Top Things to Do in the Paro | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Paro

Places To Visit In Paro

Archery Ground

The Archery Grounds in Paro hold traditional archery games occasionally. As archery is the national sport of Bhutan, the archers take great pride in the sport. It is quite captivating to see these skilled sportsmen on the archery ground stand at a distance of more than 100 metres and shoot the bird's eye flawlessly. The ground is well maintained and traditional Bhutanese bows and arrows are used by archers. It is mostly visited after taking a round of Paro’s weekend market or Druk Choeding Temple. The sight of people hitting dead centre from a large distance is thrilling.Archery in BhutanArchery was deemed the national sport of Bhutan in 1971, though the interest for the same was developed through Jigme Wangchuk, the second king of Bhutan. It was a major weapon against foreign invasions of the part and is a deep part of the culture of the Bhutanese people, considered one of their most important traditions. Thus, watching a game of archery at the archery grounds in Paro is a great way of viewing Bhutanese culture in action. Source Read More

A 400-year-old quaint temple located on the west side of the river in Bondey Village, Bondey Lhakhang is left unnoticed by tourists on many occasions due to its simple and sober looking structure. Along with its architectural marvel, this monastery just past the Cheli La is known for its serene and calm atmosphere.

The white tower of Chhoeten Lhakhang, situated southeast of Paro's town square, tells a story. A perfect example of beautiful Buddhist artwork, Chhoeten Lhakhang displays a statue of Jowo Sakyamuni in the middle of the chapel. The sculptures of Guru Rinpoche and Chenrezig in the chapel add glory to the Lhakhang.

A marvel to behold, Dasho Nishioka Chorten was built to honour Dasho Nishioka, a Japanese man who introduced modern agricultural techniques and tools in Bhutan. His selfless act brought prosperity to the lives of many people and made the country agriculturally rich. This stupa should not be missed if you want to witness the Bhutanese gratitude for goodness.

One of the oldest building in Kyichu, the Memorial House is Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's residence in Bhutan. It leaves every tourist in awe because of its impeccable architecture. It was inaugurated as a museum in 2010 and has been open to tourists since then. There are many intricate statues of Buddha and a lot of paintings portraying the life of Guru Rinpoche. It houses the photographs of Rinpoche, colourful praying wheels on the ground, meditation rooms, a wooden alcove, his personal belongings like costumes and hats, books and letters which are on display. The memorial house also showcases documentaries about his life. Read More

One of the many sacred monasteries in Paro is Dra Karpo which means splitting of rock. Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated at this temple, where you'd find a huge stone which had been shifted from the mountainside to the altar room. One of the highlights of the place are the footprints imprinted on the rocks. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche split a rock into pieces, revealing an evil spirit hiding in it. The legends say that taking 108 rounds around the monastery in a clockwise direction can help cleanse one's sins. Apart from being a religious shrine full of faith, it offers a great view of the surrounding valleys. It takes around 2 hours of hike to reach the temple top. Read More

Built-in the 15th century by Ngawang Chogyel, Druk Choeding is one of the many magnificent monasteries in Paro. It is also known by the name Tshongdoe temple or Tshongdoe Naktsang. The main attraction of this temple is the presence of a seated statue of Future Buddha called Jampa. It also houses ancient war artefacts. The 16th-century old shrine has a pleasant vibe around which also provides a picturesque panoramic view of the valley. One can also take a walk to the local market nearby. Read More

Now in ruins, Drukgyel Dzong is a fortress which was built in 1649 to mark the victory of Bhutan over Tibet. If you want to see the fascinating stone work of the Dzongs of the past, then this is the place to go to. On climbing to the top of the ruins, an amazing view of the valley greets you, making it worth the effort. Located in the upper part of Paro district, the fire that broke open in 1951 engulfed the Drukgyel Dzong in flames and left it in the current situation. The efforts have been started by the government to reconstruct it and bring it back to life and glory which it deserves. Despite its ruined state, its grandeur has not diminished even a bit. Perhaps that is why it is a UNESCO structure and attracts thousands of eyeballs from all over the world every year. Source Read More

Built in the early 15th century, Dumtse Lhakhang provides with an in-depth knowledge of Buddhism to its visitors. It is located between the valleys of Dopshari and Paro and is in the form of a Chorten which is quite rare and exceptional in Bhutan. The monastery contains a few beautiful Buddhist iconographies and paintings. Initially constructed by Thangton Gyelpo in 1421, to subdue an evil spirit, it is a three-storey temple, with each storey representing hell, earth and heaven respectively. It was then restored in 1841 by the 25rg head Abbot of Bhutan. Fascinating travellers with its rich history and intriguing architecture, Dumtse Lhakhang is a must-visit site in Paro. Read More

Dzongdrakha Goemba also known as Mini Taktsang, is a serene site located above the Bondey village on the western side of the Paro Valley. Often overlooked by tourists because of its rather old facade, this divine place comprises of four shrines - Drolma (Tara), Guru Rinpoche, Maitreya (the Buddha of the Future) and Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity). Believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche himself, stories related to spirits, saints and magic are narrated here. It is a 20 min drive away from Paro. Read More