Paro Taktshang
PARO – The Beginning of your Journey
A trip to Bhutan normally begins and ends at Paro and there can be few more charming valleys to be welcomed by, or from which to remember the land of the Thunder Dragon. At an elevation of about 2200 m, Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Kingdom. If ever there was a place where nature and man conjured their dearest image, it must be the valley of Paro. Even in this fascinating Kingdom of Bhutan, Paro is unique in beauty and in history.
Driving down the shopping district of Paro is like entering the 19th century Europe. Life moves at a slow pace. Tradition has taught the people to balance their lives between spiritual and physical existence.
Taktshang Monastery
A visit to this monastery is a daredevil challenge that is both exhaustive and thrilling. Across the rover, on a knoll that rises in a sheer climb from the river, stands the RINPUNG DZONG commanding the whole view of Paro valley. Today it houses the Paro Monastic body and the office ofÝDzongda (District commissioner) and the Thrimpon (District judge). But some centuries ago, it was an impregnable fortress that repulsed successive invasions from Tibet. Behind Rinpung Dzong, high on the hillside is the majestic castle-shaped TA-DZONG. The onetime lookout stronghold also played an active part in the defence of Rinpung Dzong during invasions. It has been a National Museum since 1967.
Rinpung Dzong
Across the river, on a knoll that rises in a sheer climb from the river, stands the RINPUNG DZONGcommanding the whole view of Paro valley. Today it houses the paro monastic body and the office of Dzongda (District commissioner) and the Thrimpon (District judge). But some centuries ago, it was an impregnable fortress that repulsed successive invasions from Tibet.
Drukgyel Dzong
DRUKGYEL DZONG stands 15 km from the small town of Paro.ÝThe dzong was built in 15th century. The dzong was named Druk (Bhutan) Gyel (victory) to commemorate the victory of Bhutan forces over Tibetan invaders in 1644. Destroyed by fire in the early 1950s, now the dzong is in ruins.
Paro Ta-Dzong
Behind Rinpung Dzong, high on the hillside is majestic castled shaped TA-DZONG. The onetime lookout stronghold, that also played an active part in the defence of Rinpung Dzong during invasions. It has been a National Museum since 1967.