Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and it is also the only gateway to Bhutan by air. Its administrative centre, Rinpung Dzong, is one of the most sacred Dzongs of Bhutan, and in this beautiful valley you can find some of the earliest temples in the Kingdom such as the 7th century temple Kyichu Lhakhang, and Taktshang, also referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, built in the 17th century. Below are some of our favorite things that we like to do.
The National Museum boasts a rich variety of exhibits collected from all over the country and belonging to different eras, some as early as 2000 B.C. A visit through the galleries shows the country‟s transition from the later Stone Age to a modern Mahayanist Buddhist kingdom.
Paro Dzong, built to defend Paro from the Tibetan invasion, is also known as Rinpung Dzong which means the fortress of a heap of jewels. This fine example of Bhutanese architecture now serves as a central monastic and administrative seat of the Paro district.
Dungtse Lhakhang was built in 1421 by the Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyelpo, and is the only temple in the form of a chorten. Its chorten shape was meant to immobilize or subdue the demon and proclaim victory over Buddhism. The temple is unique in Bhutan as its paintings show the progressive stages of Tantric Buddhist philosophy as well as the most important deities of the Drukpa Kagyupa School
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom, dating back to the 7th century when the seed of Buddhism was won in Bhutan. The Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo ordered the establishment of monasteries in the Himalayan region to subdue evil spirits and to spread Buddhism. Of the 108 monasteries which were to be built, two major ones were built in Bhutan namely the Kyichu Lhakhang and the Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang.
Sangchokhor Buddhist College
On the top of the hill north-west of Paro town, Sangchokhor catches your eye. This beautifully situated temple is a teaching institution for about 100 monks aged 15 – 30. It is also the home of the 14-year old reincarnation of Terton Drugda Dorji. The building also holds two remarkable altar rooms, and offers a
magnificent view of Paro valley. The grassy area next to the stupa outside the temple is a nice spot for a picnic lunch. Sangchokhor was originally built in the 18th century, but was rebuilt 30 years ago after a horrible fire. The original temple was built by the first “speech reincarnation” of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The institution now receives full government support as well as support from the Father of their Majesties, the four Queens of Bhutan. The lower altar room has a striking statue of Guru Rinpoche and unique 30-year old wall paintings created under the supervision of the Chief Abbot. The upper altar room is dedicated to the Zhabdrung lineage.
Time: 30 minute drive from the town to Sangchokhor. (It is possible to walk down from the temple to town. This downhill walk on a dirt road will take about two hours)
Sunset at Drukgyel Dzong
A wonderful way to spend a late afternoon/early evening is by visiting Drukgyel Dzong – “The Victorious Fortress”. A twenty minute drive from Paro town will takes you to this historically significant structure
where you can stroll around while your guide will give you insight to the history of Bhutan. Drukgyel Dzong was built in 1649 to celebrate a decisive victory over Tibetan forces and to curtail further invasions. Under the leadership of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Bhutanese fought twelve battles with the Tibetans in different parts of the country, whereof one took place in Drukgyel Dzong. In the later years, the Dzong became an administrative centre under the Dzongpon (Lord of the Dzong) until gutted by a fire in 1951.
Excursion to Haa valley
Haa valley was opened to visitors in 2004 and remains a seldom-visited destination in the Kingdom. The drive to this enchanting valley crosses over the Chele La Pass, at 3988 meters (13100 feet) above sea level is the highest road pass in Bhutan. A stop at the pass offers a panoramic view of the higher snow
capped Himalayas on clear days as well as an opportunity to walk through fields of wildflowers, including edelweiss. It is also home to the blue poppy, Bhutan‟s national flower. The road drops quickly through pasturelands to Haa, where fields of millet, barley, potatoes and wheat cover the valley floor. The unique architecture throughout the valley is reflected in the large farmhouses beautifully adorned with intricately painted cornices and framing.
Places of interest in Haa include the Chhundu Lhakhang, which is one of several shrines dedicated to the valley‟s protecting deity, Ap Chundu. The temple houses statues of blue-faced Chundu and his red-faced cousin Jowya. Lhakhang Karpo houses the Haa monk body and is the venue of the annual Haa Tshechu (Festival).
The open fields next to the river running through the valley make great picnic spots.
Time: 5 hour drive round trip from Paro.