Western Bhutan
Paro
Home to Bhutan's only international airport and the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, Paro is most travelers' first and last stop in the kingdom.
Elevation: 2,200m / 7,200ft
Overview
Paro is a wide, fertile valley in western Bhutan, ringed by pine-forested hills and the country's highest concentration of historical landmarks. It's home to Paro International Airport — the only international gateway into Bhutan — which means almost every visitor begins and ends their trip here.
Beyond the airport, Paro is worth lingering in on its own merits: the valley holds Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan's most photographed fortress-monasteries, the National Museum housed in the watchtower Ta Dzong, and — clinging to a cliff 900m above the valley floor — Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery.
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery) — a half-day hike to Bhutan's most iconic site
- Rinpung Dzong — a 17th-century fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro river
- National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)
- Kyichu Lhakhang — one of Bhutan's oldest temples
- Drukgyel Dzong ruins at the head of the valley
- Paro's traditional farmhouses and terraced rice fields
Getting There
Paro is reached by direct flight into Paro International Airport from a small number of regional hubs, on Bhutan's two national carriers. It is also roughly a 1.5-hour drive from Thimphu, making it a natural first or last stop on any Bhutan itinerary.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the clearest mountain views and most comfortable trekking weather. Spring adds blooming rhododendrons; autumn coincides with major festivals including the Paro Tshechu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Tiger's Nest hike take?
Most visitors take 2–3 hours to hike up to Paro Taktsang and 1–1.5 hours to descend, with a stop at the cafeteria roughly halfway for tea and valley views.
Tailor-made pricing
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Price depends on group size, season and hotel category.
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Tours Through Paro
Authentic Bhutan Tour - 8 Days
A deeper cultural expedition across Bhutan's western valleys, with time in the Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the rare black-necked crane.
Bhutan Pilgrimage Tour
Privileged access to Bhutan's holiest Buddhist sites, including Tiger's Nest and Jambay Lhakhang, on a journey rooted in Buddhist tradition.
Bhutan Walking Holidays
Gentle valley walks through rice terraces, villages, and pine forests — for travelers who love to walk but not all day, every day.
Bumdra Trek - 8 Days
Cultural sightseeing through western Bhutan followed by a short trek to camp at a sacred site above Tiger's Nest, overlooking the Paro valley.
Druk Path Trek - 9 Days
A nine-day trekking expedition along an ancient trading route between Paro and Thimphu, through blue pine forests, rhododendrons, and alpine lakes at elevations of 2,400–4,200m.
From USD 1,150 per person
Scenic Bhutan Tour - 6 Days
An ideal introduction to Bhutan through the mystical valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Gangtey.