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

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Places To Visit In Paro

Festival Ground of Bhutan

The festival ground outside Paro Dzong is the site of the Paro Tshechu, the most colourful festival of Paro. Held here every year, it is on this sacred ground that the monks perform different kinds of masked dances and re-enact scenes from the past. Due to its heavy cultural significance, the stone-paved festival ground is very well maintained. It is more than 18 square metres in area. The ground looks the loveliest on the last day of Tshechu when the thangka of Guru Rinpoche is unfolded. The Festival Grounds of Paro, situated by the Paro Dzong, is as old as the colourful and vibrant Paro Tshechu. The Festival Grounds have risen to significance since the 17th century, where Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo started the tradition of Paro Tshechu, combining it with the blessing of the Paro Dzong. Source Read More

Built in the memory of Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of Bhutan, Five Chortens are truly a spectacular sight in Paro. Located beside the Ugyen Pelri Palace, Five Chortens add glory to the Paro Dzong and make for a picturesque view. A marvel not to be missed, they are situated amidst peaceful environment and should be visited once if you are in the area.

Located on the hillside above Paro, Gonsaka Lhakhang is a beautiful monastery you must visit. From here you can see the meditation cave of Pha Drun Drung who was the founder of the Dzong. The picturesque scenery down the valley is an unmatched view. It is situated at a walkable distance from Zuri Dzong.

Home to Sakyamuni Buddha, a statue that was carried from Lhasa Tibet, Jangsarbu Lhakhang is one among the smallest monasteries in Bhutan. It is located right behind Paro Dzong, which was initially supposed to safe keep the Buddha's statue. As the legend goes, the statue was only kept overnight at Jangsarbu Lhakhang. However, while they tried to move it to its original Lhakhang, it didn't budge. It proved impossible to lift the statue; hence, it became a permanent attraction of the temple. It is a three-storey monastery with painting and sculptures of Buddhas. Different from other monasteries in a sense that it is entirely dark within, you need to carry torchlights with you to see the unique relics and artwork. Read More

At an altitude of 2285 meters, the Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang with its rare golden chorten peak in the shape of an umbrella is quite a rare architectural digest in Bhutan. Chorten is a Tibetan term meaning ‘Stupa’ and is a significant religious monument built to represent the physical presence of Lord Buddha. Nestled on the hilly edge of Paro and Dopchari valleys across the bridge on the Paro Chhu, this temple observes Tibetan Buddhism. It forms “geometric promontory” between Do Chhu and Paro Chhu and you can clearly see the confluence of the rivers en route to the National Museum of Bhutan. The temple stands as repository of Drukpa Kagyu School against the brown hilly backdrop. Read More

One of the most modest temples in Paro, Khangkhu Lhakhang is a religious shrine overflowing with faith and peace. Located on the west bank of Paro Chhu, the place is so pure and pious that a few minutes spent here recharge one's energy for the rest of the day.

One of the most natural sites of Paro Valley, Kila Goemba is a cliffside nunnery in Bhutan. It is the oldest nunnery in the country and a home for Buddhist nun - Anim. Kila Goempa houses around 60 nuns who live in seclusion by choice. The Government officially established it as Anim Dratshang in 1986. Not the best of Architecture but it's sure to offer you a great view of Paro valley from atop. Known for its modesty and simplicity, a half an hour walk here is an enriching experience. Read More

Built-in 7th century, Kyichu Lhakhang is a beautiful monastery of great significance. Also known as Lho Kyerchu or Kyerchu Temple, this monastery is situated in Lango Gewog of Paro in Bhutan. The Jowo temple dates back to the 7th century, gaining the title of one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Legends believe that it was built in one night by the king, which is a miracle in itself. It was among the network of 12 temples out of the 108 temples that were constructed on definite plans. There are beautiful paintings and intricately designed structures of Buddhist Gurus. Believed to be blessed by many Buddhist saints including Guru Rinpoche, the special prayer wheels are truly mesmerising. It houses an ocean of information about Bhutan since its early days. One gets to learn many interesting facts about the Himalayan Kingdom at this heavenly place. Source Read More

Striving to create a contemporary and robust beer culture in the country, the Namgay Artisanal Brewery at an altitude of 2195m in Dumsibu of Paro is the project of the local entrepreneur Dorji Gyeltshen. Realizing his dream of creating 100% locally sourced beer, the brewery offers Apple Cider and six variants of beer namely red rice lagers, craft beers, pilsners, pale and dark ales, milk stout and wheat beer to suit the different palates. The Bhutanese Beer Festival is one of the special occasions in Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Tap Room Tour: The taproom tours are offered where they can taste five different beer flavours along with apple cider and some food. Read More

The National Museum of Bhutan is the pride of the country. Flaunting art and traditions, it has six floors, each of them narrating a unique tale from the past. You can see paintings, art pieces, animal masks and many more facets of the rich culture. Constructed in 1649 as a watchtower against Tibetan soldiers, it was converted to the National Museum in 1968, preserving the rich history of Bhutan within its walls ever since. A paradise for history lovers and the ideal place for those who have a keen interest in gaining more information about Bhutan, National Museum in Paro is where history meets the present. Perched above Paro Dzong, it houses all the important artefacts and belongings from the past. The conservation of the historical objects, inscriptions and artefacts are necessary to keep the future generations updated about the history of the nation. Things which are more than 1500 years old can also be found here. The best place in the world to know Bhutan by its roots, it gives an insight into the local people’s lifestyle and the evolution of the culture of Bhutan. Source Read More