Places To Visit In Paro

Here are the best places to visit in Paro. It will not take longer than 2 days to complete a Paro sightseeing trip.

1. Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest

Paro Taktsang Monastery is the most iconic structure of the town, and thus also the most popular tourist attraction. Located 10 km away and uphill from the town of Paro, this monastery is said to be the ancient abode of Guru Rinpoche, or Padmasambhava – the precious lord of Tibetan Buddhism. The legend says that Guru Rinpoche first came here in the 7th century AD, flying on the back of a tigress (hence the name Tiger’s Nest) and meditated here for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours. Reaching this majestic, 326 year old monastery involves trekking to the remote location through the East Himalayan wilderness for 3-4 hours, making the experience even more treasurable.

2. Drukgyel Dzong

Dzongs are fortress-monastery complex used as a residence, administrative ground and educational institution by Tibetan Buddhists. The name Drukgyel Dzong translates to the Fortress of Victory. It is now a reminiscence of a fortress, set against the magnificent green of the mountains beyond. The popular belief is that the Drukgyel was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over the Tibetan forces in 1649. The place has served as a military outpost for years. Even in its ruins, it reminds of the first roots that led to the country’s sovereignty. Drukgyel Dzong is one of the best Paro attractions to visit.

3. National Museum

Moving away from history and spirituality, the National Museum of Paro is a must-visit tourist attraction in Paro, Bhutan. From the outside, the Museum looks like a dilapidated house with lots of colourful Buddhist prayer flags around. Inside, there are well-preserved artefacts, fine arts, paintings, stamps, traditional dresses, jewellery, weapons and handicrafts. The National Museum preserves the country’s transition and evolution from as early as 4000 BC. The building also provides a panoramic view of the entire Paro valley from up top.

4. Dungtse Lhakhang

Dungtse Lhakhang is a Buddhist temple, with Kagyu lineage arts and Tantric Buddhist paintings inside. But what sets this apart and make it an inseparable part of Paro-Bhutan sightseeing is its architecture in the form of a Chorten and the myth attached with it. One legend says that Dungtse is one of the five temples built worldwide on different parts of a demoness. This one falls on the head which lied in Bhutan. Another says that there was a great serpentine force present here, and to subdue it the temple was built by the saint Thangtong Gyalpo.

5. Kyichu Lhakhang

The Jowo Temple of Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo as part of the many temples built to defeat an enormous ogress that was preventing the spread of Buddhism, as per the legend. The temple is said to have been visited by Rinpoche himself. After many change of hands over thousands of years, it is still standing as an important place for art and culture, and one of the most rewarding places to visit in Paro, Bhutan.