The Paro Valley surrounds the Paro River at an altitude of 6,500 feet, an hour’s drive from Thimphu. There are various stories throughout Paro. Moreover, its natural beauty is not to be forgotten. Especially in the spring season, Paro’s form becomes incomparable and the sight is pleasant. In Paro, you can see Paro Jung, National Museum. But Paro’s biggest attraction is the Tigers’ nest. This monastery is located on a cliff 60 km from Paro. The walkway is also very beautiful. Bhutan Tourism has built a beautiful coffee house here to soak the throats of visitors. There are several places of interest around the city of Paro. The Rimpu Jung here is not as big as the previous Jung, but it is nice to look around. You can go up to the museum. What was once the Tajong Fort is now the National Museum.
The museum’s collection of stamps and antique coins is quite impressive. The ruins of the Drukgial Jung fort on the Tibetan border, 15 km from here. You have to reach Kichu Monastery from the fort. The orange trees inside the monastery bear fruit all year round. In the main room of the monastery, there is a huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava. If you have time, you can trek to the top of the hill from Taksang Cave – the common name of this cave for the difficult path – ‘Tiger’s Nest’ – ‘Tiger’s Nest’! It would also be nice to visit the weekly market in Paro on Sundays. If the weather is good, you will see the Chomo Lahari (24,035 feet) mountain range, the most sacred mountain for Bhutanese and Tibetans on the way back to Paro.
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When to visit
The best time to visit Bhutan is October and November of the year. Because at this time the sky is clear and the mountains, rivers, forests are very clear. Besides, the weather is good and most of the festivals in Bhutan are held during this time.
How to get there
By road, Bhutan has three entrances – Samdrup Jongkhar (southeast Bhutan), Galefu (South Bhutan), and Phuntsholing (southwest Bhutan). In general, it is convenient to become a funtsholing when going on the road. You have to reach Newsalpaiguri or Alipurduar by train. Funtsholing can be reached by bus or rental car from the local bus stand. From Funtsholing you can return to Thimphu or Paro by bus or rental car. The only airport is in Paro. From Dhaka, take a Druk flight to Paro International Airport.
Where to stay
There are hotels between Taka 800 to Taka 1000 Hotel Pelzerling (00975-8-281356), Samdup Soling, Jamling (27302), Pemling, Parle Cottage, Jurmi Darji (272140). Among the hotels rented for Tk 1,200-1,500 are in Mandolo at the top of the hill include Mandela Resort (271997, 242479, 2724800), Hotel Jor Young (271747), Kichu Resort (29135), Tiger Sen Resort (71391),Othalang(29115) Hotel Druk (29120).
Eating and drinkin
Vegetarian food is more prevalent here. Dortsey or cow’s milk cheese and red peppers cooked in Emma Dortsey or melted cheese are the favorite dishes here.
Shopping
There is no shortage of shopping spots here like shopping spots. You can buy various souvenirs from Handicraft Emporium. Masks, prayer wheels, decorative motifs, silk, and wool clothes are part of the tradition here.
Caution: Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout Bhutan.
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