Paro Vacations, Bhutan

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Paro

BHUTAN TOURISM

Paro Tourism

Small township of Paro with the only Bhutan’s airport act for most tourists

as gateway to the kingdom. Fortunately in the surroundings there are

numerous and easy accessible places of interest. So even if you are

coming for just one day on your route from Bangkok to Katmandu there

is still enough to see.

Along the main street you will find probably the best in country complex of traditional

architecture: two lines of rich decorated buildings housing small shops, institutions

and restaurants. But the most interesting place is Paro Dzong – fortress-monastery

overlooking beautiful valley. There are more dzongs sprayed out around kingdom.

They were built in 17th century to defend the country, but until today they are also

centers of religious and secular power. Tourist are usually allowed to visit only the

courtyards of the dzongs. On the slope of mountain above Paro Dzong (long access

by narrow but paved road) is the old watchtower called Ta Dzong which is now

home to the museum.

Some 10 km from Paro by road you will see in the distance famous Taktsang

(Tiger’s Nest) Hermitage on the face of a sheer 1000m cliff. It is the place where

Bhutan’s history begins. People of Bhutan believe that Guru Rinpoche – father of

Bhutanese Buddhism landed here on the back of tigress. It is possible to climb the

mountain. You can cross valley by car to the other edge and then use the pony or

just walk uphill. I takes me 40 minutes of heavy walk to reach the tea house

(the only shelter on this route) and another 30 minutes to the stupa on the level

of the hermitage. Ponies do it in 3 hours. Slippery when wet! Trekking shoes are

recommended.

List of other picturesque places in Paro includes Dungtse Lhakhang – 15th century

temple situated by the new bridge (access by special permit only) and Ugyen Perli

Palace – visible through the fence. Members of royal family stop here during their

visit to Paro. Close to the palace there is a row of old stupas heading to the

picturesque, old bridge. The view of Paro Dzong is best from this place.
See more pictures and maps on http://www.kontynenty.tpi.pl/5rtw6a.htm

Things To Do in Paro

Takshang Lhakang (Tiger's Nest), Paro
Attraction type: Religious site

Taktsang, Paro
This exceptional shrine is called “Tiger's Nest” for its perilous location,

perched on a mountainside 1500 meters above the ground.
Attraction type: Religious site

Paro Dzong, Paro
The current structure of this impressive fort was built upon the remains of formerly

destroyed 17th century structures; administrative offices occupy it today.
Attraction type: Religious site

Drukgyel Dzong, Paro
Though visitors cannot enter the ruins of this formerly majestic fortress, it's worth a

visit for the gorgeous backdrop of Chomolhari mountain.
Attraction type: Historic site

National Museum, Paro
This former fortress was turned into a museum in 1968.
Attraction type: Museum