Paro is the most beautiful valley in
Bhutan and is the only city that has an international airport which makes it
the only point of entry to Bhutan. The important places of tourist interest
here are Ta Dzong temple, the Rinchen Pung Dzong temple and the Dungtse
Lhakhang temple. Paro has an interesting market, held in the weekend, where
one can see local products being sold.
The city is famous for the monasteries and the Paro valley is famous for
fruit and red rice production.
Fact file
Country : Bhutan
Official name : Paro
Population : 19,322
Languages: Dzongkha, Sharchop Kha, Nepali, English.
Official Currency : Bhutan Ngultrum(BTN) ; 1 BTN = 1 Indian Rupee
0.02296 USD($) = 0.01907 EURO (subject to change).
Climate
There are four distinct seasons similiar in their divisions to those of
Western Europe. The Monsoon occurs between June and August when the
temperature is normally between 8°-21°C (46°-70°F).
Temperatures drop dramatically with increases in altitude. Days are usually
very pleasant (average about 10°C/50°F) with clear skies and
sunshine. Nights are cold and require heavy woollen clothing, particularly
in winter. Generally October, November and April to mid-June are the best
times to visit - rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are conducive to
active days of sightseeing. The foothills are also very pleasant during the
winter.
Location
The city is located in the Paro Valley in western part of Bhutan.
Getting There
By Air : Paro, Bhutan's only airport, is located in a deep valley,
some 2190m (7300ft) above sea level, surrounded by hills and high mountains.
Transportation conditions are fairly difficult and the approach into Paro
airport is entirely by visual flight rules.
Getting Around
Travelling in Paro can be done either on foot or by road as Bhutan has
neither domestic Air Service, nor railway. For some of the villages not
connected by roads, the only mode of transport is by foot or using riding
ponies.
Accommodation
There
are a number of good hotels in the city to ensure a comfortable stay for the
tourists. A list of some of the good accommodation facilities is given
below:
4 star hotels in the city
* Hotel Uma Paro
* Hotel Olathang
3 star hotel in the city
* Hotel Amankora
2 star hotel in the city
* Hotel Druk Paro
Major Tourist Attractions
Paro Dzong (Tiger's Nest Monestary) : It is a spectacular piece of
architecture in Bhutan which is sought for the search for spiritual
enlightenment. Monks spent years creating this fortress on the side of a
cliff above Paro and it houses both the superficial structure "lhakhang"
as well as Pelphug Lhakhang, the spiritual temple made out of a cave that
has been in use for centuries.
Rinpung Dzong : The monastery here was first built by Guru
Padmasambhava during the tenth century and as per the myth it is said that
it was built by the villagers during the day and spirits during the night.
The hoofmarks left by their horses are still visible at the site. Shabdrung
Ngwang Namgayal built the present Dzong on the older foundation in the year
1646. The five-storey building was built with stones instead of clay and the
Dzong was named Rinpung, meaning "heaps of jewels".
Ta Dzong : This Dzong was erected to be used as a watchtower and in
Bhutanese language "Ta" means "to see", so the Dzong was
called "Ta Dzong". Since 1968 Ta Dzong was converted into the
National Museum which features the captivating collection of Bhutan's
exquisite postage stamps, art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, coins
and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection.
Drukgyel Dzong : It was built by Ngawang Namgyal as a symbol of his
victory over the Tibetan trespassers and it literally means 'The Victorious
Druk. Unfortunately, it was severely damaged by fire in 1951 and is in ruins
today. It can be entered from only one side and is protected by three tall
towers and a domed passageway which connects the Dzong with the riverbank
ensuring water supply to the Dzong during war.
Kyichu Lhakhang: A composition of two temples, it is the second most
holy place of the country where the first temple was made by the Tibetan
king Songtsen Gampo in 7th century while the second one was made by the
Queen Mother of Bhutan, H.M. Ashi Keshang,in 1968.
Farm Houses: The Bhutanese farm houses are generally two or three
storied houses with colorful presentation in the outer walls and lintels.
They are erected without using any single nail and are definitely the
catalysts of the natural beauty of Paro.
Kila Gompa : It was erected for the nuns who present their lives to
spiritual causes like religious studies, prayer and meditation.
