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

Plan Your Travel To Paro

Places To Visit In Paro

Nyamai Zam

A replica of an old bridge which was washed away in 1969 by a flood, Nyamai Zam is a wooden bridge situated just below Paro Dzong. An epitome of perfection, this 20-metres long bridge flaunts Bhutanese wooden craftsmanship. Providing a great view of Paro Chhu, Nyamai Zam is a great site to click a perfect selfie.

Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point

Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point offers an exquisite view of the entire city. With the Paro International airport being in the top ten stunning airports in the world, you can imagine what's in store for you. Amidst the mountains, the sight is so colourful and vivid that one remains awe-struck by the grandeur of the city.

Paro Chhu's clean and clear waters are an ideal choice for adventure sports like kayaking and rafting. There are travel companies which organise these activities in the river. Proper security equipment such as lifeboat, belt etc, are provided to you for your safety. Paro’s white waters are a popular rafting spot. The Paro Chhu constitutes these white waters. Chhu means ‘river’ in Bhutanese. River TrailThe Paro River begins from the South of Mount Jomolhari. It flows through magnanimous mountains, quaint grasslands and canyons. The river then enters the Paro Valley and flows through the Paro Town. Downstream of this river is where the white water rafting fun begins. You can also kayak on the quieter parts of the Paro River. This includes a single human, paddling from the centre of a narrow and flatboat. You can get to the river from the road from Paro to Thimphu. It follows the length of the river which is very convenient for you, because there are several places to put-in, or ‘enter’, downstream of Paro. You can warm-up on the first few miles of the white water rapids. These come before the Boulder Choke. The scenery and rapids are the best below the Choke. The take-out, or ‘exit’, is right before the Paro-Thimphu River confluence which forms at the village of Chhuzom. The Paro River continues to flow south after the confluence. Here onwards it begins to become the mighty Wang River. This has several Class IV and V rapids. Operators: Northwest Rafting Company Northwest Rafting Company (541) 450-9855 is an award-winning group of professional, well-trained guides that lead people down the most beautiful rivers in the world. Total length of rapids: 4.9 miles Gradient: 49 fpm Rafting difficulty: III+ (on V) Best time to visit and raft: Post Summer/Spring months (March to April) and Pre-Winter/Autumn months (November to December) Flow strength: Low to medium flow Put-in or entrance zone: Downstream of Paro Take-out or exit zone: Chhuzom Cost: Approximately Nu 4,040 per person The river is at a stretch of 7 kilometres with a few boulder rapids and small slopes that's good for beginners/intermediate kayakers too. Read More

The lifeline of Paro, the Paro Chhu is a picturesque river worth spending some time at. A tributary of Wong Chhu, the Paro River passes through Paro Taktsang and Paro Dzong, and give both the grand monasteries a glorious look. The step bridge which is built over the Paro River is Nyamai Zam, leading to the Paro Dzong. From this bridge, the view of the river is picturesque and charming. Read more about about the Rivers of Bhutan Read More

Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

Tiger's Nest Monastery, or Paro Taktsang, is one of the most prominent Buddhist sites in Bhutan. Located 900 metres above the upper cliff in the Paro Valley, this monastery is undoubtedly an architectural marvel. While Bhutan is loaded with monasteries, what makes Paro Taktsang stand apart is its religious and historical significance. Tiger's nest is known for the trek that has been carried on for years. With a total distance of 6.4 kms, the trek offers mesmerising views of the Paro Valley. The mystery of how it was constructed in such conditions still amazes people. It is one of the few sites in Bhutan which was visited by Guru Rinpoche, who is also referred to as 'Second Buddha'. Source Read More

From fruits and vegetables to organic products, Paro Weekend Market provides the visitors with everything under one roof. Bustling with vendors and buyers, the vibrant market has Bhutanese stamps, antiques, prayer wheels and whatnot, sold away at throwaway prices. It is worth making a visit to this area before leaving the city, watching the dynamics of this beautiful city. Read more on Shopping in Bhutan Read More

A Buddhist monastery in Paro, Pelri Goemba is located above Tago village, in the south-eastern region of Paro. This Nyingmapa-school chapel once got in a feud with Kagyu school, the dominant school at the time. Due to this dispute, the monastery had to be reduced in size. But even after going through these issues, the place has not lost its charm and serenity.

Often overlooked by tourists due to its rather simple appearance, Pena Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Built-in the 7th century, the statue of Jowo Nampar Namse, a saint believed to have magical powers to fulfil people's wishes, is the main highlight of this blessed monument. It is closely located past Dumtse Lhakhang on the east side and can be visited on your way there.

One of the finest examples of architecture, the Rinpung Dzong, also known as the Paro Dzong, has a very spiritual environment. Beautifully lit-up at night, the dzong has many illustrations portraying the life of Buddha. A hike to the top of the fortress welcomes you with the spectacular view of nearby valleys. The dzong also holds the colourful annual festival Paro Tshechu which makes it even more impressive than it already is. Known for its grandeur whose glory enhances with each passing day, rather than fading away, Paro Dzong is located in the heart of the city. A religious site overflowing with faith and splendour is everything which one needs to rejuvenate the mind. Not just a significant holy site in Paro, it also offers panoramic views of the Paro Valley and Paro Chhu river to the visitors. Like most dzongs in Bhutan, it houses monks and is an important administrative centre in the city. The 1995 Little Buddha’s shooting site and a perfect family place, it has an ambience so nice which makes one’s evening even more bright and cheerful. Source Read More

An example of architectural perfection, Paro welcomes its visitors with the glorious six chortens at the town's border. A Chorten of a stupa is an important religious Buddhist monument. It holds relics or even preserved bodies of lamas. Spending some time here and clicking pictures of the beautiful chortens would add splendour to your photo album.