Places To See

 


Paro

Altitude: 2,200 m/8,500 feet
Situated at an average elevation of 8,500 feet high from sea level, home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries. Paro valley has managed to keep its bucolic nature in spite of the Bhutan's only airport and many development activities. Depending on season the valley floor is covered with brown or green fields, while small villages and isolated farms dot the landscape. The valley is also known for the produce of Bhutan's famous red rice. It has always been one of country’s strongest and important fortresses and on several occasions it was used for defending the valley from the Tibetan incursions. 
The place to see is Drukgyal Dzong, ‘Bhutan’s victory fort’, overlooking the beautiful village with Mount Jumolhari in the background. This ruin Dzong (Fortress) was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan. Historically and strategically it withstood all its glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide National Geography magazine. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now preserved as heritage site.

Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels", built at the same time of Drukgyal Dzong, now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for the 200 monks. Walking up through the traditional bridge, and over a stone inlaid path, you enjoy the great view of the superb architecture and the life around the Dzong. It is also the venue for Paro festival, held in the spring.

Ta Dzong, overlooking the Rinpung Dzong was built in 1951 as a watchtower. Unlike the rectangular shape of the Dzongs, Ta Dzong is round, and more like parts of a European castle. From 1967 the Dzong was re-established as the National Museum by the third king. It holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangka, weaponry, statues, remains of animal, stamps.

Kichu Lhakhang, to subdue demon in the entire region of Himalaya, a Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century miraculously built 108 temples. Kichu is considered to be one of them and is one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan.

Paro Town, rows of shops line the main road built in traditional architecture. This stretch of about 250 meters, with farmers leading their horses, its occasional idlers leaning against the storefronts, the town of Paro strangely resembles a village of the old American West.

Farm House, Bhutanese farmhouses are colorful, decorative and traditionally built without any nails or iron bars. Majority of the houses are with three stories, first floor is utilized for sheltering cattle, second floor for the family to live in and the top for storing and drying of foods and fodder for animal. Almost all the farmhouses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to farmhouse is interesting and provides you with an experience to the daily life of average Bhutanese.

Druk Choeding built in 1525 by Ngawang Chhogyel, one of the prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet and an ancestor of the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

  Day Hikes in Paro

Taktsang (Tiger's Nest): The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue our hike for short while until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the Taktsang monastery. Dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric master who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, had taken the wrathful form of Guru Dorji Drolo to subdue the demon that were obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas. On the left side of the monastery is the retreat place where the famous Tibetan Yogi Mache Lhabdenma attained enlightenment.

Kila Goenpa: Nestled in a craggy patch on the mountainside below the Chele la pass and perched precariously along the rock face. This small nunnery is home to many nuns who have renounced their worldly life and have chosen to lead the path of enlightenment. The Temple is about an hour walk amidst magnificent wooded area.

Jele Dzong: The ruin is situated at an altitude of 3450m above Paro valley. In the medieval times people often travel from one corner of Bhutan to another on foot and on horses. The Jele Dzong use to give food and shelter during the night halts made by these travellers. The hike to Jele Dzong is five hours walk from the Jeshegang village. Most of the walk is through mixed coniferous forests and often you will see white langurs, Himalayan musk deer and monal peasant. You will also see the magnificent views of the sun setting over the Himalayan peaks if you reach early.