Things To Do In Paro

Here are some of the best things to do in Paro

1. Go for adventure

The great Eastern Himalayas make trekking one of the favourite Paro Bhutan things to do. The Snowman Trek starts from Paro, leads you through Lingshi and Laya to the deeper parts of Lunana Valley. Extending for over 5.5 km, this is one of the most exciting trekking trails of Paro. Mountain biking is in vogue as well, as the biking routes take one through ancient ruins and old monasteries, or down to Bumthang passing by green rice fields and rugged terrains. Further down the Paro Chhu River, there are occasional opportunities for water rafting or kayaking as well.

2. Visit Chele La Pass

Chele La pass is the highest transportable pass of Bhutan. It connects the valley of Paro to the lesser known valley of Haa. It only takes 2 hours drive from Paro, but the drive will be completely worth it. The roadsides will often be lined with vivid Buddhist prayer flags, fluttering in the cold mountain wind. At the end of it, you will be standing at an elevation of 13000 feet, shivering in the cold but mesmerised by the lush green all around. If you are in luck, there will be thousands of red rhododendrons in bloom all-over the valley and on a clear sky day, the sacred peaks of Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake from this pass.

3. Watch a festival dance

For someone who does not like an adventure that much, there is no need to wonder what to do in Paro. The Festival Ground hosts vivid and vibrant local festivals like the Paro Tshechu every year during March-April. If you are lucky enough to make it during the spring, you can witness the expert dancers perform to the beats of folk music and staging different mythical stories from Bhutan’s past in their bright, colourful and ornate dresses.

4. Visit Paro Weekend Market and Craft Market

There is a quaint and rustic feeling in shopping form the weekend market of Paro. It is not very large or sophisticated. But one can find the best of farm-fresh products here, like authentic Bhutanese Tsirang honey. In the craft market, you can find some of Bhutan’s best handmade products. One can choose from handbags, wall décor items, small prayer wheels and Buddhist trinkets, handicraft items made of wood, cane and bamboo as souvenirs. The market is a good place for shopping in Paro and supporting the local communities.

5. Enjoy the local cuisine

One cannot simply come to Bhutan and not enjoy its local food. Tasting the country’s favourite dish Ema Datshi is one of the best Paro things to do. It is a lovely combination of red-hot chillies and cheese, conventionally yak cheese. Other than this, there are other delicacies like Phaksha Paa – a dish with pork and chilli, and Jashu Maru – spicy minced chicken. Do not forget to try Ara, the local fermented alcoholic beverage. It is delicious to taste and keeps the body warm.