Paro Bhutan Travel Guide

A complete resource for travellers planning a deep and immersive journey in Bhutan

Paro has a quiet charm that reveals itself slowly. At first glance, it looks like a wide open valley with tidy houses, a winding river and a backdrop of blue mountains. But spend some time here and you realise Paro is one of the most culturally rich and historically layered regions in Bhutan. This is where ancient monasteries cling to cliffs, where festivals transform the valley into a sea of colour, and where travellers begin to understand the intimate link between Bhutanese life and its landscape.

Paro is also one of the most comfortable bases for travellers. The only international airport in the country is here, and the valley has some of the finest Paro hotels, boutique stays and homely lodges that suit a wide range of preferences. Whether you are looking for heritage, nature, photography, monasteries or a peaceful place to unwind, Paro allows you to travel at your own pace.

This guide is designed to help knowledgeable and curious travellers explore Paro in depth and plan their journey with confidence. If you need help with Paro tour packages, customised itineraries or reliable on-ground support, NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited is always available at +919733300696.

The Paro Valley Landscape

A blend of culture, agriculture and high mountains

Paro is one of the widest valleys in Bhutan, shaped by the Paro Chu, which flows from the glaciers of the Chomolhari range. The river nourishes rice fields, wheat terraces and scattered villages. Even though Paro has modern amenities, the valley still feels rooted in its agrarian rhythm. The sight of farmers working in fields with the dzong rising on the hill and the airport runway in the distance creates a unique harmony between past and present.

Historically, Paro was an important link on trade routes to Tibet. Merchants, monks and caravans passed through this valley for centuries. Even today, the cultural richness of Paro reflects those exchanges through architecture, festivals, crafts and stories that locals love to share.

How to Reach Paro

Roads, distances and the only international airport in Bhutan

Most travellers arrive in Bhutan by air, and this naturally brings them to Paro. The approach itself is considered one of the most scenic flights in the world with deep valleys, forested slopes and the sharp peaks of the Himalayas appearing almost within reach.

Paro Airport has regular flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Kathmandu and Dhaka, depending on the season. From the airport, the town is a short drive north.

Paro also connects easily by road through the Jaigaon Phuentsholing border. The drive from Phuentsholing to Paro takes about five and a half to six hours and is one of the most pleasant road journeys in Bhutan, with dramatic elevation change and superb Himalayan views.

Distances from Paro
Paro to Thimphu, 65 km, about 1 hour
Paro to Haa, 65 km, about 2 hours
Paro to Phuentsholing, 175 km, about 5.5 hours
Paro to Punakha via Thimphu, 140 km, about 4.5 hours

If you require help arranging transfers, permitted routes or a complete Bhutan travel plan, NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited can handle everything, including hotels, guides and permits.

Paro Sightseeing and Attractions

A complete guide to monasteries, museums, valleys and cultural landmarks

Paro sightseeing is a rewarding mix of history, religion, scenic landscapes and local life. Even if you have a packed itinerary, leave some flexible time because Paro encourages slow travel and spontaneous exploration.

Paro Dzong

The heart of the valley and one of the strongest fortresses in Bhutan

Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, rises on a rocky outcrop overlooking both sides of the valley. The foundations of spiritual activity at this site go back to the tenth century, when Padma Sambhavna first established a monastery here. Over the centuries, the structure expanded, legends grew around it, and invasions from Tibet tested its strength.

In 1646 Ngawang Namgyal rebuilt it on a larger scale using stone instead of clay. The dzong once housed treasures, manuscripts and valuable objects. A devastating fire in 1907 destroyed much of the original structure and the present dzong owes its restoration to Penlop Dawa Penjor. Inside you will still find sacred masks, costumes and murals that narrate centuries of Bhutanese life.

A medieval covered bridge leads you across the river toward the dzong, making it one of the most photographed sites in the country. Above Paro Dzong stands the ancient watchtower which has been Bhutan's National Museum since 1967.

