Paro District
Gateway valley and home to Tiger's Nest Monastery
Paro District is Bhutan's main gateway valley, home to the country's only international airport and to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, clinging to a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor and Bhutan's most photographed landmark. The valley also holds Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery whose approach bridge appears on Bhutan's 100-ngultrum banknote, and the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in a converted watchtower above it.
A short drive from Western Bhutan's capital, Thimphu, Paro is where nearly every visitor to Bhutan lands, making it the natural start or end point of a Bhutan itinerary.
Curated Experiences
Our journeys in Bhutan.
Categories
Points of Interest
9 places
Attraction
Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery)
Bhutan's most iconic monastery
Attraction
Rinpung Dzong
Fortress of the heap of jewels
Attraction
National Museum of Bhutan
Bhutan's cultural treasury
Attraction
Kyichu Lhakhang
One of Bhutan's oldest temples
Attraction
Drukgyel Dzong
Ruined fortress of victory
Attraction
Chele La Pass
Bhutan's highest motorable pass
Attraction
Dungtse Lhakhang
Chorten-shaped temple with rare murals
Attraction
Tachog Lhakhang Iron Bridge
A temple reached by an iron chain bridge in the tradition of Thangtong Gyalpo
Attraction
Paro International Airport
Bhutan's only international airport, at 2,235 metres in the Paro valley
Culture
People & Culture
Paro's valley farmland and traditional villages sit alongside its role as Bhutan's aviation gateway, and the district retains a strong Buddhist devotional culture centred on Paro Taktsang and the older Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to date to the 7th century. The ruined Drukgyel Dzong, once used to repel Tibetan invasions, and the high Chele La Pass above the valley reflect Paro's historic role guarding Bhutan's western approaches.
Activities
Things to Do
Hike to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery
Visit Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples
See the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong
Drive up to Chele La Pass for Himalayan views
Visit Dungtse Lhakhang's painted interior
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
March–May & September–November
Other Districts in Western Bhutan
Stories from Paro District
All guides