The valley every flight into Bhutan lands in. Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery clings to a cliff 900 m above the valley floor, a 4-5 hour return hike; below it are Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum in the old Ta Dzong watchtower and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. Paro's farmhouses, rice fields and quiet main street make it the gentlest first night at 2,200 m. An entry permit from Paro airport covers Paro and Thimphu; anywhere else needs a route permit.
Highlights
- Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
- Rinpung Dzong and the covered cantilever bridge
- National Museum in the Ta Dzong
- Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples
- Ruins of Drukgyel Dzong
- Farmhouse dinner and a hot-stone bath
- Views over the Himalaya from Chele La (3,988 m)
- Paro Tshechu in spring
Things to do
- Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monasteryMorning · 5h
- Rinpung Dzong and the Nyamai Zam bridgeAfternoon · 1h 30m
- National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)Morning · 1h 30m
- Kyichu Lhakhang butter-lamp visitEvening · 1h
- Farmhouse dinner and hot-stone bathEvening · 2h 30m
- Drive to Chele La for Himalayan viewsMorning · 3h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: March – May, September – November
Heads up
Monsoon: Cloudy Views and Delayed Flights
June to August brings afternoon rain to Paro and clouds over the Himalaya. Flights into Paro land only by sight, so low cloud can delay or divert them: keep your onward plans flexible on the day you fly.
Worth knowing
Paro Tshechu: Book Early, Pay More
Paro Tshechu falls in March or April (lunar dates; check the Department of Tourism's calendar). It is the busiest week of the year: flights into Paro and hotels in Paro and Thimphu sell out months ahead and charge peak rates.
Heads up
Tiger's Nest Crowds in High Season
In spring and autumn most visitors hike to Taktsang on the same mornings. Start at the trailhead by 07:00-07:30 to climb before the crowds and the midday sun; allow 4-6 hours return, and pony rides go only as far as the café.
- Paro Tshechu — Five days of masked cham dances in the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong, ending before dawn on the last day with the unveiling of a giant thongdrel (appliqué thangka). The busiest week of Bhutan's year: flights into Paro and hotels in Paro and Thimphu sell out months ahead and cost more. Dress formally (long sleeves, no shorts) for the dzong.