Paro
The idyllic little town of Paro is tucked in the southern slopes of Eastern Himalayas at the foothills of Mount Jomolhari. It is a landlocked country bounded by India in South and South-West and Tibet in the north and north-west.
The name Paro brings into our minds a plethora of images of the majestic Himalayas with its rugged terrains, rickety curves, alpine forests, sacred monasteries and expansive landscapes under the blue dome of the sky and takes you into a pristine world of peace and tranquillity. Your day begins by gazing at the surreal sunrise over the Himalayas leaving an enduring effect in your soul throughout the day.
Paro is home to some of the ancient monasteries and temples of the world whose history traces back to the 7th century and holds various myths and folklore to their names. Fun lovers not to be disappointed at Paro! There are cafes, restaurants, museums and places of nature hiking that will certainly keep you engaged throughout your trip. The most iconic landmarks in Paro include Taktsang Monastery, Namsay Artisanal Brewery, Archery Ground, Chele La Pass and many more.
For the adrenaline junkies Paro is the perfect destination to try your guts! Paro has some of the most challenging biking trails of the world which is bound to allure any biker who wants to scale the height on the wheels. Apart from that you can go on hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking and stargazing. The Snowman Trek which is one of the highest trekking trails of the world will leave you awestruck as you ride along the trail and get a bird’s eye view of the stunning panorama from a height of 5,400 metres.
Visiting Paro during summer will give you a chance to explore the nooks of the city of Paro and appreciate the stunning view of the landscapes at the backdrop of the shimmering white Himalayas. During this time the climate is temperate and suitable for adventurous activities. But, if you want snow in your vacation, winter should be your choicest season.
Top Experiences To Do in Paro
Explore Paro
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Punakha
Punakha was the capital of Bhutan before Thimpu was made the capital city. There are many places to see in Punakha. It is popular for its temples, sightseeing viewpoints, courtyards, valleys, towers, and mini excursions in and around this town. This is one of the religious centers of Bhutan. It is at the confluence of two rivers of Bhutan. You can visit this town for taking short tours, stopping before heading towards other things to do in the Haa Valley, Gangtey, and Wangdue which have many places that are a haven for wildlife and nature photographers. These valleys have Alpine forests and mountain views that are serene and breathtaking. You get a countryside feel when you visit this riverside town, Punakha.
There are not too many tourists places to visit in Punakha. Tourists come to this town to rest, eat, and drink, before visiting other places of interest in Bhutan. You can visit monasteries, temples, Chorten, walking bridge, hill side village, and a collage where you can interact with the monks. You can go to the riverside as a weekend getaway. For most part, there is handful of places to be visited in this part of Bhutan. Quiet and tranquil, this is one of the holy places in Bhutan that is a home to monks. However, around Punakha, there are numerous outdoor and adventure activities available for tourists.
Top Experiences To Do in Punakha
Explore Punakha
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Cheli La
Located at a height of 3,810 meters above sea level, Cheli La Pass is the highest pass in Bhutan that can be accessed by road. The pass separates the valleys of Haa and Paro and offers stunning views of surrounding area with picturesque beauty. On the way you will get to see he roadside drub chuu with beautiful paintings of Guru Rinpoche with his two wives. Including a visit to Cheli La Pass in Bhutan packages offers travelers an unforgettable journey through the majestic mountainous terrain of the kingdom.
On a bright and clear day of October and November, you can have a spectacular view of the Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and other neighbouring peaks, covered in snow and glittering in sunlight.
Highlights: A small 2 kilometre detour leads you to Dzongdrakha Goemba, an architectural complex perched on a high ridge and consists of four chapels and a Chorten.
Location: Between Haa and Paro Valleys in Bhutan.
Timing: Best time to visit is October to November when the skies are clear.
Prices: N/A
Uniquely located on top of the mountain 1200 meters above the Paro Valley, this monastery is surrounded by the scenic beauty. This white building topped with the golden roof on the back drop of blue sky and lush green hills look stunning. The centuries old legend of this monastery makes it more mystical. The isolated location of Tiger’s Nest can only be reached by following the gruelling mountain paths.
Location: The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is located in Paro, approximately 10 kilometres away from the city.
Best time/season: March to May and September to November.
Approx Price: N/A
Difficulty Level: Moderately challenging.
Top Experiences To Do in Taktsang Palphug Monastery (Paro)
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The Gangtey Monastery is one of the most attractive places to visit in Paro because of its rich cultural heritage and its beautiful structure and location. It is a centre of art, culture, religion, spirituality and learning and is considered one of the primary religious centres for Nyingma Buddhism. Known as the Gangtey Gompa, this monastery was built in the 17th century in typical Tibetan style with pillars surrounding a courtyard and the rest of the structure decorated with frescoes and paintings.
Apart from the monastery itself, you can go on tours and treks in the vicinity from where you can observe the incredible beauty of the surrounding hills and forests.
Location: Gangtey Valley, Bhutan
Price: Free entry
Punakha Dzong, known as 'The Palace of Great Happiness,' is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture. It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The dzong (palace) is nestled at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in the beautiful Punakha Valley. Its rustic beauty and natural surroundings make it a must-visit stop for travelers considering Bhutan packages, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the captivating allure of Bhutan's cultural and natural heritage.
Top Experiences To Do in Punakha Dzong
Explore Punakha Dzong
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This historical city of Bhutan lies on the Indo-Bhutanese border and is home to some amazing sites. Situated at an altitude of only 300 metres above sea level, this is the perfect place to visit in Bhutan in December. While here, you can admire the beautiful architecture of the Bhutan Gate which also marks the entrance to Bhutan from India.
Also, spend time with the crocodiles at the Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Center or visit the historic Zangto Pelri Lhakhang. If you are looking for a more nature-based experience, you can spend your time at the Zangto Pelri Park or enjoy a picnic by the Torsa riverside.
Nestled in Bhutan's southern reaches, Royal Manas National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It is the oldest national park in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The park is abundant with Bengal tigers, elephants, and over 365 bird species. Covering three districts, this park boasts lush tropical forests and vibrant ecosystems.
It also offers unforgettable adventures like safari rides and river boating.Including Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan travel package ensures an unforgettable adventure amidst nature's untamed beauty.
Top Experiences To Do in Royal Manas National Park
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Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan and stretches up to a length of approximately 520 feet! You can enjoy spectacular views of the river flowing underneath the bridge or the valleys rolling in every direction.
Simtokha Dzong, alternatively named Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang or the ‘Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras,’ stands as Bhutan's inaugural and comparatively modest dzong, erected in 1629. Presently, it serves as a prominent institute for the study of the Dzongkha language. With its historical significance and educational role, Simtokha Dzong is a must-visit attraction for travelers exploring Bhutan tour packages.
While here, you can spend your time admiring the architecture of the place with traditional Buddhist aspects like prayer wheels or around 300 carvings of saints and philosophers made in slate. This dzong is one of the most popular Bhutan places to visit in December and welcomes people from around the world.
Location: Simtokha, Bhutan
Timing: Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Price: Free
Top Experiences To Do in Simtokha Dzong
