Things to do in Paro Dzongkhag
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Paro (Rinpung) Dzong
The Paro Dzong is one of Bhutan's most impressive and well-known dzongs, and perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture you'll see. The massive buttressed walls tower over the town and are visible throughout the valley.
The dzong's correct name, Rinchen Pung Dzong (usually shortened to Rinpung Dzong), means 'fortress on a heap of jewels'. In 1644 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal ordered the construction of the dzong on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. The fort was used on numerous occasions to defend the Paro valley from invasions by Tibet. The British political officer John Claude White reported that in 1905 there were old catapults for throwing g…
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Sunday Market
Paro's weekly vegetable market isn't all that expansive but it's a fine introduction to some of Bhutan's unique local products. You'll see strings of chugo (dried yak cheese), either white (boiled in milk and dried in the sun) or brown (smoked). The fruit that looks like an orange egg is actually fresh husky betel nut, imported from India. The jars of pink paste contain lime, which is ingested with the betel nut.
There are also exotic-looking ferns, powdered juniper incense, squares of dried jellied cow skin known as khoo (a local snack!) and slabs of datse, the cheese used in almost every Bhutanese dish. The market is busiest between 06:30 and 10:00.
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Ugyen Pelri Thang
The Ugyen Pelri Palace is in a secluded wooded compound on the south side of the river just west of the dzong. This palace was built by the Paro penlop, Tshering Penjor, in the early 1900s and is now a residence of the queen mother, thus closed to the public. It is designed after Guru Rinpoche's celestial paradise, Zangto Pelri, and is one of the most beautiful examples of Bhutanese architecture. You can get views of the palace from above from the dzong.
On the road beside Ugyen Pelri Palace are five square chortens that were built in memory of the first king, Ugyen Wangchuck.
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Dumtse Lhakhang
Dumtse Lhakhang is an unusual chorten-like temple that was built in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. Its three floors represent hell, earth and heaven and the murals inside are said to be some of the finest in Bhutan. It's essential to bring a good torch. Your travel agency will need to get a special permit to visit the interior so mention this in advance.
Beyond Dumtse Lhakhang, to the east of the road, the tiny privately-maintained Puna Lhakhang is said to date from the seventh century.
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Land of the Thunder Dragon - Paro Tsechu
13 days (Paro)
A cultural journey encompassing all that Bhutan has to offer from Paro and it's famous Tsechu, to Bumthang, taking in the 'must see' highlights of both western and central Bhutan..
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Land of the Thunder Dragon - Jambay Lakhang Festival
13 days (Paro)
Journey through the mystical kingdom of Bhutan.
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Druk Choeding
Also known as Tshongdoe Naktshang, the quiet and peaceful Druk Choeding is the town temple. It was built in 1525 by Ngawang Chhogyel (1465-1540), one of the prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet and an ancestor of the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The main statue is of a seated Jampa (Future Buddha). Also present is the Bhutanese protector deity Gyenyen, surrounded by a fearsome collection of old Bhutanese shields and weapons.
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Bhutan Dragon Kingdom
11 days (Paro)
A remarkable journey through the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan combined with a trek along the ancient Druk Path.
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from USD$7,190
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Bhutan High Trails via Laya
18 days (Paro)
The classic Laya - Gasa trek across the backbone of Bhutan.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$4,390 Advertisement
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Chomolhari Base Camp Trek
12 days (Paro)
The finest short trek in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.
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National Museum
At the top of the hill is an old watchtower that was renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. The unusual round building is said to be in the shape of a conch shell, with 2.5m thick walls; it was completed in 1656 and was originally the ta dzong (watchtower) of Paro Dzong.
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Vajrayana Art Gallery
Vajrayana Art Gallery features art by self-taught Bhutanese artist Chimmi Dorje, who incorporates Buddhist themes such as prayer flags and mandala motifs into his abstract art. There’s also some fine photography by his brother. The gallery is often closed out of high season.
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Club K
Check out another of Bhutan’s many faces at this swanky basement nightclub, which boasts a bouncer (normally it’s the female owner, Sonam), a mirrorball and a fairly upper crust crowd. Ladies get in for free on Wednesdays. The Sonam Troephel Hotel is being built above the club.
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Chharo Restaurant
This pleasant tourist restaurant ( chharo means friendship) has a good range of Indian, Chinese and Bhutanese dishes and can prepare Bumthang-style buckwheat pancakes and noodles with some advance warning.
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Chhoeten Lhakhang
The tower-like Chhoeten Lhakhang is south of the town square. The caretaker may allow you to visit the upstairs chapel, which features a central Jowo Sakyamuni, with Guru Rinpoche and Chenresig to the side.
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Essence of Bhutan
8 days (Paro)
A delightful journey taking in the highlights of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the Gangtey Valley.
Not LP reviewed
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Himalayan Panorama
12 days (Paro)
An unforgettable journey through once forbidden Kingdoms - Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet.
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Haa Valley Walk
9 days (Paro)
Follow the gentle Haa Valley Rice Planter's Trail on this cultural odyssey.
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Travellers Restaurant
One of the good local restaurant above shops along the main street is Travellers Restaurant with dishes from Nu 30 to Nu 70. T
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Zhayden Nagtsho Traditional Boot Unit
Zhayden Nagtsho Traditional Boot Unit is the place for a pair of traditional handmade Bhutanese boots, retailing around US$60.
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Handicrafts Emporium
The government-run Handicrafts Emporium, on the main street, has books and modern souvenirs at tourist prices.
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Lam Tshering Dirji General Shop
Marked by a row of colourful prayer wheels, this interesting local shop, sells prayer flags, incense and other religious items.
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Deki Dem Shop
Marked by a row of colourful prayer wheels, this interesting local shop, sells prayer flags, incense and other religious items.
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Chencho Handicrafts
Chencho Handicrafts, on the corner of the town square, is a slick operation, with a wide selection of crafts.
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