Paro
The iconic Taktshang monastery is perched on a rocky cliff
The rice producing valley of Paro (2,200m), west of the capital Thimphu, is one of the first places visitors see on entering Bhutan. Bhutan’s only international airport is located here.
Paro is known for many sacred Buddhist sites including the iconic Tiger’s nest or Taktshang monastery that was founded in the 8th century and clings to a sheer rock face 900 metres above the valley floor.
Northwest of the small Paro town that is filled with cafes, eateries and souvenir shops is the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong that served as a defense post to ward off invasions from the north in the 17th century. The fortress is being rebuilt.
Paro is also home to the national museum that is housed in an ancient watchtower shaped like a conch and seven stories high.
Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the country’s oldest monasteries that dates back to the 7th century, is also located in Paro.