The beautiful broad valley of Paro was the center of two important trade routes to Tibet. On a steep hill just above the Parochu (river) stands the impressive Paro Dzong. The dzong is also known as Rinpung Dzong, meaning “heaps of jewel”. It was built by Zhabdrung Nagwang Namgyal in 1644.  

Further up, on a hilltop is the Ta-dzong which used to be a watch tower during the period of civil wars in Bhutan. Now it is the National Museum and reveals the depth of Bhutanese history. .  

The most preferred attraction in the valley, an awe-inspiring monastery which is miraculously positioned on the edge of a huge rocky cliff. The amazing monastery named as Taktshang, literally means ‘Tiger’s Den’ and legend say that Guru Rinpoche, the great Buddhist saint flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress and settled on this site for meditation. The monastery may not be one the wonders of the world, but it is indeed, a thought provoking creation.

During the Paro tshechu, on the final day, a large and exquisite Thongdel (religious scroll) depicting the eight manifestation of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled at dawn for few hours.

Few kilometers away from this sacred monastery, the massive ruins of Drugyal dzong excites a visitor. ‘Drugyal’, means victorious Bhutan and in fact the dzong’s name marks the victory of a battle fought with Tibet in 1644. The dzong was severely damaged by fire in 1951. Without any renovation, the historic remains have been preserved.  

A visit to the old Kyichu Lhakhang could be a memorable one. The ancient Buddhist monastery houses a large statue of Guru Rinpoche and Chenrayzi.

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