Paro is a historic town in western Bhutan, nestled in the fertile Paro Valley at an elevation of approximately 2,200 meters above sea level. Home to Paro International Airport, the country's only international airport, Paro is the first stop for nearly every visitor entering Bhutan by air. The town itself has a population of around 11,000, while the wider Paro district is home to more than 46,000 people, making it one of Bhutan's most significant valleys. Vajrayana Buddhism shapes the rhythm of daily life here, seen in the fluttering prayer flags, whitewashed farmhouses and centuries-old dzongs that line the valley. Visitors can explore landmarks such as Paro Taktsang (the Tiger's Nest Monastery), Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan at Ta Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country, all while taking in views of terraced rice fields and the winding Paro Chhu river.
As the gateway to Bhutan, Paro is also the natural starting point for exploring the rest of the kingdom. Travelers wanting a quick taste of the country can join our Bhutan tour packages or Bhutan group tours, while those drawn to Paro's temples and dzongs can go deeper with our Bhutan cultural tours. Travelers seeking a more refined experience can choose our luxury Bhutan tours, which cover Paro, Thimphu and Punakha in comfort. For those wanting to earn the view from Tiger's Nest, most of our itineraries build in time for the hike up to this iconic monastery, and adventure travelers can extend their trip into the mountains with treks such as the Druk Path Trek, which begins right here in Paro. With Thamel Travels & Tours, Paro becomes not just an arrival point but the opening chapter of a journey through Bhutan's culture, history and Himalayan landscapes.
