Things to Do in Paro

Paro is located approximately 51 kilometres away from Thimphu. It usually takes around an hour to reach this beautiful city from Thimphu, excluding the traffic. However, the road from Thimphu to Paro is extremely beautiful, with the Pa Chhu River flowing alongside. Additionally, you also cross many villages, along with small shops, rice paddies and apple orchards on your way to Paro.

When you are confused about what to do in Paro, the easiest option for you is shopping. Some of the things you can buy in Paro are:

1. Kiras: These are the traditional Bhutanese dresses for women. Not only are these extremely beautiful, but they are also available all across Paro in different shops. 

2. Prayer Wheels: These are other famous keepsakes from Bhutan. They are considered very religious and are extremely peaceful. 

3. Traditional Bhutanese Handicrafts: Paro is known for being the cultural center of Bhutan. Here, you can visit the Chencho Handicrafts store to shop for local handicrafts, beautifully embroidered cloth as well as weavings. 

4. Other things you can buy: Dried yak cheese, Incense, Silver jewelry, Ceramics, Antiques, Wood-carved masks, Local paintings and much more.

Availing a wildlife safari is one of the most fun things to do in Paro. Some of the places you can go for a wildlife safari in and around the city are:

Jigme Dorji National Park: This national park is also home to many endangered species of wildlife. On a safari here, you can see kin, blue sheep, snow leopard, musk deer, red panda and even a serow, along with other animals. 

Royal Manas National Forest: This is the oldest secured area in Bhutan. You can catch a glimpse of various different animals like rhinos, gaurs, leopards, elephants and many species of deer.

River rafting is one of the most fun things to do in Paro. The Po Chhu River, located in the Punakha Valley, is undoubtedly the best place to go for river rafting here in Paro. The river has class 2 and 3 rapids, which are considered the best for this adventure sport.

Spending your honeymoon is one of the most Offbeat Things to Do in Paro. It is an unconventional romantic destination with snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys and tranquillity all around. Some of the most romantic things you can do in Paro during a honeymoon are:

Climb The Tiger’s Nest: Climb to the top of the Tiger’s Nest with your significant other, at 3000 feet. Once on the top, you can get scintillating views of the surrounding mountains. 

Stay At A Rustic Farmhouse: Staying at a colourful yet rustic farmhouse in Paro is the ultimate romantic thing to do here. These farmhouses are built in a traditional style and reflect the rich Bhutanese culture.

One of the most common yet fun activities to do in Paro is to enjoy its nightlife. Some of these are:

1. Club K: This club defines the nightlife in Paro. Located in the basement of a restaurant, you can indulge in some really amazing drinks here. 

2. Uma Paro Bar: Located in close vicinity to the Paro International Airport, this is one of the best bars and lounges in the city, having the best collection of international liquor. 

3. Millennium Club: This place is a local favorite. In this place, you can let go of your inhibitions and dance the night away to some really great music.

Road tripping is one of the most fun things to do in Paro. Driving in this land of exotic and pure mysticism is a one-of-a-kind surreal experience. Some of the best road trip places in Paro are:

Chele La Pass: Located at 13,000 feet above the sea level, between Paro and Haa, this is the highest motorable road pass in all of Bhutan. A road trip to Chele La Pass is full of adventures, with crazy winding roads to scintillating views of nature. 

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge: A road trip to this Iron Chain Bridge is a must when you are in Paro. The bridge was built in the late 1300s, using wood and iron. Once you reach here, you are presented with amazing views of the mountains and the pristine blue river.