Paro

Paro is a historic town in western Bhutan's Paro Valley and the seat of Paro District, best known as the country's main international gateway through Paro International Airport. Surrounded by terraced rice fields, pine forests and Himalayan peaks, it has a calm, traditional character shaped by Bhutanese architecture and Buddhist heritage.

Paro's landmarks reflect its deep history: Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery overlooking the valley; Ta Dzong, a former watchtower now home to the National Museum; Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples; and the cliffside Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger's Nest, the country's most iconic pilgrimage site. The ruins of Drukgyel Dzong stand at the northern end of the valley.

The compact town centre along the Pa Chhu river has shops, cafés and craft stores, while surrounding villages and farmhouses preserve a traditional rural way of life. Most visitors use Paro as a base for the hike to Tiger's Nest, excursions over Chele La pass and day trips to the capital, Thimphu.

Paro's economy centres on tourism, agriculture and handicrafts. The annual Paro Tshechu festival, held in spring, draws visitors with masked dances and religious ceremonies performed at Rinpung Dzong.

For leisure and business travellers alike, Paro is practical because it hosts Bhutan's only international airport and lies close to Thimphu, making it the natural first stop for flights, meetings, cultural tours and mountain journeys.