In Bhutan, Paro city is the valley in the West of the Capital, Thimphu. It is a historic town with many sacred sites and the historical buildings which are scattered through the area. One of the most beautiful in all Bhutan is the Paro Valley which is wide and verdant and is recognized to stay at this beautiful place. One who is fond of nature and would prefer to stay in Paro to spend quiet and peaceful time. Paro is a place which also forms the “golden triangle” of the popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. However, apart from the main street, the area of Bazaar area is a nondescript hodgepodge of concrete buildings that is totally of charm and character.
Paro is overlooking the Paro valley, Rinpung Dzong a fortress monastery which is overlooking the valley and has a long history. It was first built on the site by Padma Sambhava at the beginning of the tenth century but it was not until 1644 that Ngawang Namgyal built a larger monastery on the old foundations for the centuries as the building served as the effective defense against numerous invasion attempts by the Tibetans.
Mysterious Interesting Facts about Paro, Bhutan
As we look Bhutan and to explore the facts which are officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan. This is landlocked in the country of South Asia which is nestled in the eastern end of the Himalayan Mountains bordered by India in the South, East, and West and by China in the north. Here are few facts you may find interesting about this mysterious Kingdom in the Himalayas:
1. Landing on Bhutan, Paro:
Paro Bhutan airport has been described as the “most difficult commercial airport in the world. The airport has only one runway and the airplanes on approach pass by 5,500 m Himalayan mountain peaks. Due to the extremely low-density altitude at the site as a result of which only a handful of airline pilots are certified to operate commercial airplanes there and about 30,000 persons arrive at the airport each day.
2. Traditional Architecture Richly Decorated:
The Duhgtsew Lhakhang is a 15th-century temple near the new bridge and the Ugyen Perli Palace is most visible through the fence and the members of the royal family lodge in the palace where passing. In the nearby of the old bridge is the Rinpung Dzong. The most notable hotels include the Olathang Hotel built in an ornate style. There is a complex of traditional architecture with its richly decorated buildings housing small shops, institutions, and restaurants.
3. Sleep at Bhutan Paro:
Some of the well known famous hotel at the heart of the city with the proper facilities and accommodation at Paro Bhutan hotels are Amankora, Base Camp Hotel, Bhutan Mandala Resort, Bhutan Metta Resort and Spa, Bongde Goma Resort, Dewachen Resort and so on.
4. Airlines Serving for Paro:
Paro Bhutan flights is an international airport that is located in the deep valley are Druk Air which is the (Royal Bhutan Airlines) which is the main airlines serving Paro Airport, that offers the flight to the Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Kathmandu, and Kolkata. Bhutan Airlines now serves Paro every day from Kathmandu. You can hire a taxi from Thimphu and reach Paro in approx 45 mins, the drive of 30 km is very pleasant and roads keep on unfolding with every turn. Per week there are 2 flights which are of 30m duration.
5. Around the Paro Sightseeing Attraction:
Paro Bhutan sightseeing main tourists sites are spread out throughout the valley a vehicle is required to get around. Taxis are available to hire inside the main bazaar of the places. The places to get around are: Taktsang Monastery, National Museum of Bhutan, Rinpung Dzong,Drukgyel Dzong, Drakhapo, Kichu Lhakang, Jangsarbu Lhakhang are places that can roam around.
6. Paro Bhutan Weather:
The climate of Bhutan varies with its elevation from the subtropical in the South to the temperature in the highlands and the polar-type climate, with a year-round snow in the north. Paro Bhutan temperature experiences its five distinct seasons that are summer, monsoon, autumn, winter, and spring. Bhutan has hot humid summers and cool winters; central and eastern Bhutan is temperature and drier than the west with its warm summer and cool winters.
7. No Smoking Zone Injuries to Health:
Bhutan is the first country to have outlawed the use of tobacco in the year 2004. Although in the year of 2012, the laws were loosened and smuggling now occurs. It is still rare to see people smoking on the streets but drugs and alcohol have been continued to be problems and the government has started a program to educate citizens of the country.
8. No Accommodation Provided for TV or the Internet:
On 2001 Bhutan has lifted its ban on TV and the Internet which is the last country in the world to do so. In the capital of Thimphu in today it is strange to see computers and cell phones in the hands of the teenagers.
9. Preserve and Protect Environmentalists:
Bhutan is the only country and also Paro in the world where citizens have constitutional obligation to preserve and to protect the environment. You should visit Bhutan, Paro, before it gets changes.
10. Some Meditation with Unwind:
Bhutan and Paro are the perfect destination place to unwind and do some soul searching. For all those tourists who are looking for the spiritual guidance and peace of mind, attend a meditation session at the many monasteries around or even at your own hotel.
11. National Local Flavour Dishes:
The Bhutan favourite dish is Ema Datshi which is a mix of red hot chillies and yak cheese found in every meal across Bhutan. It is a must try dish delicacy and is also the national dish of Bhutan. Apart from the dishes with chillies, Bhutanese cuisine largely comprises chicken pork and beef.
12. Visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery:
Taktsang Monastery is popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest, and is unofficial the symbol of Bhutan and also one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the country. Visitors require a special permit to enter the monastery which needs to be procured in advance.
13. Adventure Trekking of Paro:
Paro is a place which is the hub for the adventure activities in Bhutan, ranging from trekking, mountain biking, to rafting and Kayaking. The Snowman Trek is one of the most exciting and challenging treks in the world at Bhutan. The best time for trekking is between the months September and October.
14. Achieved Paro for Its Gross National Happiness:
Bhutan is the first country to switch from the Western ideal of the Gross National Product to “Gross National Happiness” which is achieved through the four foundations that are good governance, natural environment, sustainable growth and the cultural values.
15. Tourist Cost Per Person:
In the year 1974, the first international tourists were allowed into the Bhutan by invite only and today its fully open for the tourism but at the high cost of $250.00 a day per person. You must arrange all your travel through your government authorized tourist’s agency and once you arrive everything is taken care of from you transports and guide facilities.
16. No Traffic Lights at Paro:
The capital city Thimphu has no traffic lights just white-gloved traffic officers. When the city tried for traffic lights and tried to install some lights there was a public outcry, and they were promptly removed.
