashi Kesang Choden.

The temple is filled with rich history and intricate murals of formerly decorated Kings. There are statues and sculptures of great Buddhist teachers as well. These statues include the renowned Guru Rinpoche, and Kurukulla who is holding a bow of arrow made of flowers. Beside the statue of Guru Rinpoche is a shrine containing the ashes of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, the revered Nyingma Buddhist Scholar.

The Dungtse Lhakhang is one of the most poignant and important places to visit in Paro because of its spiritual and historical significance. It is a monument dedicated to Buddhism and tourists can learn a lot about the scriptures and tenets of Buddhism when they visit. The temple was built in 1421 and is said to have been established to ward off evil spirits.

The three storeys of the temple represent heaven, earth and hell. It is also decorated with some of the most valuable paintings in all of Bhutan. Another unique feature about the temple is that it is built in Chorten style, which is not very common in traditional Bhutanese architecture. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan 

Price: Free entry 

Khangkhu Lhakhang is a quaint Buddhist temple located in the village, not far from a cluster of popular resorts and hotels in the area. Even though it is a relatively new temple compared to some of the other tourist places in Paro, it is still a spiritual retreat for tourists and locals alike. You can find Bhutanese architecture as well as art and crafts on the premises of the temple.

The site is also suitable for treks, walks and hikes and offers some incredible views of the surrounding mountains and forests. 

Location: Paro, Bhutan  

Price: Free entry