Paro
The town of Paro (2280m) lies in the centre of the valley on the banks of the ParoChhu (river) and is a short distance north-west of Paro Dzong. The town centre, built in 1985, is aligned along a wide street about 500m long that parallels the river in a roughly north- west to south- east direction. Situated at an average elevation of 8000 feet high from sea level, home to many of Bhutan 's oldest temples and monasteries, Paro valley has managed to keep its bucolic nature in spite of the Bhutan 's only airport and many development projects. Depending on season the valley floor is covered with brown or green fields, while small villages and isolated farms dot the landscape. The valley is also known for the produce of Bhutan 's Red Rice.
Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
The places to see are Drukgyel Dzong, overlooking the beautiful village with Mount Chomolhari in the background, this ruin Dzong (Fortress) was built in 1646 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolion warlord, Gushri Khan. Historically and strategically it withstood all its glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide National Geography magazine. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now preserved as heritage site.
Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels", built at the same time of Drukgyel Dzong, it now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for the 200 monks of Paro. Walking up through the traditional bridge, and over a stone inlaid path, you enjoy the great view of the superb architecture and the life around the Dzong. It is also the venue for Paro festival, held in the spring.
Ta Dzong, Overlooking the Rimpung Dzong was built in 1951 as a watch tower, unlike the rectangular shape of the Dzongs, Ta Dzong is Round, more like parts of an European castle. From 1967 the Dzong was re-established as the National Museum and holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, and many others.
Kyichu Lhakhang, to consecrate the entire region of Himalaya, a Tibetan king known as Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century miraculously built 108 temples. Kyichu is considered to be one of them and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
Paro Town
rows of shops line the main road built in traditional architecture. This stretch of about 250 meters, with farmers leading their horses, its occasional idlers leaning against the storefronts, the town of Paro strangely resembles a village of the old American West.
Farm House
Bhutanese farmhouses are colorful, decorative and traditionally built without any nails. Majority of the houses are with three story, first floor is utilized for sheltering cattle, second floor for the family to live in and the top for storing and drying of foods and fodder for animal. Almost all the
Druk Choeding, built in 1525, this town temple was built by Ngawang Chhogyel, one of the prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet and an ancestor of the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Taktsang Temple (Tiger's Nest)
The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue our hike for short while until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang monastery. Dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantrum mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan , had taken the wrathful form of Guru Dorje Droloe to subdue the evil and demon that were obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas .
Kila Goemba , nestled in a craggy patch on the mountainside below the Chele la pass and perched precariously along the rock face. This small nunnery is home to many nuns who have renounced their worldly life and have chosen to lead the path of enlightenment. The Temple is about an hour walk amidst magnificent wooded area.
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