The best destinations to visit in Paro within 2 days

Paro, Bhutan’s very own valley town, is one of the widest valleys in Bhutan and is home to a large number of rice fields. It is also a very religious town, with as many as 155 temples and monasteries located here. Owing to its unique culture and variety in terrain, there are numerous things to do in Paro.

Also, Paro has the country’s only international airport, which is in close proximity to most of the top tourist attractions. That and the many luxury resorts in the area make Paro one of the best travel destinations in Bhutan. The numerous things to do in Paro often attract travelers who like to experience the cultural side of their destination.

Tiger’s Nest

Few kilometers drive from Paro, it is a steep climb to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang), a monastery clinging the side of a rocky cliff at the elevation of 3120m above the sea level and 3000 feet above the Paro valley in Bhutan. Tiger’s nest is on the side of the mountain overlooking Paro Valley in Bhutan.

The trail to Taktshang is well constructed and maintained with fresh and cool mountain air. You will ascend a thousand of steps and it gives plenty of opportunities to admire the breathtaking views.  The two and half hour stroll up the mountains to Tiger’s nest (Taktshang) is through forests of rhododendron and pines with many birds and smaller animals to be enjoyed.

National Museum of Bhutan

It is always a good thing to learn about the history and culture of any place you visit, and the same goes for this valley town, Bhutan’s National Museum, located in Paro, houses depictions of some of the greatest saints and leaders in Bhutan, as well some of the historically significant traditional masks and costumes. In addition to all this, you also get the VIP view to the best sunset watching spot in the whole of Paro. These interesting things are what makes visiting the museum one of the best things to do in your Paro vacation.

Kyichu Lhakhang Temple

Photo Apisak Kanjanapusit

Kyichu Lhakhang (also called Lho Kyerchu and Kyerchu) is a majestic seventh-century temple revered as one of the most magnificent sites of worship in Bhutan. Located in the town of Paro, some sources reference the temple as one of the oldest in the nation; others name it the oldest.

The original temple is said to have been built overnight on the left foot of a colossal ogress, otherwise referred to as a demoness, who intercepted the spread of Buddhism as she lay across the land. It is thought to be one of over 100 temples established to overpower her so Buddhism could flourish far and wide.

Paro Craft Market

For all you shopaholics who want to do some shopping in Paro, do not expect three-story malls or designer boutiques here. However, you can shop or some locally made handicrafts like handbags, lanterns, clothes, and wall decorations as well, either for your own home or as souvenirs. There are also a few cafes nearby where you can enjoy some sweet tea and pastries.

Drukgyel Dzong

For much of human history, the land that makes up modern Bhutan was recognized as the territory of Tibet. It was not until the early-to-mid-17th century, when Bhutan and Tibet went to war and Drukgyel Dzong was built, that things began to change.

In 1634, a Tibetan refugee by the name of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal rose to power in Bhutan and led an army to victory over Tibet in the Battle of Five Lamas. Through this war the Bhutanese state was effectively born, and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal became its first ruler.

Local Food

One of the top things to do in Paro is relishing some delicious local cuisine. If you love street food, almost every street has some street vendors selling delicious piping hot momos, along with their special soup, a Bhutanese specialty.

If you are looking for a finer dining experience, you can check out some of the best restaurants in Paro, like the Bukhari Restaurant, which has a sophisticated menu that focuses on healthy eating, and Tou Zaiga Restaurant, which has some of the best local flavours of Bhutan, like Ema Datshi, as well as some western food.

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24 hours in Thimphu: What to see and do

This city is the heart of the country in every aspect possible. Thimphu is not only the capital city of Bhutan, but it is also its economic hub. The capital is also home to Bhutan’s royal family along with some 100,000 local residents. Thimphu is the ideal travel destination for tourists who are looking for places to explore and want to experience strong cultural vibes with the comfort of modern amenities. It is the perfect blend of new and old. 

Go to Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass is one of the most spectacular places to visit while in Thimphu, located at 10,000ft. It not only has breathtaking scenery but is also a place, which will lend you a surreal experience of being in a memorial place for 108 Bhutanese soldiers who died in an armed conflict in 2003.

These soldiers are commemorated by 108 stupas (Wangyal Chortens). This pass is enveloped in lush greenery, cool mountain air, and gives an amazing view of some of the seven-thousanders in the Himalayan range. The pass also has the magnificent Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Temple, which is a must-see.

