The quaint little town of Paro lies nestled in the Paro Valley, perched on the Paro Chhu, on the south western side of Bhutan. Parojoins Jakar and Punakhato form the ‘Golden Triangle’; Bhutan’s most popular tourist destinations.The main street, which is only thirty years old, is a collection of wooden shop fronts and restaurants. However, there is much history in the remote Bhutanese town. Bhutan’s National Museum is housed here in what was once an old watch tower, which itself is an attraction. Artifacts chronicling the country’s history as well as specimens of indigenous flora and fauna are on display.
The monasteries located on the hills above the town are its main attraction. With its deep Buddhist roots, Paro appeals to those with an appreciation for culture, religion and history as well as thrill seekers. Getting to Paro alone is an adventure: the local airport is located amidst treacherous terrain, with only eight pilots being certified to operate commercial airplanes into the valley; or make a less dramatic entrance by taking a scenic, forty five minute taxi ride from nearby Thimphu. Paro is best explored on foot and Uma by COMO Bhutan, is the perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of long day of trekking. This exclusive resort hotel in Paro also offers ‘Adventure Retreat’ packages that will take you on guided tours into the mountains which hold some of Bhutan’s historic treasures, including Drakhapo Monastery.
The Drakhapo Monastery is located at the end of a dirt road, above Shaba. The main room of the temple is precariously positioned overhanging the edge of a rocky cliff. The precipice which is dotted with underground caves is also home to a small community of monks. The complex houses some sacred sites: including the body-imprint of Vajrayogini and a stone boot belonging to Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have embedded many treasures in the cliff during a two month stay in the monastery. The area also has several hand and foot prints pressed into the rock.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
