Drugyel Dzong

Paro

Paro is the first place the tourists will get to see if they are flying into Bhutan, since Paro hosts the only international airport in the country. The Paro valley extends from the Chuzom Bridge up to the scenic Mount Jumolhari marking the Tibetan Border. Paro valley is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and it is filled with temples, monasteries, paddy fields, traditional bhutanese houses, gentle slopes and fresh river water. The region is also home to one of the most iconic landmark of Bhutan, the Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. 

There are a lot of attractions in Paro, some of the major tourist attractions are:

(Please click on the names of the attractions to see more information)

Being one of the  most iconic landmarks of Bhutan, it is one of the major attraction for both the tourists and the locals alike. The name Taktsang translates to Tiger’s Nest and it is one of the holiest places in Bhutan. The temple is located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. According to the bhutanese mythology, Guru Rinpoche flew to the site where the temple resides on the back of a tigress and meditated for 3 years to subdue evil demons that were causing harm to the people of Paro. 

The National Museum of Bhutan is set in an ancient watchtower called the Paro Ta Dzong. The museum boasts of various artefacts and artworks ranging from traditional costumes, armours, weapons, handicrafts, and implements for daily life. It portrays the history and cultural traditions of the country.

The Drugyal Dzong is a fortress that was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang namgyel to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanses over the invading Tibetan armies in the early 17th century. Although the dzong is in ruins, you can still visit the site and hear stories and legends about the war from the locals around the dzong.

Considered to the the first model dzong (fortress) of Bhutan, the Dobji Dzong was built in the early 16th century by Ngawang Chogyal, the brother of the famous saint, Drukpa Kunley. Legend has it that the site of the Dzong was chosen by Ngawang Chogyal by following a natural spring that originated from below the throne of Jetsun Milarepa (Tibetan Saint) In Tibet to a rock where the Dzong currently lies.