The beginning of your journeyA trip to Bhutan normally begins and ends at Paro, and there can be few more charming valleys to be welcomed by, or from which to remember the Land of the Thunder Dragon. As you climb down from the aircraft and take your first breath of Bhutanese air, you will be struck by the silence and peace of Paro valley. A destination all of its own, Paro is home to the national musuem and watchtower to one of the oldest and most celebrated dzongs in Bhutan, the Rinpung dzong which means the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels“.

The town of Paro is small with most of the inhabitants living in the valley that surrounds the town. Paro has the highest yielding farmlands in the kingdom.

Apart from commanding a slightly elevated strategic point overlooking the the longest stretch of the Paro valley, Rinpung dzong is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs in the valley. It is also an architectural wonder, setting the tone for official dzongs throughout the Kingdom and inviting the visitor to wonder at the cultural strength of the Kingdom’s heritage. The dzong was built in the 15th century and finally consecreted in 1646. Above the dzong is Ta Dzong, an old watchtower which is now the National Musuem.

The musuem’s collections includes ancient Bhutanese arts and artefact, weapons and stamps, birds and animals.This is typical of the eclectic beautyof Bhutan - its prized objects bear litttle relation to each other but as a whole stand together as a history to one of the world’s most pristine people.

The musuem’s collections includes ancient Bhutanese arts and artefact, weapons and stamps, birds and animals.This is typical of the eclectic beautyof Bhutan - its prized objects bear litttle relation to each other but as a whole stand together as a history to one of the world’s most pristine people.

It is said that Guru Rinpoche, the founding father of the Bhutanese strain of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived in the valley of Paro more than a millennium ago on the back of a legendry tigress. He meditated for three months in a cave where a monastery was later built and called Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest, one of the most sacred pilgrim sites for every Bhutanese. Most unfortunately early in the year of 1998, the monastery caught on fire. However, the “pelphug” or the holy cave in which Guru Rinpoche meditated was found intact and safe. The reconstruction of the monastery to its original splendour is already in process.

Visitors to Paro can take a closer look at the monastery by ascending either on foot or by pony for about three hours to the Tiger’s Nest. Walkers can enjoy a well earned rest at a BTCL cafeteria situated at a wonderful vantage point of the monastery.

Short hikes around Paro

• A days excursion hike to the Taktsang Monasterywhich was burnt down recently. But still makes a wonderful walk or pony ride up to the view point. Lunch at the delightful cafeteria. Note: there is no ride down, one would have to walk the way down.
• Hike to Drangzhegoem, a little monastry just above the Hotel Olathang. It is about an hours walk from the hotel. A gradual climb passing through village houses and apple gardens. You can return the same way back to the hotel or go on to Kichu. Which would take about another 2hrs. The car can meet up and drive back to the hotel, 15 minutes.
• Hike to Sangchoekar Monastry (hike starts in the village of Lango in the Paro valley): approx. 2hrs.
• Hike to Dzongdrakha Temple (between Paro and the valley of Ha - hike starts from Bondey Farm near Bondey Office): approx. 1 1/2 , then drive to Chele La.
• The burnt ruins of Drugyel Dzong.18 km from paro town, on the south side of the valley. Drugyel dzong (victorious fortress) was once, what it’s name proposed it to be. It was from this Dzong that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century.

Accommodation in Paro

HOTEL OLATHANG
The hotel sits atop a hill with a vantage view of the beautiful Paro valley. Built in 1974 for guests invited to the coronation of the present King, it is Bhutan’s largest hotel, sprawling over 45 acres of wooded land.

The atmosphere is peaceful and the hotel is ideal for resting up before your three hour trek to the famous Taktsang Monastery, or your three day trek to Jhomolhari Base Camp. It is also a delightful place from which to enjoy the country’s most celebrated festival , the Paro Tsechu (festival), held at the Paro Dzong just across the valley, or to spend a few relaxing days before flying home via the nearby Paro airport.

The Paro valley is more than beautiful; it is visually stunning and historically fascinating, and the hotel , with its delightful cottages and lush greenery, is perfect for visitors.

Guests have the option of staying in any of the 24 rooms and 6 suites in the central building or in one of the 32 rooms in 22 picturesque cottages spread over the pine forested estate.
Room Capacity: 56 Rooms

Facilities

Restaurant serving Continental Chinese, Indian and Bhutanese beverages

Bar with selection of International and Bhutanese beverages

All rooms have attached bath with running hot/cold water

• IDD telephone
• Shopping
• Laundry
• Money Exchange
• Conference Room
• Heating

Alternative Accommodations

DRUK HOTEL

HOTEL GANGTEY PALACE

BHUTAN RESORT