| Paro
 Encircled
with the country's best scenic beauty and with the ancient Dzongs,
Paro is the most popular tourist destination in Bhutan.
Historically Paro is the center of 2 most important trade routes
to Tibet.
The glacial water from Paro Chu (Paro river) originating from
Mt Chomolhari (7300m) in the north flows through the valley
making it the most fertile land in entire Bhutan. On the rocky
outcrop of the steep hillside stands the Paro Dzong. This fort
historically has been one of the strongest and most strategic
in Bhutan.
The road to Paro from Phuentsholing runs through
high dense forested hills and then suddenly opens into the beautiful
open river valley carpeted with green paddy fields, apple orchards
and dotted with small quiet settlements. Integrating the culture
and heritage of the country, Paro is full of monasteries and
temples including the oldest one. Bhutan's only Airport is situated
here and the National Museum also.
Hotels in Paro - Samdencholing
- Olathang
 What
to see in Paro
Rinpung Dzong : The monastery here was first build by
Guru Padmasambhava during the tenth century. As the legend goes,
a lama went to the forests to build planks for this monastery,
he uttered the mantra and the planks shifted to the site on
their own. The Gumpa (monastery) was built by the villagers
during the day and spirits during the night. The hoofmarks left
by their horses are still visible at the site.
Shabdrung Ngwang Namgayal built the present
Dzong on the older foundation in the year 1646. The five-storey
building was built with stones instead of clay and the Dzong
was named Rinpung, meaning `heaps of jewels`. Sadly enough most
of its treasures were destroyed in an fire in 1907. The Dzong
was revuild by the Penlop Dawa Penjor after the fire. Above
the Dzong stands and ancient watchtower (Ta Dzong) which is
the National Museum of Bhutan.
 To
go to this Dzong one has to go through a covered traditional
bridge named Nemi Zam. This is the place where the annual springtime
festival (Paro Tsechu) takes place.
Ta Dzong : This Dzong was made with
an intention to be used as a watchtower. In Bhutanese language
"Ta" means "to see", so the Dzong was called
"Ta Dzong". From 1968 it was set up as the National
Museum. The fascinating collection of art, relics, religious
thangkha paintings, Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps, coins
and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection
are the main exhibits of this museum.
 Drukgyel
Dzong : This Dzong was built by Ngawang Namgyal as a monument
of his victory over the Tibetan trespassers. Drukgyal means
`The Victorious Druk`. The Drukgyel Dzong of Paro was largely
damaged by fire in 1951. It is largely in ruins today. The Dzong
can be entered from only one side and is protected by three
tall towers. A turreted passageway connects the Dzong with the
riverbank far way. This was designed to ensure water supply
to the Dzong during war. The view of the Mt. Chomolhari is excellent
from the approach road to the Drukgyel Dzong on a clear day.
Kyichu Lhakhang: Kyichu Lhakhang is
a composition of two temples. It was the second most holy place
of the country. The first temple was made by the Tibetan king
Songtsen Gampo in 7th century while the second one was made
by the Queen Mother of Bhutan H.M. Ashi Keshang beside the first
one in 1968.
Farm Houses : The Bhutanese firm houses
are generally two or three storied houses with colorful appearance
in the outer walls and lintels. These are made without using
any single nail. These firm houses are the catalysts of the
natural beauty of Paro.
Kila Gompa : This Gompa was made for
the nuns who devote their lives to spiritual accomplishments
like religious studies, prayer and meditation. This Gompa is
in a distance of one hour from the Chele-la pass down the pine
forests. |
