Holiday in Paro

About Paro

Paro is the gateway to Bhutan — the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon' and the only country in the world that measures its success by 'Gross National Happiness' instead of Gross Domestic Product. The fertile Paro Valley in the eastern Himalayas is home to Bhutan's only international airport and some of the country's most significant monasteries and fortresses. The absolute highlight is the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Palphug), which clings to a seemingly impossibly steep cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this spot on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated in a cave for three years. The hike to the monastery (2-3 hours uphill) is Bhutan's most famous experience — and the moment the monastery emerges from the mist takes your breath away. The Paro Rinpung Dzong, a massive monastery fortress from the 17th century, overlooks the Paro Valley and still serves as a religious and administrative center today. The architecture — white walls, carved wooden windows, golden roofs — is typically Bhutanese and possesses a serene elegance that is unique worldwide. Bhutan is the only country in the world that is fully CO2-negative. Over 70% of the country is forested, plastic bags are banned, and tourism is regulated by a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of 100 USD per day — a model that protects the environment and prevents mass tourism. The Paro Tshechu, a multi-day religious festival in spring, is one of the most colorful events in Asia. Monks in elaborate masks and silk garments perform ritual dances while the entire population gathers in their finest attire (Gho for men, Kira for women). The National Museum in the old watchtower Ta Dzong houses Bhutan's most important collection of religious art, and the rice fields in the Paro Valley provide a peaceful contrast to the dramatic mountain ranges.