PARO BHUTAN
The gateway to Bhutan for the international community, Paro, Bhutan is a beautiful valley flanked by the Paro Chhu (river) and scenic paddy fields. From monasteries and monuments to craft shops and cafes, Paro, Bhutan is idyllic for visitors. Its charm lies in the diversity it offers to eager travellers. Paro’s charm lies not only in its still picturesque natural scenery but its quaintness and old-world charm. It is also a pretty well-developed town with cafes and coffee shops in almost every nook and cranny and you would be delighted by the experience say of sitting in a quiet, cosy café and reading a book on Bhutan. The town’s wide range of entertainment includes visiting monuments the most famous being the Tiger’s Nest, shopping, buying souvenirs and if you are adventurous, the nightlife is pretty vibrant too on designated days. Otherwise just strolling through the streets of Paro, observing life in Bhutanese-style setting is a treat for the tired senses.
Must Visit Places in Paro,Bhutan:
#Taktshang Monastery/ Tiger’s Nest Monastery
A visitor of Bhutan’s bucket list remains incomplete without a visit to this famed monastery. Nestled on a rocky cliff 2,600m from the Paro valley and 2,900m from sea level, the monastery is a marvelous structure that defies logic. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, a Buddhist saint, flew to the cave on the back of a flaming tigress and meditated here to subjugate malicious spirits. Guru also incarnated in his eight manifestations here. The hike to Tigers nest (Taktshang) takes about three to six hours and has a well-developed trail.
#Paro Dzong (Fort)
When you are about to enter Paro town, an ancient wooden cantilever bridge leads to the Rinchenpung Dzong called Rinpung Dzong in short which means ‘Fortress on a heap of jewels’. The fort is strategically constructed on a steep ridge on the other side of the Paro River. The Dzong houses both district administration offices and the central monk body like most of the Dzongs in the country. The three-day Paro Tshechu is also held in the courtyard of this
amazing structure.
#Namgay Artisanal Brewery
Namgay Artisanal Brewery is located in Dumsibu, about five minutes` drive from Bondey Bridge, on a ridge overlooking the Paro valley. The brewery is a first of its kind in the country and has its own bar called “TAP” and a restaurant called “NAB” bistro. The bar on the ground floor is a fusion of modern and traditional décor. The bar serves all the seven beers that the
brewery brews; three in bottles and four on tap. The brewery’s products include red rice lager, dark ale, the wheat beer which are already bottled and apple cider, milk stout, IPA and pilsner. Their bistro on the first floor serves Indian, International, Bhutanese, and Continental. Visitors
can take a tour through the brewery for a certain fee where they can observe and learn about the brewing process. They can also taste the seven types of beers which are complimentary. The brewery was established in 2016.
#Farmhouse stay
Paro is known for its beautiful outskirts. Many traditional households are scattered on the fringes of the town which offer homestay services. You can stay at one of these farmhouses and witness firsthand how a Bhutanese family lives. Bhutanese families are known for their hospitality and you can partake in the nourishing, delicious home-cooked meals ideally along with the family.
Farmhouses also offer hot stone bath services where stones are heated in a furnace and used to warm water for a bath. It is said that hot stone baths relieve a number of ills including body ache.
#Tachog Temple bridge
Twenty minutes’ drive away from the Chuzom (river confluence) of Thimphu River and Paro River, you come across the Tachog temple on a ridge adjacent to the road. You can reach this temple only via a centuries-old iron bridge built by Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo in the 1300s with his bare hands.
Over the years, the bridge was repaired several times but the major part of the chain links are still from olden times. Crossing the bridge is a challenge if you are scared of heights but it will have your adrenalin pumping.
#Bumdra
This moderate hike kicks off from a trail from Sang Choekhor Monastery in Paro at 2,800 meters and it ascends up to 4,000 meters till Bumdra. This short but challenging trek takes you through lush greenery and forests and offers you glimpses of the spectacular Himalayas. The trail is quite well-maintained. The first stop is a small temple called Choe Tse Lhakhang from where
you can get a panoramic view of the Paro valley. Climbing uphill for another half an hour, you will reach an open meadow adorned with prayer flags and a small white stupa. The campsite has views of the magnificent snowcapped mountains.
#Paro National Museum
The Paro Rinpung Dzong or Ta Dzong is located above the Paro Dzong. The watchtower was built in 1649 to defend the fortress from invaders. The watchtowers are circular in structure with windows spread irregularly across its body. It is said that the tower was also used as a prison and the fourth floor was the prison cell. A secret tunnel leading to to the Pachu River supposedly
existed in the Ta dzong. The secret passage was used to fetch water from the river during times of war. The tower is now a national museum containing many national artefacts including old Thangka scrolls, utensils from the 17th century, armaments and even an egg said to be laid by a
mule.
#Local food
If you are a foodie, nothing can be more fun or fulfilling than staying at a farmhouse and experiencing Bhutanese cuisine first hand. From the national dish ema dashi to its numerous variants like kewa datshi and mushroom datshi, sikam (dried pork) with string beans to shakam (dried beef), ara (local alcohol brewed from rice), you would love to taste the wide array of Bhutanese dishes. Bhutanese food tends to be on the spicier side (you see here, chili is a vegetable, not a condiment) but then life and your taste buds can do with spice up when you are in the country!
access
4 Feb 2021Hello, I enjoy reading through your post. I wanted to write a little comment to support you. Kessia Malchy Maddy
dublaj
9 Feb 2021Looking forward to reading more. Great article post. Thanks Again. Alvina Gerald Koziarz
dublaj
10 Feb 2021At this rate, you can debut as a article author. Now i am so touched. Now i am happy to meet you. Give thanks you. Stephine Phil Mandych
turkce
10 Feb 2021As I site possessor I believe the content material here is rattling great , appreciate it for your efforts. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck. Florrie Ellsworth Domenic
erotik
11 Feb 2021You are so interesting! I do not believe I have read something like that before. So good to find another person with a few genuine thoughts on this subject. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is something that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality! Blanch Edgardo Franciska
Quincy
24 Nov 2021I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This post posted at this site is genuinely fastidious.
Alana
15 Dec 2021Yes! Finally someone writes about website.
Bennett
11 Jan 2022Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
Laurene
26 Jan 2022Wonderful web site. A lot of helpful information here.
I am sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And naturally, thank you for your sweat!