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.
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.
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 belongs 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.
Places to See
Drukgyel Dzong
With a delightful village nestling at its foot, this Dzong was built in 1646
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders
led by Mongolian Warlord, Gushri Khan. Historically and strategically this
Dzong withstood all its glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide National
Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was
destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view
of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
Rinpung Dzong
Also known as “fortress of the heap of jewels ", it was built during
the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The approach to the Dzong is
through a traditional covered bridge called the Nemi Zam. A walk through the
bridge to the Dzong, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural
wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also venue of the Paro
Tshechu, held once a year inspiring.
Ta Dzong
On a ridge immediately above the Rinpung Dzong is the Ta Dzong, built in 1951
as a watch tower. Unlike the rectangular shape of the Dzongs, Ta Dzong is
round, more like parts of an European castle. Since 1967 the Dzong was re-established
as the National Museum and holds a fascinating collection of art, relics,
religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps.
Kyichu Lhakhang
The origin of Kyichu Lhakhang dates back to the seventh century, it is one
of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan (the other is Jambey Lhakhang
in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples, the first temple
was built by Buddhist Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and
in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kessang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged for a second
temple to be built alongside the first one, in same style.
Farm House
The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of quaint Farm Houses.
Bhutanese Farm Houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built
without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern.
A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the
lifestyle of a farmer.
Kila Goemba
It is serene home of Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their life for spiritual
fulfillment and leading undisturbed life of religious studies, prayer and
meditation. The Goemba is nestled in a craggy patch on the mountain side below
the Chele la pass and perched precariously along the rock face. From Chele
la pass, the Lhakhang is about an hour walk amidst magnificent wooded area.
Druk Choeding
Built in 1525, this town temple was built by Ngawang Chhogyel, one of the
prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet and an ancestor of the Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal
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.
Excursion
Taktsang Monastery
Literally meaning ‘Tiger’s Nest’ because Guru Rinpoche is
said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress and
then meditated in a cave for three months in the eighth century. It is precariously
perched on the right side of a cliff, at 2950 metres above sea level and is
considered one of the holiest places of pilgrimage for the Buddhist world
today. In April, 1998, a fire destroyed the main structure of the monastery.
The present king commanded the government that Taktsang be constructed to
its original structure and architectural splendor. Accordingly the reconstruction
was commenced in March, 2000 and finally completed and restored to its original
splendor in early 2005. A visit to this monastery is challenging and amply
rewarding. It is about 5 hours round trip including a lunch stop at the view
point where there is a cafeteria.
Thimpu (2hrs)
Make a tour to the capital of Bhutan, Thimpu (Thimphu) that is famous for
being the most unique capital city of the world because of its untouched natural
beauty. Thimpu is a major tourist destination of the Himalayan country Bhutan.
Thimpu lands in a beautiful valley fanning out of Thimpu Chuu River.
Thimpu, being the capital of Bhutan is the home to the revered Bhutanese Royal
Family, the Royal government and Judiciary of Bhutan. Thimpu is most famous
for its cultural tours. The major tourist attractions in Thimpu are the galleries,
museums or places of historic interest. The blissful natural beauty of the Himalayas
attracts a lot of tourists to Thimpu.
Dining Out
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
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.
Visiting
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.
How to get there
By Air : 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.
By Road : 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