Take in Spectacular Views at the Buddha Dordenma Statue

Overlooking Thimphu is one of the largest Buddha's in the world, the Buddha Dordenma statue. It is almost 170 feet tall (it sits on top of a giant meditation hall) and houses 125,000 other Buddhas inside it. All of them are made of bronze and then gilded in gold. This Buddha was erected to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth king of Bhutan. You can see it from a distance when you are exploring the capital, but definitely drive up the mountain and visit it up close. The details and views are spectacular.

Attend a Concert at Clock Tower Square

The clock tower, located in the heart of the city of Thimphu, features four different clocks on the four sides of the rectangular column. The walls are carved with beautiful hand carved dragons and also some beautiful floral designs, keeping in mind Bhutan’s reputation as the Land of the Thunder Dragon and also its many floral valleys. Most open-air concerts in the city are held here at the Clock Tower Square. Catching a show here is one of the best things to do in Thimphu tour!

Visit National Textile Museum

Thimphu's best museum is part of the Royal Textile Academy. It features a stunning display of ancient and modern textiles, and explores the rich traditions of Bhutan's national arts of thagzo (weaving) and tshemzo (embroidery). The ground floor focuses on royal ghos, including the wedding clothes worn by the fourth king and his four wives. The upper floor introduces the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and types of textiles made by women and men. No photography is allowed.

See Bhutan's Government in Action at the Tashichho Dzong

Since 1952 Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of Bhutan's government. It houses the throne room and offices of the king as well as the ministries of home affairs and finances. Other government offices are in the surrounding buildings. The building itself dates back to 1216 A.D. and is surrounded by serene gardens and the Wang Chhu River. It is open to visitors after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.

See more: Discover Bhutan through the amazing cuisine

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Admire the natural beauty in Bhutan

Bhutan, “The Land of Thunderbolt”, is still one of the least heard or traveled destinations, even by the young travel enthusiasts of its neighboring country, India. But it is long list of forts, monasteries, and other Buddhist relics, trekking spots, and shopping areas are surely worth a visit.

Known as the Last Shangri-La, the entire country comprises of panoramic valleys, majestic Himalayas, and abundance of rare fauna and flora. The rivers, arising from the Himalayas, meander through the valleys and mesmerize with their beauty. Offering a kaleidoscope of sceneries and experiences, the best tourist places in Bhutan must feature on your itinerary while visiting the Land of the Thunder Dragon. If not all, at least a few of them.

Zuri Dzong Hike

The peak of the Zuri Dzong Trek is probably the perfect spot to have a bird-eye view of the entire Paro valley. The Zuri Dzong is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, and in there lies a cave where Buddha came to meditate in, in the 8th century. This peaceful place allows both Bhutanese and tourists to soak in the tranquil that radiates from the extraordinary view, something one can stare at for hours in wonder and awe. The total journey time to get there will take approximately 30 minutes if one starts from the museum watchtower, and an additional 1 hour to exit out towards Uma. Tourists can expect to sit and relax there, and also remember to catch the amazing side view as you hike through Trek.

Dochula Pass

The most well-known pass in Bhutan, Dochula Pass is located an hour from Thimphu at an altitude of 10,000 feet. It can be visited on the way to Punakha. There are 108 Buddhist stupas overlooking the Himalayas. These stupas were built in 2004, in memory of the war between the Assamese (of India) and Bhutanese militants. When the sky is clear, the mountain view is spectacular.

Tiger’s Nest

Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Monastery is one of the must visit places in Bhutan. It is known for the beautiful and the sacred monastery of Guru Rinpoche. It is considered as a place of pilgrimage and is an easy half trek, which gives you the panoramic views of the Paro valleys.

According to the legends, Guru Rinpoche also considered as the second Buddha rode to this place on a tigress’s back to suppress a local demon and thus he meditated here for 3 months. This place is Bhutan’s most religious site and it hangs on the cliff as it stands above the lush forest of thousands of species of rhododendrons and blue pine. Tourists can come to this monastery by standard permits which your guide will arrange for you. Also, you have to register your at the entrance deposit your cameras and bags because photography is prohibited inside of the temple.

Gangtey Valley

The valley of Gangtey is one of the most stunning valleys in the Himalayas, and many call it the Shangri-La of Bhutan, just as how Bhutan is well known for being “one of the world’s happiest nations,” and “the last Shangri-La on Earth.” The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, which is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan as most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.

