Paro (population 11,500 in 2017) is a town in the south west of Bhutan.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. In addition, the Paro Valley is wide and verdant and is recognized as one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan. You may prefer to stay in Paro if you are someone who is fond of nature and would like to have a quiet and peaceful time. However, apart from the main street (which is constructed of traditional wooden structures), the bazaar area is a nondescript hodgepodge of concrete buildings that is totally bereft of charm and character. Along with Jakar and Punakha, Paro forms the 'golden triangle' of popular tourist destinations in Bhutan.
As the main tourist sites in Paro are spread out throughout the valley, a vehicle is required to get around. Taxis are available for hire inside the main bazaar.
Chumbu Monastery. Site of a floating statue. From Kuenga High School in Doteng (8 km north from Paro town), it's a three-hour gentle walk to the monastery, following the river valley, but the final thirty minutes is on a very steep incline. There is a small sacred lake just above the monastery. The monastery is dedicated to the dakini Dorji Phagmo (Vajravarahi). (updated Feb 2019) Drakhapo, Above Shaba (keeping Shaba School to the right, follow the dirt road to end; the complex is a five-minute walk from here). A monastic complex perched on a cliff.
Paro Tshechu - a religious festival normally held around Feb-Mar Trek to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest) - A three-hour trek up to the monastery located high on a vertical cliff. The path is quite clear once you reach the starting point, also there are a lot of people going to/coming back from the same. The trek takes you through very lush green forested areas and very scenic points. Do converse with co-trekkers, especially locals and llamas (monks), as this is a very good way of knowing/understanding/absorbing their beautiful culture.
Hotel Peljorling, next to clock tower. ☏ +975 8 271-365. Excellent local and Indian cuisine at reasonable prices. Hotel First Floor, main bazaar. Simple, no-nonsense Bhutanese dishes - large helpings at reasonable prices. Hotel Tandin, ☏ +975 8-272016. Main town, Paro. Contact for fresh dumpling (momo), Bhutanese dishes, noodle. reasonable price. Indian Masala, 3F. Norbulingka Building, Main Street, Paro Town (Opp the central police station), ☏ +975 77887759. Large restaurant with classic Indian decor. Bright and airy. Indian chef. Excellent meals. Friendly and helpful service.
Brioche Café, Main Street, ☏ +975 17741231. 9AM-9PM, daily. Excellent coffee. Bakery items made from organic ingredients. Tasty pastries and desserts. Somewhat tired and uninspired interior design. (updated Dec 2016) Zhiwa Ling Hotel has a nice bar serving most top-notch Western liquors and international beers. Additionally, the hotel has a disco on the ground floor.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Paro typically sees ~24°C daytime highs and 27 rainy days.
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