Paro

Paro (population 11,500 in 2017) is a town in the south west of Bhutan.

Understand
Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. In addition, the Paro Valley is wide and verdant and is recognized as one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan. You may prefer to stay in Paro if you are someone who is fond of nature and would like to have a quiet and peaceful time. However, apart from the main street (which is constructed of traditional wooden structures), the bazaar area is a nondescript hodgepodge of concrete buildings that is totally bereft of charm and character. Along with Jakar and Punakha, Paro forms the 'golden triangle' of popular tourist destinations in Bhutan.

By plane
Paro is the site of the nation's sole international airport:. Located deep inside a narrow valley, Paro is often cited as the airport with the most difficult approach in the world. Although this is unlikely to be true, the descent does entail a flight path very close to mountain peaks, which can be unnerving for those on their maiden flight into the airport. Paro is served by two airlines, Druk Air, and Bhutan Airlines, which ply routes between Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Siliguri, Singapore, and Gaya (from Nov to March only).

By taxi
Taxis from Thimphu are easy to find at the 'bus booking,' and potential customers will be approached by taxi drivers. The journey takes between 45 to 60 mins. Rates - shared: Nu350, reserved: Nu1,400 (as of April 2024).

Get around
As the main tourist sites in Paro are spread out throughout the valley, a vehicle is required to get around. Taxis are available for hire inside the main bazaar.

See




Do

 * Paro Tshechu - a religious festival normally held around Feb-Mar
 * Trek to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest) - A three-hour trek up to the monastery located high on a vertical cliff. The path is quite clear once you reach the starting point, also there are a lot of people going to/coming back from the same. The trek takes you through very lush green forested areas and very scenic points. Do converse with co-trekkers, especially locals and llamas (monks), as this is a very good way of knowing/understanding/absorbing their beautiful culture. There is a cafeteria at about halfway, in case you need some refreshments or want to have some slightly expensive but tasty meal.

Buy

 * Kiras - The elegant traditional dress comprising of a cloth wrapped around as a skirt with a jacket for the top worn by Bhutanese women. The kiras are a lot cheaper in stores that are "General stores", as this is where the locals shop.
 * Souvenirs - The town is dotted with souvenir shops. Bargaining is recommended, especially if you are purchasing high-value items.

Budget

 * Hotel Peljorling, next to clock tower. . Excellent local and Indian cuisine at reasonable prices.
 * Hotel First Floor, main bazaar. Simple, no-nonsense Bhutanese dishes - large helpings at reasonable prices.

Alcohol

 * Zhiwa Ling Hotel has a nice bar serving most top-notch Western liquors and international beers. Additionally, the hotel has a disco on the ground floor.

Budget

 * Sonam Trophel Inn, The hotel is located in the heart of the city. Sonam Trophel is a familiar and distinctive landmark, traditional wooden architect & paintings apart from the glass and concrete conformity of other hotels. There are 10 rooms including 2 luxury suites. The rooms are furnished with basic modern amenities including spacious attached baths with running hot/cold water, TV with satellite channels, direct dial STD/ISD, laundry. WiFi connectivity and car parking is also available.

Mid-range

 * Hotel KK, nice rooms but extremely slow food service and rude staff.
 * Hotel Jor-yangz, on the hill above the airport. Nice rooms with some of them having beautiful views of the Paro valley, efficient service.

Go next

 * Thimphu - Capital of Bhutan
 * Jakar - The spiritual heart of Bhutan. Around 8-9 hours.
 * Punakha - A beautiful valley. Around 3 hours.

Connect

 * There are a couple of internet cafes in the main bazaar - with the most convenient being on the road behind the main square, next to the bakery. However, internet connections in Paro are notoriously slow so be prepared for a very long wait.