National Museum of Bhutan

A deep dive into Bhutanese culture and natural history

Located in the round watchtower above the dzong, the National Museum offers a beautifully curated introduction to Bhutan. Exhibits include traditional costumes, weapons, masks, manuscripts and natural history displays. The museum is small but extremely informative and one of the best places for travellers trying to understand Bhutanese identity, folklore and regional diversity.

Paro Tsechu

A colourful festival that transforms the valley

Held in March or April, Paro Tsechu is one of the largest and most significant festivals in Bhutan. For five days the festival grounds above the dzong come alive with monks, dancers, dramatic masked performances and locals dressed in vibrant gho and kira. It is also a magnet for photographers and culture enthusiasts who want to witness living Bhutanese traditions in full colour.

On one morning of the festival the giant Thongdel a sacred silk scroll is unfurled at dawn, drawing visitors and locals who believe that viewing the Thongdel helps cleanse sins.

Taktsang Monastery

The famous Tigers Nest and the most iconic trek in Bhutan

About half an hours drive north of Paro town begins the trail to Taktsang Monastery. Perched on a sheer 3000 foot cliff, this monastery is both a sacred pilgrimage site and a bucket list destination for travellers. According to legend Padma Sambhavna arrived here on the back of a flying tigress.

The trek takes around three hours one way for an average walker. There is a cafeteria midway where travellers can rest and photograph the monastery from a beautiful viewpoint. Horses can be hired up to the mid point but the final stretch must be walked.

The trail offers sweeping views of Paro Valley, prayer flags fluttering in the wind and the dramatic architecture of Taktsang which seems almost suspended in the air.

Sangtog Peri Monastery

A hidden retreat high above the valley

Even higher than Taktsang, Sangtog Peri Monastery is a peaceful retreat that offers unmatched views of the Paro Valley. Its location on a projecting rocky spur makes it look like a temple floating between sky and valley. Travellers looking for meditative spaces and offbeat hiking experiences will enjoy visiting this site.

Kyichu Lhakhang

One of the oldest and holiest temples in Bhutan

A few kilometres north of the dzong lies Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple with origins linked to the earliest spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. With its beautiful orange trees, prayer wheels and serene courtyard, it is a favourite for travellers who enjoy quiet historical sites. The present Queen Mother added a new extension to the temple, giving it a blend of ancient and contemporary Bhutanese aesthetics.

Drukgyel Dzong

Ruins that tell the story of ancient battles

Further up the valley stands the ruined Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1649 to celebrate a Bhutanese victory over Tibetan invaders. Though a fire destroyed the structure in 1954, its hilltop setting and partially standing towers still give a strong sense of its former grandeur. The word Druk refers to the Thunder Dragon, and Gyel refers to victory, together symbolising the spirit of Bhutan.

Paro Hotels and Stays

Where to stay for comfort, views and easy access to sightseeing

Paro has a wide range of hotels, resorts and homestays. Many properties overlook the river or offer views of the dzong and the valley. Travellers often divide their stay between a hotel in Paro town for convenience and a quieter resort on the outskirts for a more immersive experience.

If you need assistance finding the right accommodation based on location, comfort level, budget or access to hikes and monasteries, NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited can help shortlist the best Paro hotels.

Paro Tour Packages and Travel Planning

Why expert guidance makes the visit smoother

Planning a trip to Paro is not just about hotels and sightseeing. Permits, internal transfers, timing of festivals, trekking conditions and customised cultural experiences all matter. With decades of experience in Bhutan travel, NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited offers reliable and well-researched Paro tour packages that cover everything from airport pickup to guided monastery visits and day hikes.

If you are planning a multi-destination trip combining Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Haa or Bumthang, we can design an itinerary that balances travel time, comfort and cultural depth. Call 9733300696 for personalised recommendations.

Our Services in Bhutan

If you are considering a trip to Paro and need expert guidance, NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited, with 20 years of experience, can help with customised plans, reliable transport, hotel bookings, permits and complete Bhutan travel assistance. Call +919733300696 and speak to our Bhutan specialists today.