Top 10 Things To Do In Paro, Bhutan - Updated 2024

things to do in paro
Mike
Mike 
Updated
| 4 min read

Explore the scenic region of Paro and get to witness its ancient architectural structures. The area is known for its profound historical background and sacred spots that you’ll see while touring the region. Dungtse Lhakhang is one Buddhist temple built in the 15th century that you should visit. It takes you back in time where ornate styles were used in the construction sector. You can also visit Ta Dzong, the tallest building in the region with panoramic views of the landscape. There are many shops where you can buy artistic items as a reminder of your trip. Take a look below and learn about the top things to do in Paro, Bhutan.

1. Visit National Museum of Bhutan for a lovely outdoor experience

National Museum of Bhutan 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bernard Gagnon used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Discover ancient treasures and traditions of the local people at the National Museum of Bhutan. Here, wildlife is also brought into account since you will see various animals such as crocodiles, snow leopards, and butterflies. You will learn of a certain butterfly species that can only be found in Bhutan. The items stored on display for you represent the region’s traditional history. You can buy beautiful handcrafted products as a souvenir at the museum shop.

National Museum of Bhutan

Address: Paro, Bhutan

Website: National Museum Of Bhutan

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

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2. Discover the history of Paro Taktsang (from USD 332.0)

Paro Taktsang is an ancient monastery standing majestically on top of a beautiful cliff. You will be amazed by what the region has in store for you. For you to reach the attraction, you’ll have to walk several meters uphill. The region’s environment is perfect for meditation and soul searching as you will be gifted scenic views by nature. You can also access the caves and take pictures as a reminder of your trip. Sunscreen would be a useful item to protect you against the scorching sun.

Tip from Content Creator

Bojo

Bojo

Paro Taktsang
Paro Taktsang is a 2-hour hike one way. In my case, it took me 3 hours going up and 2 hours going down. Visitors can go hiking with a guide.
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Taktsang day hike

Duration: 1 day

2 reviews

3. Star gaze at Chele La Pass

Chele La Pass at over 13,000 ft to the west above the Paro Valley is the highest road pass in the country and has...

Posted by Little Bhutan on Tuesday, 2 May 2017

Climb to the highest point in Bhutan with your automobile at Chelela Pass. Sitting at the centre of Paro and Haa valleys, you’ll witness the picturesque hilly landscape encompassing the valley. The pass serves as an ideal spot for a picnic outing due to its breathtaking views and serenity. You also have beautiful views of the stars since the area is not affected by city lights. It is definitely an amazing place for you to relieve stress and enjoy a peaceful time away from the bustling city life.

Chele La Pass

Address: Paro, Bhutan

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4. Enjoy the peace at Rinpung Dzong

Rinpung Dzong, Bhutan 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bernard Gagnon used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Come to the Rinpung Dzong fortress for a magical holiday experience. The monastery is surrounded by majestic hills that create an attractive backdrop. You can attend an annual festival usually held in the building. A visit to the place will make you learn more about Buddhism. It acts as a spot of reflection and rejuvenation for both locals and tourists from around the globe. The architectural structure is a must-see if you haven’t seen it before. Photograph of the monastery can be a good treasure to store after the trip.

Rinpung Dzong

Address: Paro, Bhutan

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5. View the entire city from Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point


Watch as planes take off and land. The convenient positioning of the place makes it easier for you to visit after landing at the airport. This point gives you an elevated view of the entire city. It also provides you with the ideal environment for picnicking amid breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainous terrain. The experience you’ll get is truly magical as it will stay on your mind even after the visit. A photograph could be a good souvenir.

Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point

Address: Paro, Bhutan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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6. Tune yourself to the serenity at Drukgyel Dzong

Drukgyel Dzong
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Greenmnm69 used under CC BY 2.5

Transformed from a fortress to a monastery, Drukgyal Dzong is an ancient structure situated in the northern part of the Paro District. The monastery was built in the 17th century as a symbol of victory over Tibetans. Over the years, the monastery has been coupled with disasters. One of the pieces of evidence that you will see is a fire that broke out in the mid-20th century. The building has since been renovated to its former glory to accommodate both the locals and visitors flocking from different parts of the world.

Drukgyel Dzong

Address: Bhutan

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

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7. Go back through time at Kyichu Lakhang

Kyichu Lhakhang temple Paro Bhutan - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user David Broad used under CC BY 3.0

Go back through time as you visit one of the earliest temples to be constructed in Bhutan. The temple was constructed as early as the 7th century. It is interconnected with other temples distributed across the region. You’ll learn that the interconnection between the temples is because they were built during the reign of King Gampo. More than 100 temples were built in order to secure the territory. You will learn that the temple was once used for the storage of religious valuables.

Kyichu Lakhang

Address: Paro, Bhutan

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

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8. Hike your way up to Dzongdrakha Monastery

Posted by Kari Rose Norheim on Thursday, 5 March 2020

Discover the beauty of Dzongdrakha Monastery located 30 minutes’ drive away from the Paro International Airport. The monastery is conjoined on the side of a cliff. It has four temples loyal to Buddha of the Future, goddess of longevity, Tara, and many more. On your way to the monastery, you’ll walk for approximately 40 minutes on the way seeing white monkeys and passing thick forest. You will also encounter different plant species growing in their natural habitat. Visit this attraction for a memorable experience with your loved ones.

Dzongdrakha Monastry

Address: Paro, Bhutan

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9. Shop for genuine products at Paro Craft Market

Souvenirs for sale in Thimphu, Bhutan (3)
Source: Photo by Flickr user Richard Mortel used under CC BY 2.0

Shop for authentic handcrafted items at Paro Craft Market. These items include garments, bracelets, purses, and lots more that you can use to design your home. The environment is pleasant for you to purchase items since the pricing is reasonable. The market streets have cafes and restaurants where you can pop in for a meal. You’ll meet both locals and tourists from other regions who create a bustling atmosphere from their multicultural diversity.

Paro Craft Market

Address: Paro, Bhutan

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10. Sip on your pint of beer at Namgay Artisanal Brewery

Beers on taps today for the beer festival. @taihubrewing @lervigbeer @mikkeller.bkk @mikkellerbeer @youngmasterales @...

Posted by Namgay Artisanal Brewery on Saturday, 13 July 2019

Join your friends and enjoy a pint of beer at Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Here, you will be presented with different types of beer that vary in taste. The combination of different Bhutanese components has over the years created beers that are full of aroma and flavour for your maximum satisfaction. There are five different types of beers produced at the brewery. You can enjoy your bottle of beer while viewing the scenic mountainous landscape. The experience is definitely invigorating with beer brands such as milk stout, red rice lager, Bhutanese red beer, and lots more available for you.

Namgay Artisanal Brewery

Address: Dumsibu, Paro 11001, Bhutan

Website: Namgay Artisanal Brewery

Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)

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Discover the beauty of Bhutan

Explore the magnificent landscape while checking out for the various attractions you can visit in the region. This historic region is filled with many museums, monasteries, and galleries that you could visit for delightful experiences.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Mike Mwai is a professional online freelancer who has been in various countries around the world. When not writing, he moves around the region in search of authentic cuisines, culture, and...Read more

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