The gateway to Bhutan, home to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery and the kingdom’s only international airport.
Why Visit Paro
Paro serves as the entry point to Bhutan, the only Himalayan kingdom to measure progress by Gross National Happiness rather than GDP, and is home to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a temple complex clinging to a cliff face 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Bhutan’s policy of high value, low impact tourism keeps the region uncrowded compared to other Himalayan destinations.
Top Experiences
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): An iconic monastery built into a cliff face 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley, reached by a moderate hike.
- Paro Dzong: A massive fortress monastery overlooking the valley, showcasing traditional Bhutanese architecture.
- National Museum of Bhutan: Housed in a former watchtower, covering Bhutanese art, history, and culture.
- Chele La Pass: One of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, with views over the Paro and Haa valleys.
Book these experiences and more through guided tours from Paro.
Practical Tips
- All non-Indian foreign visitors to Bhutan must book through a licensed tour operator and pay a daily sustainable development fee.
- The Tiger’s Nest hike takes three to five hours round trip, with a teahouse partway up for a rest stop.
- Bhutan’s tourism policy keeps visitor numbers controlled, so book well ahead of your intended travel dates.
FAQ
How do you get to Bhutan?
Paro is home to Bhutan’s only international airport, and nearly all visitors arrive there before continuing to other regions.
How hard is the Tiger’s Nest hike?
It is a moderate three to five hour round trip hike, climbing roughly 3,000 feet to the cliffside monastery.
Do you need a guide to visit Bhutan?
Yes, most foreign visitors must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator as part of the country’s high value, low impact tourism policy.
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