Bhutan is a beautiful place best known for its lush forest, majestic mountains, and cultural heritage. In this beautiful country, Paro stands out as a unique and beautiful valley. Before Thimphu became the Capital of Bhutan, Paro used to be the center of political, trade, and cultural importance. With time, a lot of things changed however, its rich cultural heritage still attracts visitors from all over the world.
However, the valley of Paro is not all of that. With its beautiful and exciting terrain, this place offers a wide range of activities to try. From trekking in the beautiful trails, leading to the sacred place and enjoying a picnic on the riverside, to visiting the local market to buying yourself and your family souvenirs. The land of Paro is filled with cultural wonders and beautiful sites, which blend the purposes of adventure, spirituality, relaxation, and education. Visiting here with your family can be a unique experience on its own. Here are some of the popular as well as hidden gems of Paro, which you shouldn't miss if you are traveling with family.
1. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest):
Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest is one of the most popular monasteries of Bhutan. Located dangerously close to a cliff of Paro, the site offers fascinating views that can enchant anyone's heart. This place offers the best bonding adventure for families offering beginner-friendly hiking trails. The challenge it takes to reach the final of the trekking path which opens a beautiful site of the monastery, brings happiness that cannot be said in words.
However, if you are with elders and kids, it adds to the challenge. The best way to cover the distance to the monastery is through horse riding facilities, available at the base of the valley. The riders will take the safe path to reach the top.
Throughout the journey, you can get help from your guide to tell the stories and historical significance of the place to the kids. The intriguing stories will keep engaging the kids. It is best to check the weather before you opt for hiking. The slippery path can be dangerous for hiking but horse riding can turn out to be more dangerous in the same situation.
2. National Museum of Bhutan:
The National Museum of Bhutan will take you to a time-travel experience with his well-preserved artifacts. It is an educational institute that showcases the historical story from 4000 BC. The museum was once a proud fortress, Ta Dzong with its strong history of protecting Paro. Now the defensive stronghold has turned into a cultural site, a museum where Bhutan's rich cultural heritage is shown. Each item speaks a different story. Learn its historical significance to make the overall watching process more entertaining and meaningful. The captivating collection includes:
- Ancient masks and costumes
- Sacred paintings
- Statues
- Handicraft and textile
- Royal artifacts
- Weaponry
- Geological specimens etc.
These different collections can make your kid more engaged with its colorful and beautiful appearance.
3. Rinpung Dzong:
Rinpung Dzongs or Paro Dzong is another site you can visit with your family. Behind the beauty of this Buddhist monastery, its architecture, history, and festivals are admired by millions of its visitors. The monastery was once a stronghold to protect Paro from the Tibetan invasion.
Now the Dzong or Monastery houses different temples, government offices as well as places for monks. Visitors can watch the daily interaction of monks, and admire their simple style of living and their determined and disciple spirit. These can be teaching material for your kids. The architecture of the fortress is not to be missed. The intricate designs beautifully carved fill the onlookers with admiration. Take several pictures in the background of such beautiful architecture.
4. Kyichu Lhakhang:
Located in Paro town, Kyichu Lhakhang is a fascinating monastery of Bhutan. One can visit the place to receive blessings from the monks. With family, this can be a meaningful journey amidst the serene environment of the monastery. Participate in the tradition of lighting butter lamps. It is believed that lightning lamps represent the eradication of the darkness of ignorance and is a way to increase merits from deities.
5. Paro River Picnic:
Spending quality time with family by the riverside can be a dreamy experience. Organize a picnic beside Paro River, where the beautiful water body with a bridge creates a fascinating sight. Enjoy the rushing water along with participating in the play of the kids like teaching kids how to skip stones, building rock damn with them, and spot fishes to cheer up their mood.
It is best to follow eco-friendly practices to protect sustainability. Bhutan gives a lot of importance to such making it more essential to follow the rules including not throwing trash around or in the river, using reusable items, bringing sustainable food storage, etc.
6. Chele La Pass:
Chele La Pass is another beauty of Bhutan where the Sky Meets the Mountains. The journey of crossing the path is itself a thrilling experience. Spotting wildlife and birds can be a very exhilarating moment for the kids as well as other members of the family. The beauty of the mountains cannot be put in words. This is where you will feel the real freedom. This is where you are close to the sky.
