The enchanting view of the Himalayas which we caught from our Paro Bound flight made us breathless. So challenging is landing at Paro Airport that only 8 pilots in the world are certified for this vigorous task.
Suggested Read : Guide to Bhutan
Right from the view of the airport itself, we were soaked in the beauty of this place.
Table of Contents
How Paro touched our hearts
Super enthused we were to land in a beautiful country, we headed to a taxi. Usually one is cashless on landing in a foreign country and so were we. Failing in withdrawing cash from several ATMs and still figuring the situation, we got to know this:
“Not valid for payment in foreign exchange in Nepal and Bhutan”
That means Debit and Credit cards that we were carrying are not valid for transactions in Bhutan and then something happened that overwhelmed us. Our driver offered us help. Despite we being stranger to him, he helped us with the money he had earned that very morning.
Touched by his gesture, stunned by his generosity – we were preparing ourselves for the goosebumps we were to get on the trip ahead.
The peace and calmness of the Paro valley can be experienced within an hour or two of being here.
Things to do in Paro
Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s nest)
Nestled in a mountain cliff over a beautiful pine and rhododendrons forest is a prominent Buddhist site known as Tiger’s Nest.
Guru Padmasambhava (Second Buddha), who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan is said to have meditated here.
To reach here you have to hike through the forest and it takes around 3 hours (4km) walking at a comfortable pace.
As you ascend the scenic view of snow-capped Himalayas and the far off Tiger’s Nest makes you crazy to explore further.
Balconies of 4 main temples interconnected with one another through their staircases offer a welcoming view of the valley.
–How to reach–
You can hire a taxi which may charge you 1200 Ngultrum per side. We suggest you book a taxi for the whole day so that you can visit the places as per your convenience.
–Timings–
Winter (Oct – Mar): 8 AM to 5 PM (Bhutanese Time)
Summer (Apr – Sep): 8 AM to 6 PM (Bhutanese Time)
–Entry Fee–
500 Nu
Note: Make sure to cover your arms and legs while visiting Monasteries/ Temples in Bhutan
Kyichu Lhakhang Monastery/ Oldest temple in Paro
Legends say that this temple was constructed in the 7th century in just one night!!. It’s no less than a miracle. I wonder the technology used!!.
A quiet, beautiful and one of the oldest temples, Kyichu Lhakhang was our first stop in Bhutan. The peacefulness of this place brings you to a standstill.
A temple guide is there to tell you the stories related to the temple. Ours was so smiling that we thought he will soon burst into laughter (though he didn’t ;-))
There is an orange tree inside the temple that bears fruit throughout the year (Yes it’s true!!!)
–Location–
It’s around 5 km from Town Market, Paro
–Timings–
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (All days)
–Entry Fee–
300 Nu (50% off for students)
Paro Dzong/ Rinpung Dzong
Built on a steep hillside along Paro Chu River, an architecture of White walls, red brick color doors, windows, and top – simple yet a fine example of Bhutanese Architecture.
There are courtyards inside where you can see monks smiling, playing and roaming around.
At the far end is a balcony throwing the view of a river flowing by, tall mountains and spectacular Paro valley.
At night, Dzong lights up and looks more beautiful. You can spot it from Town market of Paro or while walking by the riverside.
–How to reach–
You can cross the wooden bridge to reach Paro Dzong which is just 1 km from the city square. It’s 4 km by cab.
–Timings–
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM from March to October and 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM from November to Feb.
–Entry Fee–
300 Nu
Namgay Artisanal Brewery
This amazing place makes you experience the art of brewery and also the taste of the flavors of fresh beer.
Having at least 8 different kinds of beer, they continue with their experiments for new ones.
They charge 350 Nu for visiting brewery and tasting beers.
–Location–
Its around 4.4 km from town market, Paro.
Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point
Surrounded by the Himalayan peaks of up to 18000 ft., Paro Airport is tiny but scenic and among the 10 most beautiful airports in the world. It’s an amazing experience to see flights land at this airport.
–Location–
Paro Airport Bird’s eye view point is 3.6 km from the valley.
Town market
Stand in the middle of this market and enjoy the view of –Wide open sky, snow-capped mountains, riverside, clean & systematic roads, beautiful Bhutanese buildings, shops with Bhutanese dresses, jewelry, show pieces, cafes and smiling people of this lovely country.
