Paro

Paro Luxury Travel

If you could only visit one place in Bhutan, it should be postcard-pretty Paro. Paro is Bhutan; a microcosm of everything the Kingdom has to experience. Even if you’ve never heard of the town, you’ve likely seen images of its iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang).

Shrouded in Himalayan mysticism, the emerald valley in western Bhutan brims with Buddhist sites. Each monastery and hidden cave is a testament to Bhutan’s centuries-old spirituality. Yet, amidst this enduring reverence, Paro also hums with the energy of modern Bhutan.  

Currently the only city in the Kingdom with an international airport, Paro is included on all Bhutan luxury itineraries.  

Paro Travel Highlights

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic sacred site 
Learn about the Kingdom’s unique history and inspect precious objects at the National Museum 
Visit Dungtse Monastery and receive a welcome blessing from the high lama 
Observe nuns in evening prayers at Kila Goemba Nunnery 
Witness the Paro Tshechu (~March), one of Bhutan’s largest festivals 
Sample craft beers at Namgay Artisanal Brewery
Enjoy wellness treatments in the valley’s luxury lodges 
Wander Paro’s streets to fall into the city’s rhythm, visiting shops and cafés 

Things to Do in Paro

Your arrival at Paro will give you an immediate taste of contemporary culture. During the pandemic, the airport was transformed into an art gallery at the King’s directive and in partnership with VAST, a Bhutanese contemporary art collective.  

No trip to Bhutan is complete without experiencing the iconic, cliff-hanging Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), considered one of the best things to do in Bhutan. The spiritual crown jewel of the Kingdom is one of the most venerated Buddhist sites in the world. This seventeenth-century gold-roofed monastic complex was built on the site of a cave that Guru Rinpoche, an eighth-century master who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, reached on the back of a flying tiger. There, he meditated for exactly three years, three months, and three days to eradicate the area of demons. Thanks to the steep 2,950-foot ascent, you should save this challenging hike for the end of your trip, once you’ve fully acclimatized. The entire excursion takes about a half-day—but once you reach the monastery, you may consider following in the Guru’s footsteps. And you sort of can, by enjoying a meditation with the High Lama. Expert tip: Enjoy a mountainside picnic en route to Tiger’s Nest Monastery—and schedule a traditional hot stone bath and herbal treatment for that evening. 

Famed for its floating goddess statue, Chumphu Nye is an equally significant Buddhist pilgrimage site near Paro, but lesser known. The easy two-and-a-half-hour hike follows a gentle river through an enchanting pine forest, bringing you across a wooden footbridge and past fluttering prayer flags and stupas to a grand temple atop a small (but steep) hill located at 10,000 feet altitude. Inside the white temple is a gold statue hovering above the altar.

Shrouded in legend and possibly Bhutan’s oldest temple, Kyichu Lhakhang is said to have been built overnight by a seventh-century Tibetan King on the foot of a giant ogress, paving the way for Buddhism to spread across the land. Visit with an expert guide who can interpret the temple’s detailed murals and symbols.  

Where to Stay in Paro

A host of handsome luxury accommodations await in the Paro Valley. Amankora Paro Lodge (which has Tiger’s Nest views) and Six Senses Paro are standout. Como Uma Paro is the brand’s extraordinary flagship lodge in Bhutan. For a more cultural stay, consider properties like Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary and the timeless Zhiwaling Heritage, a pioneer of Bhutanese hospitality.  

The Best Time to Visit Paro

Paro can be visited year-round. The spring months of March to April are generally considered the best time to visit Paro, offering comfortable temperatures, lovely spring blooms, and coinciding with the Paro Tshechu (~March). Autumn (mid-September through November) is another pleasant time to plan a visit. 

Thanks to Paro’s lofty elevation—sitting 7,200 feet above sea level—winters can be brutally cold and dry, while summer (specifically July through mid-September) can be touch-and-go due to monsoon rains.  

Keep reading: The Best Time to Visit Bhutan: A Month-By-Month Guide

Explore Paro on a Map

Our Favorite Luxury Lodges in Paro