The Paro valley with its river, fields and forested hills

Western Bhutan · Gateway valley

Things to do in Paro

Q: How many days do you need in Paro?

1–2 days is enough for the highlights. From Paro, continue to Thimphu and then over Dochula to Punakha. A week-long western route can visit all three before returning to Paro for departure.

Paro is the arrival point for our standard western itineraries. Its valley has farmland, traditional houses and several important temples, with Tiger's Nest above it. Allow time here before or after the rest of the route.

How long to stay: 1–2 days
Getting there: International gateway, where trips begin
Altitude: ~2,200m / 7,200ft

Tours that visit Paro All destinations

6 things to do in Paro

Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktshang)
Bhutan's most iconic image, a 17th-century monastery clinging to a cliff at 3,120m. The hike is 6km round trip with 700–900m of elevation gain on well-maintained trails. Most visitors plan it for day 2 to allow 24 hours of altitude acclimatisation after international flights.
Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)
A massive 17th-century fortress overlooking the Paro valley, used as both monastery and government building. Its annual Paro Tshechu festival in March/April fills the courtyard with masked dancers and tens of thousands of pilgrims. The covered cantilever bridge below is a frequent photo stop.
National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)
Housed in a circular former watchtower above Rinpung Dzong, the museum holds a collection of religious art, masks and historical artefacts. A good orientation visit on your first afternoon, the upper floors offer sweeping views of the valley.
Kyichu Lhakhang
One of the two oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 659 CE and still actively used for worship. Smaller and quieter than the dzongs, with two famous orange trees in the courtyard that locals say bear fruit year-round. Pairs well with a visit to a traditional Paro farmhouse nearby.
Drukgyel Dzong ruins
The ruined fortress at the far end of the Paro valley, originally built in 1649 to commemorate victory over Tibetan invaders. Dramatic on a clear day with Mount Jomolhari (7,326m) visible in the distance. Currently being rebuilt by the Bhutanese government.
Paro town & weekly market
A short, photogenic main street lined with traditional buildings housing handicraft shops, small restaurants, and a few cafés. The Sunday market is the easiest place to see local produce, yak cheese, dried chillies, and Bhutanese textiles in one stop.

Best time to visit Paro

March–May (spring, festival season) and September–November (autumn, clearest skies). Winter is cold but doable; summer (Jun–Aug) brings monsoon clouds that can hide the mountains.

Where Paro fits in your trip

From Paro, continue to Thimphu and then over Dochula to Punakha. A week-long western route can visit all three before returning to Paro for departure.

Booking your own stays? We can still arrange a local guide for your time in Paro. Longer treks such as the Druk Path start near Paro; see our Bhutan trekking tours.