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Paro
is a beautiful valley which encapsulates within itself
rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and
legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples
and monasteries, the country's only airport and the
National Museum. Mount. Chomolhari (7,300 meters )
reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley
and its glacial waters plunge through deep gorges to
form the Pa Chu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the
most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing a bulk of
the famous red rice from its terraced fields. |
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| One of the main attractions
in Paro is the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646
and now houses government offices and religious
institutions, as do all the dzongs (forts) currently.
You'll cross a traditional wooden bridge on the
way to the dzong. On the hill above the dzong
is the National Museum, which used to be a watchtower
(ta dzong) for the dzong. It contains a collection
of art, costumes, relics, religious paintings,
handicrafts, and national stamps. |
| Not far from the town
center is Kyichu Monastery, which is the oldest monastery in the
country, built in the 7th century. Another nearby attraction is
Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous
monastery. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a
tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where
Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a
steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to
reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day
excursion. |
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Tourist Places
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Drukgyel Dzong:
With a delightful village nestling at its foot, this Dzong was
built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his
victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian Warlord,
Gushri Khan. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood
all its glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide
National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong
remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear
day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from
the village, below the Dzong.
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Rinpung Dzong:
Also known as " fortress of the heap of jewels ", it
was built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646.
The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered
bridge called the Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge to the
Dzong, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the
architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It
is also venue of the Paro Tshechu, held once a year inspiring.
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Ta Dzong: On a
ridge immediately above the Rinpung Dzong is the Ta Dzong, 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. Since 1967 the Dzong was re-established as the National
Museum and holds a fascinating collection of art, relics,
religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage
stamps.
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Kyichu Lhakhang:
The origin of Kyichu Lhakhang dates back to the seventh century,
it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan ( the
other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang ). Kyichu Lhakhang is
composed of twin temples, the first temple was built by Buddhist
Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M.
Ashi Kessang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged for a second
temple to be built alongside the first one, in same style.
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Farm House:
The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of quaint
Farm Houses. Bhutanese Farm Houses are very colorful, decorative
and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All
houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm
House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the
lifestyle of a farmer.
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Kila Goemba:
It is serene home of Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their life
for spiritual fulfillment and leading undisturbed life of
religious studies, prayer and meditation. The Goemba is nestled
in a craggy patch on the mountain side below the Chele la pass
and perched precariously along the rock face. From Chele la
pass, the Lhakhang is about an hour walk amidst magnificent
wooded area.
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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.
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Suggested
Tours
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Paro
Travel Reservation Form
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