Paro
Hike into the hills and visit the sacred cliffside Taktsang monastery on a trip to the town of Paro in Bhutan.
Paro Holidays
The town of Paro is a charming and comfortable base for hiking into the hills and exploring sacred Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and temples.
Nearby is the Rinpung Dzong monastery, meaning ‘the fortress of the heap of jewels’. This is the administrative seat of the Paro District, home to a community of about 200 monks and the site of one of the most spectacular annual ‘tshechu’ festivals in Bhutan.
The highlight has to be the hike to Taktsang, the ‘tiger’s lair’ monastery, perched on cliffs 900m above the valley. You reach it by following the pilgrim’s trail uphill for a couple of hours, through forests of oak and rhododendron, passing prayer flags fluttering in the wind on the way.
Though Paro dates back to the 17th century, there was no real town here until the main street was built in 1985. It is now the location of Bhutan’s only international airport, inaugurated in 1999. Hemmed in by mountains, you can reach the town via a heart-in-mouth scenic flight.
It’s also worth visiting the National Museum in the old Ta Dzong watchtower for its collection of religious paraphernalia, handicrafts and objects from daily life in Paro.
As well as being the perfect spot to venture into the hills from, Para also makes an excellent start or end point if you want to trek along the centuries-old Druk Path in the Eastern Himalayas or visit the isolated Haa Valley.
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- Visit important monasteries and temples
- Trek to the Tiger’s Nest perched on the cliffs
- Private hikes into the hills
- Trek the centuries old Druk path
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Best Time To Visit Paro
Plan your trip to Paro between October and May for the town’s best weather conditions. Springtime (March to May) is particularly popular with tourists due to the beautiful blooms that grow in the valley and mountains.
A trip in April would also give you the opportunity to experience the famous Paro Tshechu festival, one of Bhutan’s biggest in terms of audience and participation.
If you are interested in trekking, October and November are excellent months to do so due to the pleasant temperatures and clear skies, offering up magnificent views from high in the hills.
Book for December or January if you want a quieter stay as most of the tourists will have left by this point, though you may have to deal with the cold as well as mist and fog. Be aware that June to September is Bhutan’s monsoon season so prepare for heavy rainfall if travelling at this time.
Best Time To Visit Paro
Paro (FAQS) NEED TO KNOW
What is the accommodation like at Paro?
Paro has accommodation suitable for everyone’s tastes. If you want pure luxury, something like Amankora Paro is destined to impress with its stylish suites and dedication to a peaceful, tranquil stay. While the hillside boutique Uma Paro hotel offers traditional Bhutanese interiors and out-of-this-world views of the forests and mountains beyond. Get in touch now to discuss your preferences.
Is Paro a suitable family destination?
Paro is a wonderful choice for parents who want to give their children an unforgettable cultural experience. With fascinating monasteries and other monuments to explore, awe-inspiring hiking trails and a range of other activities, this is sure to be a family holiday like no other.
Is it possible to combine a trip to Paro with other areas of Bhutan?
Absolutely – as well as Paro, you may want to explore the markets, temples and museums of Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, or perhaps the villages of the Bumthang Valley. There are plenty of places in the country worth visiting. Share your ideas and we will put together a personalised itinerary that covers the areas you want to see, as well as our own recommendations if you’d like our expertise.
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