| Type | town and seat of Paro District, in the Paro Valley |
|---|---|
| Airport | Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s sole international airport |
| Airlines | Bhutan Airlines and Drukair |
| Temple | Dungtse Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple |
| Nearby | Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) about 10 km outside town |
Paro: The Most Spectacular Gateway to Bhutan
Your adventure begins in Paro, a peaceful and open valley with a spectacular gateway and entrance to Bhutan. Paro has the distinction of being the only region in Bhutan with a landscape peaceful enough for an international airport. If Paro is the only part of Bhutan you experience, it will leave you with magnificent impressions, the clean mountain air, the gentle flow of the Paro Chhu river, and the sight of natural beauty before you. Its fertile soil has brought abundance to its population for generations. Moreover, the valley is dotted with traditional, elegant farmhouses, showcasing the classic Bhutanese architectural style.
Above all else is Rinpung Dzong, the ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, a notable example of classical dzong architecture from a traditional cantilever bridge. This fortress home to government offices and a monastic community once served as a formidable defensive site during invasions. Just up the hill from um of the fortress lies Ta Dzong or the ancient watchtower, now turned into the National Museum. It is here where the historic depiction of the kingdom can be enjoyed with a fine collection of artifacts such as remarkably detailed religious paintings called thangkas, weapons from a past era, and cultural artifacts representing Bhutan.
However, the spiritual and visual high point of Paro and often the highlight of any tour in Bhutan is Taktsang Lhakhang, better known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which seemingly rests on the sheer granite cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor. The pilgrimage to get there, a trek through fragrant pine woods strewn with prayer flags, is also a fabulous experience in itself. Getting to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery itself gives you a sense of closure and the endless views allow Paro to justify itself as an essential component of any itinerary claiming to be the best of Nepal and Bhutan.
The gateway valley
English Wikipedia describes Paro as a historic town and the seat of Paro District in the Paro Valley, with many sacred sites and historical buildings. It is home to Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s sole international airport, served by Bhutan Airlines and Drukair. The Dungtse Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple, and the Rinpung Dzong are near the bridges, and the famous Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest, lies about 10 kilometers outside the town. We have not verified the older text on prices, permits, opening hours or tours, so check them before you go; Bhutan visits are arranged through licensed operators.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Paro, Bhutan. Last checked November 2026.
Paro: FAQ
Does Bhutan have more than one international airport?
No, Paro is the sole one.
Which airlines fly there?
Bhutan Airlines and Drukair.
How far is the Tiger’s Nest?
About 10 kilometers from the town.
What is the Dungtse Lhakhang?
A 15th-century temple.
How many days do you need?
Two nights.