With the rise, you will see a group of flying flags. Let yourself wash in the winds touched by the flags. It is believed that the flag makes the winds permeate with good, peace, and calmness. Try making wishes here with your family and capture the heavenly moment with your camera.
7. Paro Market:
Visit Paro Market for a unique experience. Everything from fruits, organic foods, crafts, furniture, religious product items, antiques, and prayer wheels are available in this local market of Paro. All of these are at affordable prices. It is the best treasure hunt for families looking for local delights. This is where you can get fascinating things for your family including souvenirs, dolls, kid-friendly snacks and so much more.
8. Paro Airport Viewpoint:
Known for being one of the most challenging airports where the sheer view of the landing and taking off process can make you filled with goosebumps. The thrilling feeling comes from the sight of an extremely difficult landing process. How the pilot is trained to pass the narrow path to land is admirable. The discipline and hard work it takes can be a very important lesson for your kids. Talk with them about the test of skills and precision it takes to motivate your kids. Also, communicate about what makes the whole situation so difficult. How the mountains, weather, and short runway make it difficult to land large aircraft.
9. Farmhouse Experiences:
Engage in the cultural aspect of Bhutan by visiting their farmhouse and living their daily life. The farmhouse will remind us of the traditional life of a rural area. Paro being the valley offers large land for farmhouses. You can talk with the locals to get a new perspective on life. Try making local dishes like Ema Datshi, and Butter Tea and let your child tag along. This will help them try different tastes as well as open their mind to different lives. Try a hot stone bath here also, enjoy the morning views, and learn archery (National Sport of Bhutan) with the locals.
10. Drukgyel Dzong:
Drukgyel Dzong is a ruin that was once a stronghold protecting its people. The fortress was destroyed in a fire but from its view, you can still feel the majestic air around it. The fortress is a proud destination of Bhutan. Book a guide who serves family-friendly services. This will ensure your kids are entertained throughout their journey by listening to the intriguing stories behind the destination. This will allow them to spread their imagination and build stories and pictures in their mind. You can also suggest they sketch or write their activities to make it more fun for them.
11. Kila Goenpa Nunnery
You can reach the destination either by hiking or by vehicle through Chele La Pass. The place lacks the hustle and bustle of the ground while located at the top of the mountain. You can have quality time with your family due to its lack of crowd. The pine forest and steep slopes bring out fascinating sights to behold. Goenpa is used by Buddhist practitioners to retreat. You can enjoy a mediation time with your family.
12.Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang
The 15th-century temple, Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang is a fascinating place to enjoy with family. The unique stupa-like structure makes a fascinating view of the monastery. It is the place where you will find a perfect meeting of history, art, and spirituality.
13. Haa Valley Day Trip:
One day trip to the hidden gems near Paro, Haa Valley can be a very exciting experience. It showcases its beauty with the taste of historical sites and traditional rural life. Enjoy a remote nature walk with the family and engage with the village people to learn more about their lives and enjoy authentic local meals. The valley is famous for its ornate house, 7th-century temples, and historical Bhutan life.
Unique Family Experiences in Paro
Paro is a beautiful destination for family trips. With its various monasteries, cultural heritage, and fun activities, this makes this destination is filled with fun for all ages.it is recommended to do a cultural exchange with the locals, learn their crafts and recipes, and share your stories and meals to build an authentic connection with them. Various educational aspects of the trip should not be missed when you are traveling with kids. Make their journey motivating and educational by teaching them traditional arts with the help of locals and engaging in different activities such as life archery.
Practical Tips for Visiting Paro with Family
To experience the best tour, you can consider this tip to make the journey memorable and exciting.
- Choose family-friendly accommodation
- When hiking, plan a gradual ascent.
- Be hydrated throughout the journey.
- Avoid overexerting
- Consult with a doctor for an emergency.
- Keep important medicines every time.
Conclusion
Paro is a destination where people of every age can find fun according to their interests. This place offers the best bonding moments for families. Whether it is a spiritual trip, adventurous trip, peaceful nature sightseeing trip, or historical tour, you have everything avilable in the valley of Paro. Dive deep into the perfect retreat of adventure, culture, and quality time with family in the valley of Paro while enjoying at the best hotel in Paro for a memorable expreience.
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