Paro in Bhutan
05.24.09
Paro
Location: West of Thimphu
Distance from Thimphu: 65 km(2 hours)
Elevation: 2250m/ 7382ft above sea level
This beautiful valley is home to many Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and temples. The country’s only airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to Mount Jumolhari(7,326 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. Some of the popular trek routes also start and end in Paro( Jumolhari Trek, Laya Gasa Trek, Snowmen Trek, Drukpath Trek), birding, etc. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Paro.
Paro – Drugyel dzong
This ruined dzong is of historical importance. It was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung to commemorate the victory of the Drukpas over the Tibetan invasion in 1644. The Bhutanese still vividly recall and celebrate this victory which was tremendously important to the history of the area. On a clear day (7326m/ 24035ft), you have a fascinating view of the white domed peak of sacred Jumolhari (Mountain of Goddess).
Paro – Tiger’s Nest
Generally regarded as Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon, the Taktshang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, is strikingly iconic of the country’s culture and traditions. Legend has it that the Guru Rinpoche flew to the monastery on the back of a tiger, hence the nickname. It towers majestically over 800 metres above sea level, and forms the spectacular culmination of a number of forest hikes, offering wonderful views of the Paro valley and the surrounding landscape. Despite a number of devastating fires, the Tiger’s Nest is beautifully restored, and remains a must-see attraction during your stay in Bhutan.
Paro – Rimpung Dzong
The Bhutanese Dzongs are huge architectural structures constructed for a variety of functions throughout the country, from administrative buildings to monasteries and temples, yet they are carefully and thoughtfully designed and are strikingly beautiful. The Rimpung Dzong, known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels” in the picturesque setting of the Paro valley, is of course no exception, built in the time of the dynamic spiritual and political leader Zhabdrung in 1644. Once a year, as part of the Tsechu festival, one of the oldest Thongdol (gigantic scroll paintings) is ceremonially unfurled here.
Paro – Ta Dzong
This means – watch tower, which it served as during the 17th century to guard the region from the Tibetan invasion. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. It houses a fine collection of Bhutanese art, relics, religious thankas (used to bolster the visualization generated during meditation and were made from Himalayan animal fibers), paintings, animals found in Bhutan, arms and ammunitions and the country’s exquisite stamp collections.
Paro – Kichu Lhakhang
(Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is believed that he took the responsibility to built 108 temples in the different regions of Tibet, Bhutan and in other Himalayan regions to control evil spirits, disease and droughts out of which two of them are in Bhutan.(Kichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang).
Local bars
The local bars in the towns do not live up to Western standards, but the people are polite, friendly but not obtrusive. Your Raven Tours and Treks guide will be happy to escort you into town to visit such a bar. It is very unlikely that any of the bar staff will speak English, hence the need for the guide!
Visit to a local farmhouse for dinner
Bhutan is justly NOT famous for it’s cuisine, which is somewhat predictable. Eating at a local farmhouse at least gives a slightly different variation, and a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just the brightly decorated exteriors
