Summers are known for their intense heat and unpleasant climatic conditions that make it uncomfortable to travel. If you want to escape from the heat of the summer, Paro in Bhutan can be the best destination for you. With multiple attractions sites, exciting activities, and numerous places to stay in Paro, the valley is one of the best places to spend your summer vacation.
Placed in the western part of Bhutan, the valley of Paro is highly popular for its pleasant climate, lush green hills and numerous options for tourism making it one of the best places to spend your vacation. This blog will be a guide for you to spend a quality vacation in the hills of Paro so that you come back with lots of memories.
Overview of Paro
Paro is the westernmost district of Bhutan often called the gateway to Bhutan. The valley attracts tourists and travellers with its untouched natural beauty, attractions sites and delectable cuisines. Apart from this, the valley of Paro is popular in the summer due to its pleasant climatic conditions and mostly hills ideal for people to spend their summer vacations. Placed at an altitude of 2,250 m above sea level, the valley is home to the iconic landmark of Bhutan, Paro Taktsang which welcomes tourists throughout the year.
Places to Visit
Paro Taktsang
The iconic landmark of Paro, Paro Taktsang also known as Tiger’s Nest is one of the most popular places in the valley. Situated at an elevation of 900m, the monastery is famous for its trekking activity and rich cultural significance.
Rinpung Dzong
Placed on the bank of the Chhu River, Rinpung Dzong is one of the largest monasteries in the country that reflects the marvel of Bhutanese architecture. Apart from this, the monastery is also known for hosting Paro Tsechu, the biggest festival in the country.
National Museum of Bhutan
The cultural centre of Paro, this place is known for housing artefacts and textiles that showcase glimpses of Bhutanese culture. Built in the year 1649, the museum is a popular sightseeing in Paro.
Chele La Pass
Chele La Pass is considered among the highest motorable passes in the country and is popular for its misty hills and panoramic view of the valley. Situated at an altitude of 13,000 ft the pass is among the most popular place to visit during summers.
Kyichu Lhakhang
One of the oldest monasteries of the country, Kyichu Lhakhang showcases the rich culture and tradition of the bygone era. Built in the year 1649, the Dzong is located on top of the Paro valley which offers a scenic view of the surroundings.
Things to Do
Trekking
With numerous rugged hills and pathways, the valley of Paro is one of the best places to indulge in trekking activities. Paro Taktsang and Snowman trek is one of the most popular trekking zones in the valley.
Relish Local Cuisine
Food is what sets Paro apart from other cities in the country. With numerous restaurants, the place offers you to relish local cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Witness Festivals
Paro is widely known for its rich culture and festivals are the best time to witness the rich culture of the valley. There are numerous festivals that are celebrated during the summers that are sure to offer you a unique experience.
Mountain Biking
Situated in the hilly region, Paro is popular for mountain biking which can be indulged by contacting local tour operators of this region.
Places to Stay
Paro apart from its scenic beauty and rich culture is also popular for its hospitality and hotels. There are numerous 3-star hotels in Paro that offer luxurious staying experiences amidst the beauty of the Paro Valley. Whether you are searching for an affordable option or need a luxurious hotel for your vacation, you can find a wide variety of hotels and resorts which you can choose based on your comfort and budget. You can also contact some of the best hotels before your visit to book your stays so that you can travel Paro hassle-free while relaxing to some of the best hotels based on your choice.
Places to Eat
You can also find small food stalls and shops that serve delectable cuisines from Bhutanese as well as international cuisines. Paro is located in the hills and most of the foods served are prepared using local or home-grown ingredients that add a unique taste and texture to the food. Apart from this, there are many luxury restaurants that offer a range of delectable dishes from Bhutanese and international cuisines. Ema Datshi is the iconic dish of Paro that is a must-try dish of this region.
How to Reach
Being located in a remote area, the valley of Paro is well connected with the rest of the world by road and airways. The valley is home to the only international airport of the country, Paro International Airport that connects with major cities of India. Talking of roadways, Tourists can travel to Paro from Phuentsholing, a city located on the Indo-Bhutan, with a journey of around 4 hours.
Paro is known as Bhutan’s gateway town which is popular for its scenic beauty and mesmerizing landscapes. There are many places to stay in Paro that allow you to relax and enjoy the magical beauty of the city from the comfort of your bed. Whether you want to escape from the heat of summer or want to spend quality time in Bhutan the valley of Bhutan is ready to fulfill all of your travelling needs.