, State: Paro, Bhutan Area: 40 Sq. Km. Languages Spoken: - Long Distance Code: +975-8 Importance: International Airport and gateway. Best Time to Visit: January to December and - International Access: Paro
Description
Situated at 2280mts, the Paro Valley is home to the Kingdoms only airport. The National Museum of Bhutan and many of the oldest temples are found here. A picturesque terraced valley, red rice crops form a golden blanket throughout the valley in Autumn. Taktsang or Tiger's Nest Monastery is located, 900 meters above the valley floor in the upper Paro Valley. Many of the treks depart from Paro including the Lunana Snowman and Jhomolhari trek. An enchanting valley with great half & full day hiking opportunities, mountain biking and scenic nature walks.
Location
Paro is a town and seat of Paro District in the Paro Valley of Bhutan.
Climate
Paro valleys, daytime temperature in winter averages 20° Centigrade during clear winter days but drops well below freezing during the night with light snowfall and occasional snowstorms.
The Paro town temple Druk Choeding or Tshongdoe Naktshang was constructed in 1525 by Ngawang Chhogyel an abbot originating from Tibet. This 16th century structure houses ancient war artefacts, the protecting deity of Bhutan - Gyenyen and Jampa - the future Buddha.
Timings: Winter 9 am to 4 pm. In summer 9 am to 5 pm.
The historical 17th century Drugyel Dzong with background views of the great Jhomolhari peak, towering at 7,329 meters, on a clear day this snow-capped ''Mountain of Goddess'' is an impressive sight. Drugyel Dzong was originally constructed to commemorate victory over the Tibetan army and stands atop a hill spur once defending the valley from foreign invasion.
Timings: Winter 9 am to 4 pm. In summer 9 am to 5 pm.
The ancient Kyichu monastery a 7th century temple, legend has the original temple was built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo, this ancient temple is highly revered for not only its antiquity but its religious importance. It is believed the Paro valley was one of the first valleys to be influenced by the Buddhist religion, the complex houses stunning statues- an impressive 5 meter statue of Guru Rimpoche and an equally impressive statue with 11 heads and 1000 hands of Chenresig- the god of compassion.
Timings: Winter 9 am to 4 pm. In summer 9 am to 5 pm.
Originally built as a watch tower in 1651, Ta Dzong (Ta meaning watch) is now converted to The National Museum, set high on the hill it overlooks the Paro Dzong and valley below. Housing a collection of Bhutanese treasures, colourful Buddhist artworks and weapons used in centuries gone by to fend off the Tibetan invasions.
Timings: Winter 9 am to 4 pm. In summer 9 am to 5 pm.
Towering over Paro is the 17th century Paro Dzong (fortress), correctly named Rinpung Dzong or translated as ''fortress of the heap of jewels used to for wart Tibetan invasions in the centuries gone by. Located above the Paro chhu River, this is one of Bhutan''s most impressive fortresses, view the striking Bhutanese architecture, which now houses the district government offices and local monastic body.
Timings: Winter 9 am to 4 pm. In summer 9 am to 5 pm.
The amazing 17th century Taktsang Monastery "Tigers Nest" perched cliff side at 3140 mts and overlooking the Paro Valley, it is said Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to this site in the 8th century, where upon he meditated for 3 months, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Himalayas. Stopping along the way to take in the stunning views, this significant holy site offers spectacular vistas and architecture against a backdrop of granite cliff faces.
Timings: Winter 9 am to 4 pm. In summer 9 am to 5 pm.
