Best Shopping in Paro

Historical Places in Paro:

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Taktsang Monastery, is believed to be built on the cavern where Guru Rinpoche himself first arrived in Paro-Bhutan, on the back of a flying tigress, and meditated for three years and three months. Thus, this is a sacred shrine for all the followers of Rinpoche or Padmasambhava, and also one of the best places to visit in Paro. To reach here, one must trek a route which takes around 3-3.5 hours to complete. The difficulty is moderate, but the views are magnificent. Another such similar trek will take you to the ruins of fortress-monastery Drukgyel Dzong. There is something very haunting about every ruin that once had a significant role in the country’s past, and now only a skeleton of it stands. Drukgyel Dzong is no exception.

The city is a cobweb of medieval dzongs and monasteries, hiding within themselves ages of tantric secrets, ancient paintings, and sculptures and lots of stories. It is hard to tell where the history ends and the legends begin in this local folklore, but they are extremely interesting to know. There are stories of temples like Dungtse Lhakhang being built on the head of a demoness or a serpent, while the Kyichu Lhakhang is believed to have been built to defeat an ogress. The Paro Dzong itself has a lot of history and special artifacts like sacred masks, weapons, and jewels that it is said to be housing within its holy walls. Consulting a Paro travel guide will give a better and complete idea about what other similar places there are to explore the mythical side of Bhutan.

Nevertheless, all these places should definitely be included in Paro-Bhutan sightseeing for a complete glimpse into the town’s fabric. One must not forget to visit the National Museum atop a hill. This was originally a watchtower called Ta Dzong and has been converted to a museum with an extensive collection of Bhutanese history and culture since 1967.

Trekking in Paro:

Monasteries and shrines are not the only things to see in Paro. The main thing about Paro is its dynamic nature. And staying true to it, the town and its surroundings offer some spectacular trekking routes to go for an adventure. The Snowman Trek is one of the most exciting trails in entire Bhutan, and it starts from Paro. A visit to the Chele La Pass is also essential, to appreciate the beauty of the green valley from 13,000 ft. This is the highest navigable pass in Bhutan, and thus, it is an easy travelling and picnicking destination. For those who do not prefer walking while exploring, mountain biking is quite a popular adventure activity here.

Other Activities in Paro:

A trip to Paro is not complete without some shopping in the Paro Craft Market and indulging in the local cuisine. One can find the best handicrafts and locally sourced products in the craft market, while for enjoying a savouring dish of Ema Datshi with Aru and other Bhutanese delicacies. While on a tour to Paro, do visit to Bukhari restaurant, one of the most recommended restaurants in the town. The list of other famous food places in Paro, include: Sonam Trophel Restaurant, Authentic Pizza, Brioche Cafe, Champaca Cafe, and more.

Culture of Paro:

Paro is famed for its one of the popular festivals, called the Paro Tsechu, which occurs during the month of April. Dressed in colourful costumes and masks, people celebrate this festival for five days with great enthusiasm, vibrant music, dances, and drama performances. Red rice, maize, and buckwheat are the staple diet of the locals.