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Paro
 Journey
by air to Paro is approx. one hour from Kathmandu or Calcutta.
Paro is one of the most populated areas of the country.
Because of its proximity to the airport, there are hotels &
tourist facilities close by. The valley of Paro contains a
wealth of attractions and requires a few days to be properly
explored.
Drugyal Dzong:
Drugyal Dzong means victorious
fortress which was built in 1647 AD by Shabdrung Ngawang to
commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders, led by
Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644 AD. Strategically built
over the only passage into Paro valley, the Dzong helped to
repel numerous invasions all through the course of Bhutanese
history. The Dzong was gutted by an accidental fire in 1951.
The ruins, as it stands today still attract tourists.
Taktsang
Monastery:
Literally means the Tiger’s Nest
(den). This temple clings precariously to a granite cliff 800m
above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the great Guru
Padmasambhava flew to this spot on the back of a Tigress and
meditated in a cave during the 8th century. The
temple was built around the cave and is a hallowed shrine for
Bhutanese pilgrims. A terrible fire in April 1998 destroyed
Taktsang’s medieval wall paintings and all inner temples. A
new construction has already begun by the Royal Government.
Rinpung Dzong (Paro
Dzong):
Rinpung Dzong, meaning the
fortress on a heap of jewels was built during the time of
Shabdrung in 1646. The approach to the Dzong is through a
traditional covered bridge. A walk to the Dzong offers a good
view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life
around it. The Dzong now houses the Paro monastic school and
the office of the civil administration. It is also the venue
of the great Paro Tsechu (festival) held once a year in
spring.
Ta Dzong:
The
castle-shaped Ta Dzong was built in 1651 as a watch tower to
defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th
century. Ta Dzong has housed the nation’s heritage in Bhutan’s
National Museum since 1976. It holds a fascinating collection
of arts, relics and religious Thanka paintings.
Farm House:
The
beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of quaint
farmhouses. Bhutanese houses are very colourful and
traditionally built without the use of a single nail. The
house looks very big from outside but is quite simple inside.
It’s normally three story. The ground floor is always used for
cattle while the attic is used for hay. The families live in
the middle floor. The best room is always kept for the family
chapel. A visit to a farm house is very interesting and offers
a good glimpse into the life style of a farmer.
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