Bhutan

Located in the cliffside of the upper valley in Bhutan, Paro Taktsang is an eminent Buddhist sacred site and is also known as Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. This temple has become the folk icon of Bhutan which Hangs at an uncertain cliff at 10240 feet above the Paro valley, reaching the temple is only possible through a mountainous route. The remote location makes it difficult to reach but also makes it beautiful, unique and an unforgettable destination at the same time and it is one of the best places to visit in Paro.The glistering lights, golden dome and idols make its interior even more amazing. A large statue of a tiger is located in the hall of a thousand Buddhas, which is carved out of a rock. The buildings are interconnected and the stairs are carved out of the rocks, and there are windows in every building which gives a glorious view. To mark the beginning of a new day, the monks rotate the prayer wheel everyday at 4 AM which is located at the courtyard of the temple and is the main shrine of the temple. The rock slopes are almost vertical on the right side of Paro Chu. 'Chu' here refers to rivers or water in Bhutanese. The temple is devoted to Padmasambhava which is also known as Gu-Ru mTshan-bragyad Lhakhang which translates as 'the temple of the guru with eight names'. During March or April, a festival called Tsechu is celebrated in the Paro valley in the honor or Padmasambhava. 

The weekend market is one of the major Paro tourist attractions because of the colourful sights and sounds and smells that you encounter when you are there. It is a hub for tourists and locals alike and is a place where you can find anything imaginable- from fruits and vegetables to religious artefacts and Bhutanese stamps. If you are looking for souvenirs to take back home with you, you can even find traditional dresses of Bhutan, authentic, hand-crafted prayer wheels and Kira. The market also has several food stalls where you can enjoy Bhutanese delicacies such as chugo (yak cheese), khoo (jellied cow skin) and Tsirang honey. Location: Paro, BhutanPrice: INR 500 approx.

You wouldn’t expect to find a microbrewery in Paro, which makes the Namgay Artisanal Brewery is one of the most exciting places to visit in Paro. Established by Dorji Gyeltshen, the microbrewery serves local drinks such as apple cider and beer like the pale and dark ales, pilsners, red rice lager, milk stout wheat beer and craft beer. The brewery was established to create an active local beer culture in the country and to that purpose, it holds the Bhutanese Beer Festival every year. You should definitely try out the place for their unique beers and local flavours. Location: Dumsibu, Paro, BhutanPrice: INR 2,500 approx.

The Zuri Dzong in Paro is the oldest in Bhutan and is, therefore, one of the most important places to see in Paro. Built in the early 14th century, it is not only a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan and Paro but also the art, architecture and lifestyle of the people back then. The structure, despite being so old, looks as good as new, without any wear or tear, and is supported by a double-wall as well as bridge. There are several murals on the walls of the Dzong which are dedicated to the Buddhist protector- Zaa. It is also a great view-point, and you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings from this 5-storey structure. Location: Paro, Bhutan Price: Free entry

If you are on a mission to go sightseeing in Paro, you must check out the Rinpung Dzong monastery, another ancient monastery you can find in Paro. It is located on the face of a hill and overlooks the gorgeous valley surrounded by sprawling green hills on all sides, allowing you to take some breathtaking pictures. The name of the monastery translated into “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels” and the structure itself has played a pivotal role in protecting Bhutan from foreign invasions in the past. Even today, you can witness some mind-boggling art and architecture that has withstood the test of time when you visit the Dzong. Location: Paro, Bhutan Price: Free entry

Drukgyel is one of the most interesting places to see in Paro because of its history and notoriety. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the area and despite being the victim of a massive fire accident in the 1950s, it has withstood and survived for all to witness it today. The fort has been renovated and rebuilt, with some new murals and frescoes being added to the plethora of existing ones. Visitors can get a wonderful view of the surrounding Chomolhari mountains from the summit of the Monastery. Location: Paro, Bhutan Price: Free entry

The Dasho Nishioka Chorten museum was set up to honour Dasho Kaiji Nishioka, who was a pioneer in the world of irrigation and agriculture in Bhutan. The museum outlines the life, contributions and achievement of Dashi Nishioka and shows how he revolutionized the agriculture process in Bhutan, making it more economical and the region more independent and modern. The museum itself overlooks large rice paddies and agricultural fields which make for some stunning places to see in Paro.Location: Paro, Bhutan Price: INR 500

Tashichho Dzong or ‘the fortress of the auspicious religion’ is an ancient dzong located in Thimphu. One can get the best possible view of the town from Tashichho Dzong. Tashichho Dzong is home to the colorful ‘Tsechu’ festivities. The dzong houses the royal throne room, several offices of the king and several ministries. The place is an administrative place of Thimphu. It is one of the highly visited tourist places in Thimphu.The dzong is guarded by towers from all four sides. The inner part of the dzong is designed in the royal and ancient bhutanese way. The ceiling of the dzong are decorated with the mandala paintings.There is an open courtyard in the north side of the dzong which grounds for the ‘tsechu’  festival. Location: Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu, BhutanPrice: 300 Rs.