About Paro

ParoParo
Chele La PassChele La Pass
Drukgyel DzongDrukgyel Dzong
Dungtse LhakhangDungtse Lhakhang
Kyichu LhakhangKyichu Lhakhang
National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)
Rinpung DzongRinpung Dzong
Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery)Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery)

Overview

Paro is the western Bhutan valley where most visitors arrive, at Paro International Airport, the country's only international airport. The town is a few streets of painted wooden shopfronts below Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum in the old Ta Dzong watchtower. The valley holds some of Bhutan's oldest temples, including Kyichu Lhakhang, and the hike up to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery on a cliff above the valley, is the reason many people plan the trip. Thimphu is about 1 to 1.5 hours away by road.

Best Time to Visit Paro

Plan your trip around the right season

Mar-MayBest Window

Why visit

Mild days, rhododendrons on the hills and the Paro Tshechu festival in spring.

Keep in mind

Festival dates fill flights and hotels early.

How to Reach Paro

Intercity connectivity and travel options

Paro International Airport is just outside town, with Drukair and Bhutan Airlines flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati and other cities. By road, cross from Jaigaon in West Bengal to Phuentsholing, then drive to Paro, usually 5 to 6 hours; the nearest Indian railway stations for Jaigaon are Hasimara and New Alipurduar, with New Jalpaiguri and Bagdogra airport further away. Indian travellers do not need a visa but must get an entry permit at Phuentsholing or Paro airport, showing a valid Indian passport or voter ID card; it can also be applied for online in advance. Indian tourists pay a Sustainable Development Fee of INR 1,200 per person per night, with children aged 6 to 12 at half rate and children 5 and under exempt.

Getting Around Paro

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

Most visitors move around in a hired car with a driver or with their tour operator. Paro town is small enough to walk, and Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum are a short walk uphill from the main street.

Best Areas to Stay in Paro

Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip

Paro town

Short stays and evening walks

Hotels around the main street and the road to the dzong, close to restaurants and a short drive from the airport.

Upper Paro valley

An early start for Taktsang

Resorts and farmhouses up the valley on the road towards Drukgyel Dzong, closer to the Taktsang trailhead.