The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich
culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of
Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country's only
airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end
of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu
(Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom
producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.
Places of Interest in PARO
Rinpung Dzong
Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal
ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the
Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district.
The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi
Zam. A walk through the bridge, 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 the
venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.
Ta Dzong
One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of
the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the
country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious Thangkha
paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape
augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.
This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan
invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and
was featured 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.
Kyichu Lhakhang
It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to
7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is
composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen
Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of
Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern.
It is the 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 mountain side below
the Chelela pass and perched precariously along the rock face. From Chelela
pass, the lhakhang is about an hour walk amidst magnificent wooded area.
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.
Druk Choeding
Built in 1525, this town temple was formed by Ngawang Chhogyel, one of the
prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet and an ancestor of the Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal.
Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest)
It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a
cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived
here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is
called 'Tiger's Nest'. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and
visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese
at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the
main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to
its original splendor.
