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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Planning your visit around a tshechu? Start with these guides.
The other regions most travellers combine with Paro.
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