PARO
Paro will be the first place if you are flying into Bhutan, located at the altitude of about 2280 m. Paro valley is unique in beauty and in history and events which marked beginning of great cultural heritage of the country. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries Paro is also one of the fertile valleys producing a Bhutan’s famous red rice.
Places of interest in PARO
Paro Dzong
Built in 1646,by shabdrung Ngawang Namgayl. It is also called the Rinpung Dzong, which means “fortress on the heap of Jewels”, now serves as the government offices and religious institutions. A walk through the traditional bridge, over a stone inlaid path, you enjoy the good view of the architectural wonder and the life around the Dzong. It is also the venue of Paro festival, held once a year in the spring.
Ta Dzong
Behind Rinpung Dzong, on the high hillside, is the Castile-shaped jewel of the Ta Dzong, which used to be a watchtower for the dzong. From 1967 the Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. The museum displays the ancient Bhutanese arts, relics, religious thangka paintings, weaponry, handicrafts and national stamps.
Drukgyel Dzong
18 km away from the Paro town is the Drukgyel Dzong. Also known as the fortress of the victory. It was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644.
Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest monastery in a country built by a Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. It is one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan.
Taktshang Monastery
It is one of the most famous monastery of Bhutan floating on the high cliff. The edge of the cliff is 900m from the Paro valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery for three months. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.
Farm House
Bhutanese farmhouses are very colorful and traditionally built without the use of nail. The houses are normally built of two to three storied. The down floor is mainly used for cattle. A visit to a Farm House is a very interesting and provides you with an experience to the daily lifestyle of a farmer.