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Paro lies on the banks of the Paro Chhu in the centre of a broad valley — the only area in the country large enough to allow a plane to safely land.

Paro Dzong

The fertile and productive soil has made the local population relatively wealthy, reflected in the standard of the local buildings, including probably the finest dzong in Bhutan. Reached by crossing a wooden bridge over the river, it was used on several occasions to defend the valley from Tibetan invasions.

The National Museum

The former watchtower on the hill above now houses the National Museum with exhibits including a fascinating collection of pottery, armour, thangkas and a complete temple.

Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Outside the town, a trail through the forest brings you to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery that clings to a sheer cliff — well worth the climb for the far-reaching views.

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Alison, an Audley Travel specialist

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Paro by contacting one of our Bhutan specialists

Suggested itineraries featuring Paro

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Paro, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Paro

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Paro

    Our expert guides to exploring Paro

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Paro, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Paro at its best.

    • Festivals of Bhutan
      Paro tsechu, Bhutan

      Festivals of Bhutan

      Festivals of Bhutan

      Festivals are very important to Bhutanese people, they're a great excuse to celebrate and socialise. We can highly recommend incorporating a festival into your tailor-made trip to Bhutan, as an ideal way of immersing yourself in the country's culture.

      4 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Paro

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Paro. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Paro

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Paro, and which use the best local guides.

    • Tiger's Nest Monastery & Drukgyel Dzong
      Tiger's Nest Monastery

      Tiger's Nest Monastery & Drukgyel Dzong

      Tiger's Nest Monastery & Drukgyel Dzong

      The Tiger's Nest Monastery is possibly the most famous in Bhutan, having been founded in the late 1600s, and perched on a high rocky ledge 900 m above the valley floor allegedly at a place where Guru Rinpoche rested, travelling on a flying tiger.

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