This moderate trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons, which will be in full bloom in April. Besides the attractive scenic valley and mountain trails passing through the magnificent forest with its undergrowth changing from rhododendron and magnolia to ferns and dwarf bamboo, we can also visit the historical Gangtey monastery and the blacked necked crane information centre. Additionally, there will be a special treat for those visiting the Gangtey during the winter season, as they will be able to catch the graceful Black-necked Cranes in action as they head to the roost.

Haa Valley

Haa Valley, which is situated only 13 miles away from the India-China border, connects major Bhutanese villages like Chhukha, Paro, and Samtse. It stretches over an area of 1700 square kilometres. The valley was opened to the public in 2002. However, do not expect to find any luxury hotels in Haa Valley. You can expect to find basic homestays in the valley. The locals of Haa Valley are hospitably warm.

Read more: What you need to know before visiting Bhutan

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Things to know before take a trip to Bhutan

Bhutan, a tiny country in Asia, only began allowing tourism in the 1960s, so it can be tough to find practical travel information about this mysterious country. Intrigued and planning a visit? Here are some things you should know.

Do not expect to travel freely

Bhutan is not a budget destination or a place for backpacker-style drifting. It only started opening up to outsiders in the 1970s, and it still closely guards its heritage and ecology by restricting tourism. Travel must be arranged through government-approved agencies and be paid in full before you score a visa.

Bring cash

Bring cash to be safe, you can easily exchange American dollars at the airport or your hotel. There was no currency exchange desk past security at Paro Airport, but you can exchange at souvenir shops. Most places in Bhutan will also accept whichever currency you have as payment as well, although you may receive change in the local currency. Credit cards are also accepted for larger purchases, but be warned that most places charge a high convenience fee for cards.

BYO smokes

Bhutan is the only country in the world that completely bans the sale and production of tobacco, and naturally, smoking is banned in public places. Tourists and the Bhutanese elite can bring in 200 cigarettes, but ask your guide to find a place to light up. Hotels will accommodate smokers, some local bars and restaurants have indoor smoking rooms, and many nightclubs informally allow it after dark. Importing cigarettes overland from India (for personal use) is allowed, but they are slapped with up to 200 percent duty.

If your shoes are off, do not take photos

If your shoes are off, it is not appropriate, so just capture the moment in your mind. If you have taken your shoes off to enter somewhere, it means that it is a sacred place (like the inside of a monastery), and so you will not be able to take photos.

Mountaineering is forbidden in the country

Hiking is possible up to 6,000m in elevation. Peaks under that altitude are considered trekking peaks. Anything above that is considered mountaineering, and it is forbidden as the mountains are sacred for the Bhutanese. Snow peaks are considered the domain of the gods and goddesses, and it is believed that if you go there, they’ll get disturbed – bringing hail storms, drought, floods, etc.

See more: Foods that you must try in Bhutan

Feel the burn

The Bhutanese believe a meal is unworthy without chili peppers. If you love spicy food, you will be in heaven. The country’s national dish, ema datse, is a simple, fiery curry of chillies and farmer’s cheese, always paired with a generous helping of nutty red rice.

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Useful tips before going to Bhutan

Travelling to Bhutan is getting more and more popular. This so-called "happiest place on earth" is a dreamland for people who want to seek for true happiness. However, there are some tips to take note if you don't want to end up violating Bhutan's law.

1. Travel during a festival

There are many festivals happening throughout the year in Bhutan, the popular ones such as the Paro and Thimphu Tshechu take place during the high tourist season. Festivals in Bhutan usually showcase colourful dances in elaborate costumes, with Bhutanese dressing to their best and unsurprisingly, it's one of those things turning out to be huge tourist draws.

2. Languages used in Bhutan

The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, but most Bhutanese are fluent in English as that is the basic education so communication shouldn't be a problem.

3. Prepare Indian Rupee beforehand

The local currency is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. 

Note: The Indian Rupee in denominations of 500 and 1000 are no longer accepted in Bhutan.

4. Refrain from smoking

Bhutan is the only country in the world that has banned the consumption and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being largely disallowed in public places. Having said that, consumption is not completely prohibited in Bhutan so if you want to smoke, bring your own cigarettes and ask your guide where you can light up.

5. Taking photos is not allowed in some areas

When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted as some areas do not allow it. 

See more: Bhutan travel guide

Source: Internet