Bhutan Capital Cultural Tour / BUT (5 Days / 4 Nights) Paro-Thimphu-Paro
This Bhutan Capital cultural tour is a perfect trip for those visitors who have limited time to spend the holiday in Bhutan. It covers the two most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan, namely, Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan and Paro, Bhutan’s international airport, with a hike to Taktsang monastery. Visiting these two places within a short span of time will give you a good understanding of Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions, marvelous arts and crafts, history, Buddhist religion and life of Bhutanese people.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro Day 2 : Paro Day 3 : Paro-Thimphu Day 4 : Thimphu-Paro Day 5 : Paro
Bhutan Western Cultural Tour / BUT-01 (7 Days / 6 Nights) Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Paro
Choose this cultural tour, if you want to explore western Bhutan’s unique culture and traditions, superb arts and crafts, beautiful houses and landscapes doted with fluttering prayer flags, and stunning view of magnificent snowcapped mountains and lush green valleys with lot of pure crisp air to breathe on the way.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro-Thimphu Day 2 : Thimphu Day 3 : Thimphu-Punakha Day 4 : Punakha Day 5 : Punakha-Paro Day 6 : Paro Day 7 : Paro
Bhutan Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour / BUT-02 (13 Days / 12 Nights) Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Trongsa-Bumthang-Punakha-Paro
Buddhism has been the predominant religion from the 7th century and since then many saints, religious masters, mystics and scholars have visited and blessed Bhutan and its people with invaluable spiritual and cultural heritage that shapes the Bhutanese lives and history. Today, the Buddhist world, considers Bhutan with special importance as the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism. Hundreds of sacred monasteries, stupas, religious institutions, fluttering prayer flags and prayer wheels which dot the landscapes and countryside are the strong evidence of immense living faith in Buddhism. This tour will enable you to experience the in depth spirituality and profound understanding of Mahayana Buddhism.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro Day 2 : Paro Day 3 : Paro-Thimphu Day 4 : Thimphu Day 5 : Thimphu Day 6 : Thimphu-Punakha Day 7 : Punakha-Trongsa Day 8 : Trongsa-Bumthang Day 9 : Bumthang Day 10 : Bumthang Day 11 : Bumthang-Punakha Day 12 : Punakha-Paro Day 13 : Paro
Bhutan Spring and Autumn Walking Tour / BUT-03 (13 Days / 12 Nights) Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Trongsa-Bumthang-Punakha-Paro
Bhutan walking tour offer more than just visiting Dzongs, monasteries, temples, museum and other artistry centre. Such tours are specifically designed for the tourists desiring to experience more of typical Bhutanese rural lives in the farmlands, far flung monasteries and temples from the road end, beautiful landscapes, the lush green valleys, pristine environment and clean crisp air by walking across the valleys with few climbs up and down only along the gentle slopes.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro Day 2 : Paro Day 3 : Paro-Thimphu Day 4 : Thimphu Day 5 : Thimphu Day 6 : Thimphu-Punakha Day 7 : Punakha-Trongsa Day 8 : Trongsa-Bumthang Day 9 : Bumthang Day 10 : Bumthang Day 11 : Bumthang-Punakha Day 12 : Punakha-Paro Day 13 : Paro
Bhutan Photography Tour / BUT-04 (12 Days / 11 Nights) Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Trongsa-Bumthang-Punakha-Paro
Bhutan has captured both the eyes of writers and artists alike for its splendid arts and architecture and unique culture and traditions. Photography Tour is designed specifically for the clients who enjoy taking photographs of the people, typical Bhutanese houses, beautiful landscapes, fortresses, monasteries, snow capped mountains and series of exciting scenic spots. Our photo guide, who has the knowledge of the local area and understand the special needs of photographers, will accompany you to insure maximum flexibility for both planned and spontaneous photo opportunities.
Some rooms in the Dzongs and monasteries have restrictions on Photography. Our guide will give you instructions of such places which are prohibited from taking photographs.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro Day 2 : Paro Day 3 : Paro-Thimphu Day 4 : Thimphu Day 5 : Thimphu-Punakha Day 6 : Punakha-Trongsa Day 7 : Trongsa-Bumthang Day 8 : Bumthang Day 9 : Bumthang Day 10 : Bumthang-Punakha Day 11 : Punakha-Paro Day 12 : Paro
Bhutan Textile Tour / BUT-05 (12 Days / 11 Nights) Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Trongsa-Bumthang-Punakha-Paro
Bhutan is well known for its exquisite textiles. Intricate woven patterns and designs with vibrant color and textures exhibits the unique and magnificent textile art of Bhutan that has been passed down for countless generations. Although the skills and arts of weaving are widespread, it is mostly seen in the central and eastern part of Bhutan.
Weavers, almost all of whom are women, are very innovative in their designs and produce a wide range of sophisticated and beautiful textiles without the loss of the traditional character of the textile artistry. The hand woven textiles of Bhutan are being increasingly appreciated by the textile specialist, collector and user and are prized for their unmatched quality, unique designs, vibrant color and authenticity.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro Day 2 : Paro Day 3 : Paro-Thimphu Day 4 : Thimphu Day 5 : Thimphu-Punakha Day 6 : Punakha-Trongsa Day 7 : Trongsa-Bumthang Day 8 : Bumthang Day 9 : Bumthang Day 10 : Bumthang-Punakha Day 11 : Punakha-Paro Day 12 : Paro
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Thimphu Day 2 : Thimphu Day 3 : Thimphu-Punakha Day 4 : Punakha-Bumthang Day 5 : Bumthang Day 6 : Bumthang Day 7 : Bumthang-Nganglakhang Day 8 : Nganglakhang-Ugyencholing Day 9 : Ugyencholing-Bumthang Day 10 : Bumthang-Phobjikha Day 11 : Phobjikha-Paro Day 12 : Paro Day 13 : Paro Day 14 : Paro
Himalayan Escapism / BUT-07 (8 Days / 7 Nights) Thimphu-Phobjikha-Punakha-Paro-Thimphu
Himalayan Escapism
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Thimphu Day 2 : Thimphu Day 3 : Thimphu-Phobjikha Day 4 : Phobjikha-Punakha Day 5 : Punakha-Paro Day 6 : Paro Day 7 : Paro Day 8 : Thimphu
Bird Watching Tours in Bhutan / BUT-08 (14 Days / 13 Nights) Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Trongsa-Bumthang-Ura-Limithang-Mongar-Bumthang-Thimphu-Paro
Despite its small size about 770 species of birds have been recorded in Bhutan and the kingdom is recognized as 221 global endemic birds areas. Within country's borders there are extraordinary range of habitats, from some of the Himalaya's most extensive and least disturbed tropical forests to cool broad leaved andbirds in bhutan towering evergreen forests of fir, hemlock and spruce.
