Paro
South Asia · Bhutan
Did you know?
- Traditional wooden buildings line the town's main street.
- Locals play kuru, a traditional dart game, beside the river in the evening.
- Tiger's Nest monastery is reached by an uphill hike.
See also
Thimphu
Bhutan27.47°N 89.64°E · 2,321 m
Overview
Paro has sacred sites and historic buildings scattered throughout its green valley. Traditional wooden structures along the main street add to the town's architectural appeal.
Languages: Dzongkha
Why Go
Paro is a historic town with sacred sites and historical buildings scattered throughout the valley. The Paro Valley is recognized as one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan, with wide, verdant landscapes and traditional wooden structures along the main street. Along with Jakar and Punakha, Paro forms the 'golden triangle' of popular tourist destinations in Bhutan, making it an essential stop for understanding the country's cultural heritage.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Paro is served by Paro Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan. Most visitors arrive by air, with Druk Air being the national carrier. The airport is located near the main town, making arrival convenient for travelers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get Around
As the main tourist sites in Paro are spread throughout the valley, a vehicle is required to get around. Taxis are available for hire inside the main bazaar area. The valley is approximately 15 km wide, so transport is essential for reaching distant sites like Drukgyel Dzong.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where To Stay
Accommodation in Paro ranges from luxury resorts like Aman Resort (starting at US$1000 per night) and Zhiwa Ling Hotel (emphasizing traditional Bhutanese architecture) to more moderate options. Hotels near the airport offer convenience for early flights, while options along main street provide easy access to restaurants and shops.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food And Drink
Paro offers Bhutanese, Nepalese, and Indian cuisine. Hotel Tandin serves fresh momo (dumplings) and Bhutanese dishes at reasonable prices. Sonam Trophel Restaurant on Main Street (open 10AM-8:30PM, Tu-Sun) offers authentic Bhutanese, Nepalese, and Indian cuisine with espresso-based coffees. Brioche Café on Main Street (9AM-9PM daily) serves excellent coffee, organic bakery items, pastries, and desserts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things To Do
The iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) is a 2-3 hour uphill hike from the parking lot, precariously perched on a 1,200-m cliff. An entry fee of Nu1,000 is levied on all foreign nationals, with the ticket office open until 1PM. The Paro Tshechu, a religious festival, is normally held around February-March. You can also watch locals playing kuru (a traditional dart game) during evenings at the river bank near the Bhutan Telecom office.
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Go Next
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is the primary onward destination. Jakar, the spiritual heart of Bhutan, is approximately 8-9 hours away. Punakha, a beautiful valley, is around 3 hours from Paro.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Aman Resort
A very expensive and luxurious hotel. Starting rate for single: US$ 1000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Como Paro Hotel
An historical building converted into a hotel that features fantastic views over the Paro Valley. They serve "healthy cuisine".
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Holiday Inn
A single-storey hotel convenient for the airport and close to the main town. Friendly and efficient service. Pleasant rooms.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Nak Sel Hotel and Spa
A luxury hotel, owned by Rainbow Tours, with about 40 guest rooms. The hotel rooms have a view of the Tiger's Nest and Mt. Jomolhari.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Zhiwa Ling Hotel
A large hotel emphasizing Bhutanese traditional architecture. Located near a number of monasteries.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Brioche Café
Excellent coffee. Bakery items made from organic ingredients. Tasty pastries and desserts. Somewhat tired and uninspired interior design.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Hotel Tandin
Main town, Paro. Contact for fresh dumpling (momo), Bhutanese dishes, noodle. reasonable price.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Indian Masala
Large restaurant with classic Indian decor. Bright and airy. Indian chef. Excellent meals. Friendly and helpful service.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Internet and mobile coverage available in Paro town. WiFi available at hotels and some restaurants.
Culture
Paro has many sacred Buddhist sites. Dress modestly when visiting temples and dzongs. Remove shoes before entering religious buildings.
Money
The local currency is Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN/Nu). Credit card acceptance may be limited outside larger hotels.
Transport
Taxis are available for hire in the main bazaar. A vehicle is required as main tourist sites are spread throughout the valley.
Visa
Bhutan requires a visa for most international visitors, arranged through authorized tour operators.