Paro Valley

PARO (ALTITUDE 7,300 FEET)

• Taktshang Monastery: Need a whole day to see the Monastery perched on a steep cliff and return to hotel.
• Drugyal Dzong: The Fortress of the Victorious Drukpas built after victory over Tibetans in the mid 17th century is now in ruins. On a clear day you can view Mount Jhomolhari. About 20 minutes drive from Paro Town.
• Kyichu Lhakhang: One of the first temples built in the 7th century. It houses the Crowned Budddha (Jowo) and Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). It is about 10 minutes drive from the town.
• National Museum: Popularly called as Ta Dzong (watch tower) is the National Museum of Bhutan. In the mid 17th century it served as a watch tower. Below it stands the Rinpung Dzong which is currently the spiritual and temporal seat of Paro Dzongkhag. From Ta Dzong you can have panoramic view of the Airport, Paro town and neighboring villages. It is about ten minutes drive from the town.
• Rinpung Dzong: Rinpung meaning a ai???heap of jewels,ai??? is the spiritual and the temporal seat of Paro region. It was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is the venue for the Tshechu (festival) of Paro.
• Excursions: Kila Goempa nunnery: this gompa is nestled in a craggy patch on the mountain side,below Chelela-pass. It was established in the early 9th century ,as a meditaion site.
• Jele-Dzong: This is a 5 hours trek,through mixed coniferous forest,with a fairly gradual uphill climb. Along the trails,if lucky,you may spot white languars,Himalyan musk deers & monal pheasants.