If you are coming to Bhutan by air then Paro is going to be your introduction to this small and beautiful country in Himalaya. Situated in the Paro Valley of Eastern Himalaya, the town is full of legends, heroism, and natural splendour. Though, the capital of Bhutan is Thimphu, but for a longer time of the history Paro had the control of this part of the country. The town is located at an altitude of 2,250 m above the sea level with river flowing gently on its side and making it the most beautiful valley in the country. Visit Paro in the spring and see for yourself what a Kaleidoscope of striking colours this place presents.

WHAT TO DO

Bhutan in some way is the only country left in the world still untouched by the hazards of modern world's so called material development. This phenomenon has made this country an unforgettable place to explore and giving you access to some of the most exclusive trekking routes in the world. Sightseeing, trekking, hiking, and nature and bird watching are some of the activities in Paro Valley that would have a rejuvenating effect on you.

CITY AT A GLANCE

HISTORY

Paro is a place full of legends and history and events which marked the beginning of great cultural heritage of the country. According to legends, Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) came on the back of a tigress to Paro in AD 761, bringing with him the teachings of Buddha from Tibet. Guru Rimpoche established the most important religious site in Bhutan, the Taktsang Lhakang or Tiger's Nest near Paro. Religious leaders of Paro controlled Western Bhutan for quite a long time and Nyingmapa School established by Guru Rimpoche gave great monks and able leaders (the present monarchy also belong to same school). Sgabdrung Ngwang Namgyal arrived in Bhutan in 1616 from Tibet and established the dual system of governance here that remained in place till the beginning of last century. At the end of 19th century Penlop of Paro was defeated by Penlop of central and eastern Bhutan, who later became the first king of the country.

WEATHER AND BEST SEASON TO VISIT

Paro is the part of a country that displays more climatic changes in a small area than any other part of the world. While the day temperature in this region can go up to 15.50ºC, night temperature can go below the freezing point. Spring, mid - December to mid - January, is a beautiful experience here with clear blue sky and dry climate. Summer (May - August) is warm and wet and visibility is very low during this season. Autumn, October through November, is very mild with clear skies. The best time to visit Paro is spring when weather is at its best and blooming colours of nature makes it an unimaginable destination.

ATTRACTIONS

Gateway to the Bhutan and its one of the most important places, Paro is a pleasant experience. With a total length of only one mile and just one street, Paro can be considered as one of the smallest town on earth with an international airport. Most of the residents here live in the beautiful valley that surrounds the town.

Paro Dzong
Paro Dzong is the symbolic centre of religious and secular affairs of entire Paro Valley. Consecrated in 1646, the Dzong is an architectural wonder that showcases the cultural strength of kingdom's strength.

National Museum
National Museum of Bhutan is situated above the Paro Dzong in the old watchtower, one of the earliest constructed buildings in the country. The collection in the museum includes weapons and stamps, birds and mammals, and a good display of ancient Bhutanese art and artefacts.

Taktsang Lhakang (Tiger's Nest)
Most important religious site for the Bhutanese people, this monastery is located at a distance of around 80 km from Paro, precariously perched on the edge of a cliff. It is a long walk from Paro to this monastery and it is difficult to find anybody except the trekkers and Buddhist monks on this walk. Taktsang Lhakang is the place where it is believed that Guru Rimpoche arrived more than a million ago on the back of a legendary tigress. He mediated in a cave for around two months where this monastery was built later. Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited has constructed a beautiful coffee-house at a wonderful vantage point of the monastery.

IMPORTANT FESTIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS

Paro Tshechu, celebrated in the spring season at Paro Dzong is perhaps most famous event that takes place in Bhutan. Celebrated in remembrance of Guru Rimpoche's arrival in Paro Valley in the 8th century AD, the festival is one of the purest manifestations of traditional Bhutanese traditions. Main attractions of the festival are mask dance and music performances of lamas enacting the events of the past.

SHOPPING

Weekend bazaars and small shops sell precious stones brought from Tibet and India, local weaving products, local vegetables and fruits, antique silverware, and old Tibetan coins. To export the antique items from Bhutan, government certification is required.

WHERE TO STAY

Paro has only one good hotel run by Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited. Most of the rooms are done in traditional Bhutanese style that gives you a feeling of living in a Dzong. Tariffs are almost equal everywhere, irrespective of facilities available or services provided. You should remember that Bhutan is not a cheap country and government has set a minimum expenditure of US$200 per tourist per day.

WHERE TO EAT

Most of the good restaurants in Bhutan are located in the hotels only, as the standard of food outside is bad to pathetic. Buffet is the preferable way of eating in these restaurants. Local cuisine is combination of north Indian and Tibetan cuisines mixed with red-hot chilly rich dishes of Bhutan.

TRANSPORT RESOURCES

Air Travel Resources
Paro International Airport is the gateway to the country connected by national carrier Druk Air with Calcutta, Kathmandu, New Delhi, Dhaka, and Bangkok. The airline has only two aircraft with 72 seats each.

Land
Paro is connected to Thimphu, the capital, with an all weather road. Public transport is served by the buses which are often crowded and you are advised not to use them. More often than not, you will visit Bhutan through a travel agency recognised by government of Bhutan. Make sure that your guide is waiting for you at the airport with the transport.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

Banks and Money Exchange
Bhutan has two banks that exchange all the foreign currencies and traveller's cheques. Important foreign currencies like US$ and UK£ are accepted in towns but outside it is difficult. Make sure that you have enough local currency or Indian rupee before you venture out for excursion.

Medical services
Referral hospitals are the only source of medical care in this region. Central Hospital is located in the capital city of Thimphu, but even that is not sufficient to take care of complex diseases.