Our personal favorite here is Mountain Café.
Cafes and other shops remain open till 9:30 PM.
National Museum of Bhutan
To know the history of Bhutan, its culture, flora, fauna, its relations with India among other things, you can visit this place.
When we visited, the original museum was closed for renovation. Exhibits are currently displayed in an annex.
Though itself not impressive, the wide and peaceful view from the museum situated uphill makes it an attraction.
The backside of the museum offers you a view of far end mountains, step farming downhill, clouds up there and awesome experience of cool breeze that freshens your mind.
–Location–
Its around 3 km from Town Market of Bhutan
–Timings—
9:00 am to 4:00 pm from Tuesday to Saturday and from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sundays.
Entry Fee
50 Nu
Walk along the river side
There is footpath by the riverside. Listen to the sound of flowing water, feel the cool and fresh air, see the lightened Dzong (evening) and mountains. Away from the hustle bustle and people there in no hurry – life here seems peaceful and the world beautiful. You will surely feel that you are in a different world altogether.
Dart/ Archery
Archery is Bhutan’s National Sport and your trip to Bhutan would be incomplete without trying it. Archery and Dart competitions are so commonplace that you may find local playing them throughout the country.
And let me warn you guys, the targets are so far off that I had to strain my eyes to spot it (hehe its true!!!) and darts are big and heavy.V
Tamchog Lhakhang/ Temple of the Hill
A temple located on the ridge across the river built by a saint who was also a bridge builder.
A 15th century handmade iron chain suspension Bridge to cross the river was also made by him that was washed away by the flood in 1969. So, a new bridge was constructed by its side to cross the river.
15 minute short and easy hike on the other side of the river to reach this place which is walled by mountains and is completely quiet.
–Location–
It’s 30 minutes drive from Paro, towards Thimphu.
The Ancient Hot Stone Bath
Soak yourself in a unique bath culture to relax and wind down after a long day of wandering and wondering.
River stones roasted on fire are used to heat fresh river water containing Artemisia leaves.
Accommodation in Paro
Ama’s Village Lodge
It’s a homestay offering hotel-like comfort and homely feel. The rooms are pretty spacious, cozy, clean and comfortable. Private bathrooms (not attached) with necessary toiletries. This homestay has a common area where you can sit and relax in the warmth of heated stones and acquaint with other travelers.
Owing to its simple yet attractive decor it catches your attention the moment you step in.
You can cook your own food in the kitchen of the homestay or opt to have food which cost around Rs. 300-400 per meal per person.
There is also a backyard from where snow-capped mountains are visible and all this gives you a feeling of ultra peace sink in.
If you go there, don’t forget to have a conversation with Ama. She is a highly qualified lady and you will love talking with her.
It’s on the outskirts of Paro and 15 min drive from the town market. We booked it in Rs. 1300 per night from goibibo. In the peak season prices are higher and it’s difficult to get rooms here. So book well in advance.
We highly recommend staying here.
City Lodge Hotel
This pocket-friendly hotel is located at the heart of Paro town market, which is a hub for restaurants and other shops. The rooms are not very spacious but decently clean and comfortable. The bathrooms are clean with necessary toiletries. We opted this owing to its location.
Its restaurant serves delicious Indian Food.
We booked it for Rs. 1500 per night from goibibo that included breakfast as well.
Places to Eat in Paro
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Paro Town market. The ones we tried are:-
Mountain Café
A small cafe in Paro town market serving delicious organic coffees and shakes along with Italian, Chinese and Indian Food. Prices are a bit high but surely worth the taste. The moment you start walking down the lane of restaurants in Paro town market, the aroma of coffee and sight of freshly baked and pastries triggers a feeling of freshness, no matter how tired you are.
Bondey Chuki Restaurant
Around 5-6 km from Paro town market, this place being not so famous among tourists, cannot be easily located on the internet. The locals and taxi drivers need to be asked if you wish to go to this place. We had the best noodles here with Peach wine that was arranged by our driver.
Momo Corner, Paro Town
Located in Paro Town Market, again it’s a place which is not that popular among tourists but it serves authentic Bhutanese food. Our driver took us there and we tried Bhathuk and momos.
It’s a noodles soup but noodles are bigger in size. We liked the soup but it was hard for us to have such big noodles (It felt raw to us).
Go Go Go guys!!! Explore Paro and share your experiences with us.