One of Bhutan's most fertile and revered locations is Paro, a tiny valley town. You can understand the historical significance of Paro's architecture and traditions from its rich cultural history. The town is considered sacred in Bhutan since it is home to 155 temples and monasteries. Taktsang or Tiger's Nest Monastery is the main attraction in Paro. You will be astounded by how many locations you may see here, ranging from some of the valley's most well-known attractions to undiscovered treasures.
The beautiful paddy fields, green surroundings, lush forest, clear rivers, everything stands out in Paro. The breathtaking views, however, show its different sides with different seasons. Once you will feel awe in the lap of a blooming world, while other times you will witness the might of nature itself. Other times you will see a white blanket of snow all over while next, you will see fresh, shiny plants in their prime after being watered by nature.
Paro is a small heaven where every moment will fill you with awe. To smoothly enjoy your trip, you can book a resort in Paro and let your inner child explore the wonders of the earth in its pristine form. Whether you are traveling to Paro with family, friends, or solo, there will be various options of things to do from trekking, cultural immersion, bird watching, festivals celebrating, sightseeing and so much more.
If you are considering visiting Paro, you should be aware of the best season you can visit for your trip. If you are not prepared enough, your trip might get ruined midway. Do not hesitate to book a tour guide or tour agency that will help in navigating the intricacies of the place, without going through the trip hassle. A guide will help in many ways. Your travel agency will arrange every detail of your journey, taking into account the weather, based on your intention to visit Bhutan during a specific season. This will ensure that you avoid the unthinkable repercussions of arriving at a destination at an inappropriate time.
Let's discuss different seasons to visit Paro and what to pack accordingly. You will be the master of choosing your dream time to visit Paro. Whether you are choosing peak season or off-peak season, you will have to be prepared about what to bring and what are the most important things you cannot miss.
1. Spring (March-May)
The peak season of Bhutan, also in Paro, is undoubtedly Spring. The beautiful season breathes vitality into the environment. One will be able to witness the blooming of flowers, and forests becoming lush and green more than ever. This is the time when the skies remain clear, and the clarity of the views can uplift the mood. The valley comes alive with vitality and open opportunities to do several outdoor activities. Whether you want to go for long trekking or want to go biking in the hills, the season offers the perfect temperature.
To be able to enjoy the full trip during spring, you can consider packing a few things that are important for a pleasant trip.
Clothing
You must carry the right clothes with you to enjoy the tour at its fullest. During spring the temperature in Paro remains mild around 16 to 21 degrees Celsius. Based on that pack thing that includes:
- Pack some lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton or linen so that you don't have to worry about being uncomfortable during outdoor activities.
- The temperature remains pleasant during the morning of spring, however, during the evening, it becomes much cooler. To avoid getting cold you can pack a light jacket or sweater to stay cozy.
- As much as the rainy season of Bhutan is not preferred by most tourists, a light seasonal rainfall is normal. Make sure to carry a raincoat or poncho and do not let rainfall get in your way to exploration.
- Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you are excited to go for outdoor activities. Especially for activities in hills like trekking and hiking, you need comfortable footwear to navigate the rugged trails of the mountains. You will need appropriate footwear even when exploring monasteries, as you may need to walk a few distances or hike to get to the temples.
Other Essentials:
- Sunscreen and hat
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Medicines for emergency purposes
2. Summer (June-August)
The months of June-August opened a new world of Paro. From light to heavy rainfall with humidity, this season is an off-peak season for Bhutan. The challenges and difficulties during the season make it nearly impossible to go for outdoor activities or even visit the destination normally. These times are best for indoor activities in the comfort of your luxury resort in Paro.
This is also the best time if you want to get into deep cultural immersion. Due to fewer tourists, the locals can open up with the visitors and have meaningful conversations which will enhance your experience of the trip. The off-season has its perks but here we will discuss what you should pack to get the most out of your trip during monsoon times in Paro.
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must and try to wear something that can easily get dry.
- Do not forget to bring a raincoat or poncho, as heavy rainfall is common in June-August.
- Once you go to higher altitudes, pack warm clothes as it gets colder.
- Comfortable walking shoes are necessary to walk on the slippery trails. When you are getting out of your accommodation for your tour, you must wear safe, high-quality shoes that will help you navigate the slippery roads. However, you have to be prepared because it is normal to face disrupted travel plans due to heavy rainfall or landslides.
Other Essentials:
- Sunscreen and hat
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Medicines
- Umbrella
3. Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is another pleasant time to visit Bhutan. The season offers the best temperature to go for outdoor activities and enjoy nature. Paro’s sky gets clearer, the temperature becomes comfortable, and the landscape is filled with vitality after flourishing in the rainy season. The air feels so much fresher and if you enjoy every bit of it, you can pack the required things and make your journey even more pleasant.
Clothing
- Warm layers, including sweaters and jackets, are a must when going to high altitudes. The mornings and afternoons are typically pleasant however the evening sometimes gets cooler so layering is needed.
- You should keep a waterproof jacket or coat because even after the end of the rainy season, you may face light rainfall.
- Comfortable walking shoes to help you enhance the comfort of your trip
- Warm hats and gloves are during cooler evenings.
Other Essentials:
- Sunscreen and hat
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella
4. Winter (December-February)
Paro is one of the warmest areas of Bhutan but it still sometimes faces snowfall. The weather gets chilly and you will need to give special attention to your health. Though the season gets cold, you don't miss the clear skies and snow-clad mountains. The sheer beauty will leave anyone breathless. It is the off-peak season and opportunities for trekking and several outdoor activities are not open for tourists. This time is best for deep cultural interaction due to extra time for locals to focus on you which is also because of the season being off-season.
Clothing:
- Warm, insulated clothing, including down jackets, thermals, woollen sweaters, scarves, leather jackets, warm bottoms, etc.
- Thermal underwear is a wise choice for a cozy feel amidst the cool season.
- Waterproof, windproof outer layers will make the trip much more convenient and will keep you safe from health issues.
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf, and warm accessories for additional protection
- Sturdy, waterproof boots, hiking boots with warm interior for a safe walk
Other Essentials:
- Lip balm and moisturizer
- Hand warmers
- Medicines
- Documents
- Backpack
- Camera
- Power bank
Additional Tips:
- It is recommended to buy a sim-card from Bhutan to get a good network connection.
- A high-quality camera captures the beauty of Paro and is one of the most important things you cannot miss.
- Extra SD card for phone or camera in case it will be required.
- Get recommendations and advice from your local expert tour guide if needed. They have wide knowledge and expertise about Paro, meaning they have insightful tips that could change your experience to become much more pleasant.
- If your guide recommends you to keep your documents like permits along with you, do not forget to keep them in your backpack.
Conclusion
Paro is a beautiful valley in Bhutan. It has several monasteries and temples and is thus known as a sacred land by locals. Their beautiful vistas offer different sides in different seasons, from clear skies of blooming nature to heavy
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