Paro came with its beauty to me on the very first day while watching the spectacular mountain views from the Royal Bhutan Airlines (DrukAir). And then one-hour scenic drive to reach Thimphu from Paro International Airport made me overwhelmed and drove me to ask inside, ‘How can be any country is so beautiful, naturally’? And so was very happy when the day came to back Paro again from Thimphu. Yes, now I can explore this town more deeply. So what are the must visit place in Paro, Bhutan? 🙂
I had stayed one night at City Hotel Paro, a decent budget hotel, but was really satisfied with its good service and tasty food. This hotel is in the main town of Paro from where you can easily move around to shop and visit some notable tourist spots like Rinpung/Paro Dzong and National Museum of Bhutan.
Beautiful Paro in Bhutan
Yummy Food at City Hotel Paro
From my points of view, I’ll really love to mention some must-visit destinations here in Paro. Let’s have a look and also check out top seven reasons to visit Bhutan.
Table of Contents
Taktsang Palphug Monastery
Bhutan’s most famous tourist destination is normally known as Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest. This highly holy Buddhist temple complex is a bit far away from the town and situated in the Cliffside (3120 meters) above the sea level of the upper Paro valley. All Bhutanese believe that their Guru or father of the Buddhism first entered here on the back of the tiger/tigress and so this popular as now Tiger’s Nest.
Paro Taktsang from the valley floor
Tiger’s Nest or Paro Taktsang
Well, I did visit this monastery from the valley floor and found many of them reaching up by trekking or riding on a horse. Later came to know, at least one day I must have to keep exploring the Cliffside and temples around. Outside of the valley locals selling many souvenirs and handmade kinds of stuff.
I’ve loved the deep Pine forest in the area and found many Apple trees too there. This area was so relaxing and exciting for me. Next time will definitely go trekking to reach Tiger’s Nest temples.
Deep Pine forest at Taktsang
Behind me all Apple trees
You might like to book Bhutan tours, attractions, and activities online or check out some of the options below.
Chele La Pass
There are many passes in Bhutan but among all, this one is the most notable and highest passes. It took an hour via car to reach Chelela from Paro, which is 3988 meters above the sea level. I was amazed by the extremely beautiful views provided by the pass. First time experiences snowfall while going through the pass. I’ve loved playing with fluffy white snows with full of happiness.
Two sides of the road are filled with deep Pine forest and the snowy views of Jomolhari mountain also gave me an unexpected mind blowing experience ever. One interesting thing to mention about Jomolhari is that this mountain is snowy in all seasons. Simply amazing, right? 🙂
Snowfall at Chele La Pass
Playing with snows at Chele La Pass
Snowy views of Jomolhari mountain
The main point of the Chelela is very scenic but was too hard for me to bear the heavy cold. From here you can also get the wider view of the Paro Taktsang. I’ve loved here seeing prayer flags blowing heavily in the wild air and remembered, now Dharma is much more increasing with that 🙂
Chelela in Paro, Bhutan
Prayer Flags blowing heavily at Chelela
While coming back from the spot, my guide showed me one unique temple, Nunnery at the top of the hill. This temple is only for women to worship.
RELATED: TOP SIX PLACES TO VISIT IN THIMPHU
Drukyel Dzong
It was a pleasure to visit one of the oldest fortress, Drukyel Dzong here in Paro. This old designed landmark built in 1649 at the top of the hill. This Dzong worked as an entrance preventing from any sudden short attacks by Tibet. This historical fortress faced two times damaged by fire and earthquake, but still alive after a renovation and became a popular tourist destination in the town.
I’ve loved the old architects and the looks of this Dzong which took me in the 16th century for a while 🙂 Many visitors stay here for the day and children found playing in the wide area. From the top of the Dzong, Jomolhari mountain is also visible, but it was much nicer to see from the Chele La Pass.