The entire country is bisected by well maintained paved road and birding especially in mid to late spring (late March to late May) is good virtually anywhere below 3,100 m. Unlike many part of Asia, one is not obliged to seek out a park or reserve or remnant patch of 'good looking' habitat, since at any stop even in the midst of farmland, exciting birds are visible. The mixed broadleaf forests are much richer, and therefore more exciting for birding, than the rather slow growing monotypic stands of blue pine and particularly chir pine.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro Day 2 : Paro Day 3 : Paro-Thimphu Day 4 : Thimphu-Punakha Day 5 : Punakha-Wangduephodrang Day 6 : Wangduephodrang-Trongsa Day 7 : Trongsa-Bumthang Day 8 : Bumthang-Ura Day 9 : Ura-Limithang Day 10 : Limithang-Mongar Day 11 : Mongar Day 12 : Mongar-Bumthang Day 13 : Bumthang-Thimphu Day 14 : Thimphu-Paro
Bhutan Culture & Nature Tour / BUT-09 (13 Days / 12 Nights) Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Trongsa-Bumthang-Wangduephodrang-Paro
A close encounter with mysticism, culture, history and the Nature
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro Day 2 : Paro Day 3 : Paro-Thimphu Day 4 : Thimphu-Punakha Day 5 : Punakha-Wangduephodrang Day 6 : Wangduephodrang-Trongsa Day 7 : Trongsa-Bumthang Day 8 : Bumthang Day 9 : Bumthang Day 10 : Bumthang-Wangduephodrang Day 11 : Wangduephodrang-Paro Day 12 : Paro Day 13 : Paro
Week Tour in Bhutan / BUT-10 (7 Days / 6 Nights) Paro-Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Thimphu-Phuentsholing
Week Tour in Bhutan
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro Day 2 : Paro Day 3 : Paro-Punakha Day 4 : Punakha-Wangduephodrang Day 5 : Wangduephodrang-Thimphu Day 6 : Thimphu-Phuentsholing Day 7 : Phuentsholing
Round Trip to Bhutan / BUT-11 (15 Days / 14 Nights) Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Gangtey-Trongsa-Bumthang-Mongar-Trashigang-Bumthang-Punakha-Paro
A grand Bhutan tour that offers invaluable insight into the rich culture and traditions of Bhutan, accompanied by breathtaking panoramic views of snow covered Himalayan peaks
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro Day 2 : Paro Day 3 : Paro-Thimphu Day 4 : Thimphu-Punakha Day 5 : Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Gangtey Day 6 : Gangtey-Trongsa Day 7 : Trongsa-Bumthang Day 8 : Bumthang Day 9 : Bumthang-Mongar Day 10 : Mongar-Trashigang Day 11 : Trashigang Day 12 : Trashigang-Bumthang Day 13 : Bumthang-Punakha Day 14 : Punakha-Paro Day 15 : Paro
Bhutan Monastery Tour / BUT-12 (9 Days / 8 Nights) Paro-Thimphu-Trongsa-Bumthang-Punakha-Paro
Tour of Buddhist monasteries & temples of Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, Punakha & Bumthang.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro Day 2 : Paro-Thimphu Day 3 : Thimphu-Trongsa Day 4 : Trongsa-Bumthang Day 5 : Bumthang Day 6 : Bumthang-Punakha Day 7 : Punakha-Paro Day 8 : Paro Day 9 : Paro
Travel in Bhutan / BUT-13 (11 Days / 10 Nights) Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Gangtey-Trongsa-Bumthang-Thimphu-Paro
An adventure travel in Bhutanese heartland - Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Gangtey, Trongsa & Bumthang.
Detailed Itinerary Day 1 : Paro Day 2 : Paro Day 3 : Paro-Thimphu Day 4 : Thimphu-Punakha Day 5 : Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Gangtey Day 6 : Gangtey-Trongsa Day 7 : Trongsa-Bumthang Day 8 : Bumthang Day 9 : Bumthang-Thimphu Day 10 : Thimphu-Paro Day 11 : Paro