At the altitude of 2195 m Paro is a picturesque town in Bhutan. This historical town has many sacred monasteries in and around the town. The Paro valley is also well known for rice cultivation. The beautiful Paro Chhu (river) is a prime attraction of the town as it flows just beside of the town. All of the houses, shops, hotels are built and painted in the traditional way which make the town more beautiful. The iconic Taktsang Monastery is the most popular destination not in Paro but in entire Bhutan also. Apart from this Rinpung Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan, Drukgyel Dzong, Kichu Lhakang, etc are some important landmarks of Paro. Not only history, the breathtaking landscape of Paro will definitely win the heart of a visitor.
Activities
Sightseeing tour: One can go for local sightseeing tour to the various places of interest in nearby areas. The full day tour program can be customized to meet your needs. Some of the places of interest are Rinpung Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan, Drukgyel Dzong, Kichu Lhakang, Jangsarbu Lhakhang, etc.
Excursion to Haa valley: One can go for a day trip to Haa valley, another beautiful destination in Bhutan. To reach this valley one will cross Chelela (3700 m) which is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. On a clear day one can see the superb view of Mt. Jomolhari or Chomolhari (7326 m) from here.
Day hike: One can go for a memorable day hike to Paro Taktsang monastery as known as Tiger’s nest. It takes around 2.5 hrs to reach at the monastery. Though it’s all ascent up to the monastery once you reach at the view point and see this masterpiece of architecture in front of your eyes- all of your tiredness vanishes in a while. If someone is visiting Bhutan this hike is highly recommended for them.
Mountain biking: Nothing is not memorable than exploring this town on wheels. If you love to cycling then we highly recommend you to get a mountain bike and explore the beautiful surroundings by yourself.
Places to Visit: Taktsang monastery, Rinpung Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan, Drukgyel Dzong, Kichu Lhakang, etc.
Travel Guide
Weather
The general temperature in Paro stays cold all time. During summer, mercury hardly crosses 25°C in daytime and during night it stays around 14°C. The average temperature for Paro is 12°C during winter. This city gets snowfall during the winter and looks so beautiful during that time. This town gets good amount of rainfall during monsoon.
Local Words
Generals greetings and words: Welcome greetings: Kuzo-zangpo la, Yes: Ong, No: Mengo, Little bit: Atshi-chi, Thank you: Kaadin-chhey la, Road: Lam, Shop/Store: Neyer Tshang, Market: Throm, Medicine: Mein.
Food and Drinks: Hot water: Chhu Tshe, Cold Water: Chhu Khem, Rice: Chum/ Tuoe, Mushrooms: Shamu, Lentils: Sem Chum Chung Ku, Vegetables: Tshe-sey, Butter Tea: Suja, Milk Tea: Naja.
Emotions: Good (Food): Shim-bay, Not Good (food): Me Shim-bay, Good (Places, things): Sacha Legshom, Not Good: (Place,things): Yoebab mabmi.
Time: Morning: Do-paa, Evening: Che-roo, Night: Nub-mo.
Relationships: Elder-brother: Acho, Younger brother: Nuchu, Elder Sister: Ashim, Younger sister: Num.
How are you?: Gadaybay zhu ga?
I’m fine: Layshom.
What is your name?(informal) Chhey-gi ming ga chi mo?
What is your name? (formal) Na gi tshen ga chi mo?
My name is Lucy: Ney-gee ming Lucy een la.
How far is it from here? Dikhar lay tharee gademchi mo?
How much? Gaa-dem-chi mo la?
Getting here
The nearest airport name is Paro airport (PBH). It is well connected with Bangkok, Kolkata and Bagdogra airport. But the flight are limited. The nearest popular airport beside Paro is Bagdogra airport (IXB) which is in India.
There is no railway connectivity in Bhutan. The nearest railway station name is Hashimara station (HSA) and New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) which are in India.
Paro is well connected by roads with other parts of Bhutan.
Permit
Tourists need permit to get into Paro. The visa procedure for Bhutan is different comparing to other countries. Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldives national have different visa procedure. Please contact us to know about the visa procedure in details.
Custom
Bhutan is a Buddhist country where people are very respectful to their culture. While visiting in any religious place please remove your footwear before entering into the main temple. Also it is advisable to wear modest clothes while visiting any religious place. People will happily pose for a picture but please ask them before taking any picture.
Safety
Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world where you hardly find any crime. People are very respectful towards each other. But for any safety concern you can reach to the nearest police station or tourist information center.
Health
You won’t find any mosquitoes here in Paro. Due to alpine climate tourist generally doesn’t get sick. But if you are allergic to plants and pollen then take precaution. The local hotels and restaurants serve safe drinking water but if you are not sure then you can buy packaged drinking water almost at every place.