Drukyel Dzong
Beautiful Time at Drukyel Dzong
Drukyel Dzong
Paro Airport Birds Eye View
I must say you’ll truly miss something if you don’t come to this destination being in Paro. Simply WOW! What a lovely bird’s eye view of the Paro Airport! I just can’t believe how can be the mother nature is such amazing in all ways! Just have a look because here in true sense pictures says a lot than words 🙂
Paro Airport Birds Eye View
Paro Airport Birds Eye View
Amazing view from the Paro Airport
Colorful Architect from the Paro Airport
Kyichu Lhakhang
This is the oldest temple in Bhutan built in the 7th century, unbelievable, right? But it’s true and still holding its beauty and purity here in the Paro town. This Himalayan Buddhist temple is very stunning and colorful by its architects. Found two orange trees with oranges in the area of the Kyichu Lhakhang and it’s a faith that those trees bear oranges all over the year. Interesting Fact!! Outside of the temple, I saw some old, tall Cypress trees (National Tree of Bhutan) and one lovely red colored flower tree (don’t know the name) and all those created an extra beauty of this beautiful monastery.
Kyichu Lhakhang
Colorful, traditional architect at Kyichu Lhakhang
Orange trees at Kyichu Lhakhang
The next day early morning left for Bangladesh, but was really sad for that and truly this most beautiful country captured my heart in all ways. Bye Bhutan but surely coming back again 🙂
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Have you been to Paro? Would you like to recommend any other must visit place in Paro, Bhutan?
Hi Nafisa! Loved your travelogue on bhutan. I was wondering of you could help me out plan a possible trip to bhutan. I am visiting kolkata early feb next year and am considering travelling to bhutan from there. Just wanted to know if it’s going to be a good idea weather wise in early feb. Especially the trek to tiger’s nest. What was your experience like?
Hi Arpita!
Loved to see you reaching me.
I believe from Kolkata possible to visit Bhutan by road too.
Yes, Weather wise early Feb is fine to visit and for trekking as well. During that time winter in Bhutan. But if you go for trekking then you have to keep whole day for Tiger Nest. If you start in the early morning possible to back by afternoon. You can also reach up by riding on a horse. But trekking is better and safe as well.
I could not manage time and so just explore monastery from the valley floor.
Keep inspiring and thank you 🙂
Hello, Nafisa di..!
I am planning to go for a Bhutan tour this October, will I find any snow there during this time? I am really fascinated by the pictures shared by you. I hope this trip is going to be exciting.
And yes, you are doing a great job through your travel blogs. Keep up with the good work!!
Hope to meet you someday!
Anurag
Hi Anurag Ji,
Thanks a lot for your kind and inspiring words. To enjoy the snowfall in Bhutan, it is best to visit from late December to February. October is too early for that. Bhutan is a beautiful country and surely you’ll love to explore.
Keep up inspiring and maybe will meet someday 🙂
Thank you for this lovely article. I got a real sense of how you were moved by the beauty of nature there.
Hahaha, yes. Thank you too!
Wow! Paro is stunning. I’m definitely keen to trek up to the Tiger’s Nest temples. It’s amazing how the temple was built on a cliff over 3000 m above sea level. I think I’ve seen the Prayer Flags at Chelela in a movie, or maybe a documentary. I’d love to see them in person. I adore the architecture and colours of Kyichu Lhakhang. Did you get to try one of the oranges?
Paro is truly stunning. In fact, there is so much to love about Bhutan. I didn’t try, no idea whether it is allowed or not from the temple 🙂
I like the colors of Bhutan and how it differentiate its architecture from the rest. I like how some of the activities focus on visiting buildings and local architecture but I also like the snowy views of Chele La Pass!
Yes, very unique! Chele La Pass became one of the favorites 🙂
The forest looks breathtaking! Not to mention the snow. Thanks for sharing your story about Bhutan, it’s definitively a place that hasn’t been on my radar too much.
Yes, off the beaten path but worth to explore!
Beautiful scenery, fascinating culture and exotic experience. Thanks for sharing with us your trip in Bhutan and also some great information for me to prepare for my trip in the future! @ knycx.journeying
A pleasure to know, I wish you have a trip soon in Bhutan 🙂