'''Paro''' (population 4,500) is a town in in the south west of Bhutan.

Understand

Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. In addition, the Paro Valley is wide and verdant and is recognized a one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan. However, apart from the main street (which is constructed of traditional wooden structures), the bazaar area is a nondescript hodgepodge of concrete buildings that is totally bereft of charm and character. Along with Jakar and Punakha, Paro forms the 'golden triangle' of popular tourist destinations in Bhutan.

Get in

  • '''Paro Airport''', ''PBH''. An international airport located in a deep valley.
  • [http://www.drukair.com.bt Druk Air], (Royal Bhutan Airlines) is the only airline serving Paro Airport, and offers flight to from Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Kathmandu and Kolkata.
  • Get around

    As the main tourist sites in Paro are spread out throughout the valley, a vehicle is required to get around. Taxis are available for hire inside the main bazaar.

    See

  • '''Taktsang Monastery''', ''(Tiger's Nest)''. Precariously perched on the edge of a 1,200 meter cliff, this monastery creates an impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. It is about a two hour, totally up-hill hike from the parking lot to the monastery, though there is a cafe located on ridge across from the Taktshang (about 90 minutes into the walk) that provides a welcome opportunity to take a rest and purchase refreshments and snacks. Taktshang was established as a sacred place for meditation by Guru Rinpoche who visited the site on his second visit to Bhutan in 747 CE, though the first monastery was not constructed until 1694. In 1998 a tragic fire destroyed most of the original buildings, but these have since been painstakingly restored to their former glory.
  • '''National Museum of Bhutan'''. Located in a former watch tower (which itself is a museum piece) above the dzong, the museum displays artifacts from Bhutan's history as well as examples of indigenous flora and fauna.
  • '''Rinpung Dzong''', which was constructed in 1646.
  • '''Kichu Lhakang''' is one of the 108 monasteries that were miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in one night. It is located just off the road running between Paro bazaar and the Taktsang.
  • '''Jangsarbu Lhakhang''', located behind Paro Dzong. This small and insignificant looking temple is home to a magnificent statue of Sakyamuni Buddha that was carried all the way from Lhasa, and also houses the protector deity of Paro. Legend has it that the statue of Sakyamuni was destined for Paro Dzong and merely placed in the temple for overnight safe keeping. However, when the time came to move the statue, it proved impossible to lift. As a result, it became a permanent feature of the lhakhang.
  • '''Drakhapo''', above Shaba (keeping Shaba School to the right, follow the dirt road to end. The complex is a five minute walk from here). Drakhapo is a monastic complex perched on a cliff. Guru Rinpoche spent two months here after completing a retreat at nearby Taktsang, and during his stay placed many treasures (''terma'') into the cliff. The area also has several hand and foot prints embedded in the rock.
  • Do

  • '''Paro Tshechu''' (religious festival) 29 March - 2 April 2007
  • Buy

    Eat

    Budget

  • '''Hotel Peljorling''', next to clock tower. Tel: ''+ 975 8'' 271-365. Excellent local and Indian cuisine at reasonable prices.
  • '''Hotel First Floor''', main bazaar. Simple, no-nonsense Bhutanese dishes - large helpings at reasonable prices.
  • Mid range

  • '''Sonam Trophel Restaurant''', on the main street. Tel:''+975 2'' 8287. Mobile:17602292. Not a very big restaurant, but one of the best in town. It is advisable to call and book in advance. Some recommended dishes (which are not on the menu but can be ordered) are ginger potato, pumpkin curry and marinated chicken momos.
  • Drink

    The Zhiwa Ling Hotel has a nice bar serving most top notch Western liquors as well as international beers. Additionally, the hotel has a disco on the ground floor.

    Sleep

    Budget

    Mid range

  • '''Hotel Holiday Inn''', PO Box 707 (located near the end of airport complex). Tel:''975 8'' 272-101. E-mail: hhhparo@druknet.bt A single story hotel convenient for airport and close to main town. Friendly and efficient service. Pleasant rooms.
  • Splurge

  • '''Uma Hotel''', Uma Paro, PO Box 222. Tel:''975 8'' 271597. Email: info.paro@uma.como.bz [http://www.uma.como.bz/paro/default.asp]. A twenty-nine room luxury hotel.
  • '''Aman Resort''', E-mail: amankora@amanresorts.com, [http://www.amanusa.com/kora/print.htm]. A very expensive and luxurious hotel. Starting rate for single: US$ 1000
  • '''Zhiwa Ling''', [http://www.zhiwaling.com]. A luxury hotel, owned by Bhutanese investors, with 45 guest rooms accommodating 90 guests. The hotel has a meditation room that has a view of the Tiger's Nest as well as a full-service massage room.
  • Get out

    Contact

  • There are a couple of '''internet cafes''' in the main bazaar - with the most convenient being on the road behind the main square, next to the bakery. However, internet connections in Paro are notoriously slow so be prepared for a very long wait (at least there is a bakery next door, so you won't starve!!)